Group visits to medical appointments are on the rise. 

 Many studies show that group visits can improve the quality of patient care; mainly since group appointments allow more time together of doctor and patients---90 minutes or more for a group appointment as opposed to 15 minutes for most one-on-one appointments.

 Group visits, however, are not for everyone. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about their medical conditions in front of strangers (hey doctor, my erectile dysfunction problem is improving; I actually got an erection last week!) Other people find it hard to find the time for these extended appointments.

 There are some benefits though.  Several studies show that patients in group settings tend to fare better that those in one-on-one situations.  Also, it has been shown that group appointments can reduce medical spending; patients in group settings are less likely to enter the hospital or emergency room.