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How Do Appointments at PartnerMD Work?

Updated: July 28th, 2026 | Published: July 16th, 2024

4 min. read

By Bonnie Reeves, Chief Practice Officer

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Woman having a conversation with her doctor

Many people know what they want from a healthcare appointment: enough time to ask questions, discuss concerns, and feel confident about the next steps.

That's why one of the most common questions prospective members ask is, "What are appointments actually like at PartnerMD?"

Whether you're coming in for your first visit, an annual physical, or a same- or next-day appointment when you're not feeling well, the experience is designed to give you the time and support needed to make informed decisions about your health.

To help answer that question, here's a quick overview of the PartnerMD appointment experience.

What to Expect

  • Most PartnerMD appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes, giving you more time with your physician.
  • New members can expect a first appointment focused on getting to know their health history, goals, and priorities.
  • PartnerMD guarantees same-day or next-day appointments for acute care needs.
  • Annual physicals include up to 90 minutes with your physician for a comprehensive review of your health.
  • Members also have access to certified health coaches for additional support and accountability.
  • You'll work with the same physician over time, allowing you to build a trusted relationship and receive more personalized care.

What Makes PartnerMD Appointments Different?

One of the first things many new members notice is that appointments don't feel rushed.

As one member shared:

"The longer appointment times at PartnerMD mean you don't feel rushed and you're less likely to forget something you wanted to discuss with your doctor. It also allows your physician to ask more questions and better understand what's going on."

— Barbara W., PartnerMD member

Most appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes, giving you time to discuss concerns, ask questions, review treatment options, and talk about your long-term health goals with your physician.

That extra time allows for more personalized care. Rather than focusing only on today's symptoms, your physician can help you understand the bigger picture of your health and work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and priorities.

Just as importantly, you'll consistently see the same physician. Over time, that continuity helps build a trusted relationship with someone who understands your medical history, your preferences, and your goals for the future.

A Different Appointment Experience

Many patients report frustrations with the traditional primary care experience. In PartnerMD's 2026 State of Primary Care Report:

  • 62% said they wait at least a week to see their doctor or don't have a primary care physician.
  • 76% reported waiting 10 minutes or longer after arriving for appointments.
  • 68% said their visits sometimes or always feel rushed.

By comparison, PartnerMD member surveys in 2025 found:

  • 96.84% gave a perfect rating for getting an appointment when they needed it.
  • 95.62% gave a perfect rating for wait time to see their provider.
  • 97.75% gave a perfect rating for the value of time spent with their provider and care team.

Dr. Tutt with patient

Your First Appointment: Getting to Know You

For many new members, the first appointment feels very different from previous healthcare experiences.

Rather than focusing only on a medical chart or a specific concern, your physician takes time to get to know you as a person. You'll discuss your health history, family history, lifestyle, current concerns, and goals for the future. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and share what's most important to you.

As one PartnerMD physician, Dr. Allen Joslyn, explains:

"When I meet patients for the first time, I want to know much more than their medical history. I want to know their life story, where they grew up, what their families are like, and what brings them joy and fulfillment. Those conversations often give me greater insight into how to manage their medical concerns while helping us build the trust and collaboration needed to move toward better health together."

Those conversations help lay the foundation for a long-term partnership and allow your physician to develop a deeper understanding of your health, priorities, and goals.

Acute Care Appointments

When you're sick or injured, the last thing you want is to wait weeks to see your doctor.

That's why PartnerMD guarantees same-day or next-day appointments for acute care needs. Our physicians reserve time in their schedules specifically for urgent concerns, helping ensure members can receive timely care when they need it most.

Depending on your needs, care may be provided through an in-person visit or a telehealth appointment when appropriate.

And because appointments are designed to provide meaningful time with your physician, you'll have the opportunity to discuss symptoms, ask questions, and receive a personalized treatment plan without feeling rushed.

Routine and Follow-Up Appointments

Not every appointment is urgent.PMD appointments

Many visits are focused on prevention, monitoring progress, managing chronic conditions, reviewing medications, or following up on a recent health concern.

Your physician may want to check in after starting a new medication, review updated lab results, or discuss your progress toward a health goal. These appointments help ensure your care remains proactive and personalized.

Some visits focus on addressing a new concern, while others are dedicated to helping you stay healthy and achieve your long-term wellness goals.

Annual Physical Appointments

Your annual physical is one of the most comprehensive appointments you'll have all year.

At PartnerMD, our Classic Physical includes an extended sit-down of up to 90 minutes with your physician. During this visit, you'll review your health history, discuss lab results, address any concerns, and create a personalized plan for your health moving forward.

The additional time allows for deeper conversations about prevention, healthy aging, risk factors, and the steps you can take to improve your long-term health.

For members seeking even more comprehensive evaluations, we also offer two advanced physical options: the Enhanced Physical and the Signature Physical.

These upgraded experiences include additional testing and screenings that provide deeper insights into your health and can help identify opportunities for prevention and optimization.

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Health Coaching Appointments

One of the things that sets PartnerMD apart is our physician and health coach partnership model.

Health coaches work alongside your physician to help turn health goals into lasting habits. Whether you're focused on nutrition, fitness, weight management, sleep, stress reduction, or overall wellness, your health coach can provide guidance, support, and accountability along the way.

Because no two people have the same goals, every coaching experience is personalized. Your health coach works one-on-one with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term objectives.

Together, you'll build an approach that works for you. Whether you're making small adjustments or pursuing major health goals, your coach provides the education, support, and accountability needed to help those changes last.

Health coaches also play an important role in annual wellness assessments, helping you better understand your current health status and identify opportunities for improvement.

Care Built Around You

At PartnerMD, appointments are about more than treating illness.

They're opportunities to build a trusted relationship with a physician who knows your health history, understands your goals, and has the time to help you navigate both today's concerns and tomorrow's priorities.

Whether you're coming in for an annual physical, addressing a new health issue, or working toward a wellness goal, every appointment is designed around the same principle: giving you the time, attention, and support you need to make informed decisions about your health.

If you're interested in learning more about the PartnerMD experience, we'd love to talk with you. Complete the form below, and one of our membership experts will answer your questions and help you determine whether PartnerMD is the right fit for you.

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Bonnie Reeves, Chief Practice Officer

As Chief Practice Officer at PartnerMD, Bonnie brings a wealth of experience in healthcare management and operations. With a keen focus on enhancing patient care and practice efficiency, Bonnie leads the clinical teams to deliver exceptional and personalized healthcare services and has been critical to PartnerMD’s operational excellence.