Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital has introduced a one-stop multi-specialty consultation service, allowing patients with various diseases to see multiple specialists in a single visit.

A patient surnamed Cai, in her seventies, lives with hypertension, cerebral infarction, and asthma, requiring more than a dozen medications each day. In the past, every follow-up meant registering multiple times, queuing in different departments, and undergoing repeated tests, which left her drained.

After learning about the new service, her daughter made an appointment. Based on her health profile, the hospital arranged for specialists in cardiology, neurology, and respiratory medicine to see her together.

The three doctors jointly assessed her symptoms and reviewed her records. Volunteers assisted her in completing all payments and examinations in one visit.

When Cai returned with her test results, the doctors discussed her case and identified poorly controlled asthma as the main cause of her three-year struggle with chest tightness.

Wang Tianlong, deputy director of the hospital's outpatient office, noted that many elderly residents in the surrounding community suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Previously, they had to register for several departments and move between floors, which was physically demanding. In addition, prescriptions from different specialists could sometimes conflict or overlap.

The joint consultation model, he said, helps patients avoid repeated tests and prevents overlapping prescriptions.

If you go

• Clinic hours: Wednesday mornings
• Address:  No 8 Caobao Road, Xuhui district
• Booking: In-person at the 1st-floor outpatient hall
• What to prepare: Medical record booklet, previous test/lab reports, current medication list

Source: Jiefang Daily