Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept all major insurance plans and most of the smaller plans. We accept Blue Cross, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, Fallon, TriCare, Cigna, Aetna, United, and many others. Please call the office to make sure that we accept your insurance.
Are you accepting new patients?
We are only accepting pediatric patients transferring from a pediatric practice within Healthcare South at this time. Please call our office for an appointment. If you would prefer that we contact you, please complete our new patient form and we will contact you soon.
What is family medicine?
Family medicine is a medical specialty, certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Board certification requires 3-years of post-graduate (following medical school) training in a residency program. Family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person. Family medicine's cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focusing on integrated care. Unlike other specialties that are limited to a particular organ or disease, family medicine integrates care for patients of all genders and every age, and advocates for the patient in a complex health care system.
How do I get a referral to a specialist?
Please discuss your need for a referral with your doctor. Referrals are granted prior to your visit with a specialist.
Can you call me in a medication without being seen?
Practicing medicine by telephone can be risky. Diagnosing medical conditions without examining you means that we are not able to assess your appearance, body language, severity of symptoms, or other factors that would normally be considered during a physical exam. Also, some patients—or those calling on their behalf—may be unreliable or inaccurate when assessing a problem or describing the symptoms over the telephone. Such inaccuracy could have serious and even fatal consequences. If the diagnosis is wrong, prescribed medications could be ineffective or, worse, harmful.
How do I get a prescription refilled?
Please contact your pharmacy and ask them to forward a refill request to our office. This is generally done electronically, reducing the need for unnecessary paperwork.
I think I need to be seen today - what do I do?
We keep appointments open each day for urgent issues. Please call our office as early as possible so that we can see you on the same day.
How does your office work when you are teaching medical students?
Our physicians often teach third and fourth year medical students in the office. Before you encounter a student, you will always be asked if you would like to have a student in the room during your visit. This is completely optional and, of course, will never affect your care. Depending on the student’s level, they may enter the room initially and take a history of your presenting concern. At other times, the doctor and student may be in the room together during the entire visit. Your doctor will always be present when discussing a management plan.
Who do I call on evenings, weekends, and holidays?
For emergency issues, call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency department. Our physicians share office call with Dr. Bryan Walker. Dr. Walker is a family physician caring for people of all ages. Please call the office at 781-544-1388 and follow the prompts to have the on-call physician paged. If you do not receive a response within 30 minutes, please call again. If your call is not returned after two attempts, please call South Shore Hospital (781-340-8000) and ask to have the covering physician paged.
What is Healthcare South?
Healthcare South is an association of physicians practicing in private offices in the South Shore Hospital area that over a number of years have established a history of providing excellent service and quality medical care. Please visit www.healthcaresouth.com for more information.
Who do I call about billing issues?
Please contact our billing office at 781-803-6940.
56 New Driftway, Suite 203
Scituate, MA 02066
781-544-1388
fax: 781-544-3396