Almost always, one longer visit with your doctor is cheaper than two shorter visits. (1 + 1 < 2)
The immediate savings for insured patients is obvious, with only one co-payment due rather than two. But even for self-pay patients, longer visits are often more cost effective.
Doctors don’t like to be surprised by extra problems or work on two problems in the time allotted for one. So, the answer to this is to simply plan ahead and when you call for your appointment, explain the situation and request more time. If a longer appointment is not available at the original appointment time, ask for a different time or different day. Your doctor will want to allow sufficient time to address your multiple concerns adequately. Calling ahead alerts the office staff to the need of special coding (modifiers) when a procedure (such as an ear infection or wart removal) is combined with a Pap Smear or Breast Exam.
Plan ahead and your doctor will work with you for a happier solution.
CRM Tip: The list is endless, but the point is clear. Two problems take longer than one, but one visit is cheaper than two.
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