Abstract
I recently saw a new consult for a suspected blood cancer. The patient was accompanied by his wife. Like many of my visits, we reviewed his symptoms, current medications, results of his recent laboratory and imaging studies, and recommended treatment options for his condition. We also discussed social and financial issues he and his wife were worried about.
At the end of the 60-minute visit, he and his wife thanked me for the information. As they were walking out the door, his wife turned to me and asked, “How are you able to spend so much time with us today?” I replied that my organization follows the value-based care model, which is the idea of improving patient quality and outcomes. I told them that I have a little more time to spend with new patients, so I can learn about them and assess their needs.
