Shared Medical Appointments
The LifeMed ProgramA comprehensive plant-based lifestyle program, covered by insurance
Group Classes for Chronic Health Support
Life evolves and changes. It’s inevitable. One day you’re rushing kids from practice to church and back to school for open house night. All while juggling dinner, laundry and your career. With a blink of an eye it’s dinner for 1 or 2, a slower pace and you’re left juggling medications, doctor appointments and sick friends.
You’re not alone. As life changes, perhaps with a diagnosis of a chronic health problem, you can change too. With support and the right tools you’ll be back to juggling lunch with friends, pickle ball games, and grandkids.
The LifeMed Program is a series of group classes structured as shared medical appointments.
Nutrition, exercise and managing stress are the main focus along with the other pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Our team works with you to implement and maintain healthy habits so you can get back to juggling life.
When
Upcoming Dates 2026
We consistently offer the LifeMed Program IN PERSON on the second Tuesday of each month. Starts at 3:30 PM and runs about 90 minutes.
- June 9
- August 11
- September 8
- October 13
- November 10
- December 8
Description
Shared Medical Appointments
Shared medical appointments (SMA) have been around since the 1990s. They’re special group appointments with your medical team and other patients who have similar health conditions.
These appointments fit perfectly with Lifestyle Medicine where we use the six pillars as therapies to treat, prevent and reverse chronic disease.
Chronic diseases typically progress to more meds, more illness and more disability and a decreased quality of life
Get a head start on stopping the progression of weight, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
Plus, meet other people facing similar health challenges. Learn from their journey’s and help them by sharing yours.
What to Expect with
Lifestyle Group Visits
Expect plenty of time to ask questions and connect with other people who are juggling the same health conditions and worries as you.
Participate in our cooking demo, breathing techniques, stress management tips and exercises. The goal is to get to the bottom of the “how-to”.
During the 90-minutes, providers will e available for 1:1 time with you to ask questions and go over recent tests or adjust medications.
What you’ll Learn
Topics you’ll master (not complete list):
- Navigating the grocery store
- Reading nutrition labels
- Cooking without oil
- Making tofu taste good
- Simple dressings to add flavor
- Short breathing meditations
- Beginner exercises
The LifeMed Program adds another layer of care to your treatment plan in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the LifeMed Program for?
Anyone with a chronic condition such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
This is for you if you need an extra boost to make healthy habit changes and implement them for lifelong health.
Does insurance cover Shared Medical Appointments?
Yes, insurance covers our LifeMed Program. These shared medical appointments are billed like any other visit.
If you have cost-sharing, such as a copay or deductible, for regular visits, you’ll also have it with SMA’s.
You must be a patient in our practice to participate. If you’re not yet, make an appointment to establish yourself: click here.
Do Shared Medical Appointments Replace Regular Visits
No. They’re used in conjunction with regular appointments. Although you’ll have time to check in with the provider, more in-depth discussions and interpretation of tests will be done at a regular appointment.
Anything urgent or needs immediate attention from a specialist does not qualify for SMA’s
How to Join our LifeMed Shared Appointments
Text or call our nurse line if you’re interested in joining our next round. →