The American Academy of Family Physicians’ Future of Family Medicine Project last month identified group appointments as a trend to watch.  (see Washington Post Article from 3.9.10: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/08/AR2010030802945_pf.html)

As some Americans become accustomed to sharing more of themselves in the public domain, seeking out social affinity groups and learning as much from their peers as their credentialed experts, the associated implications are pretty interesting:
•    Might peer group medicine actively deliver healthier behaviors? 
•    Could empowered patient groups effectively create greater healthcare system transparency?
•    Will volunteering patients be able to waive their HIPAA rights for the sake of more shared experiences?

Food for thought!