The Article in Brief

During the course of a patient visit, family doctors address multiple problems and issues (such as illness, mental health, and prevention of disease). In this study, family doctors reported treating an average of more than 3 problems or issues per visit. On average, the bill for the visit reflected less than 2 problems or issues. In making medical decisions during the limited time of a medical visit, the primary care doctor must prioritize the patient’s medical needs and coordinate care of multiple conditions.