Office Visit Info

Maintaining an open dialogue with your physician is critical to getting the best medical care. If you do not understand your treatment plan or the details of your particular condition, it is important to ask for further clarification. We would like to offer some tips on making the most of your doctor's visit, and in so doing, developing a great working relationship with your doctor.

1. Know Your Questions & Concerns. Write down your questions or issues, start with the most pressing. Bring this list with you to your visit.

2. Medications. Keep a working list at home of all your medications and dosages. These include over the counter and herbal remedies. Bring this list with you to your visit.

3. Bring a log of your symptoms. For example, if you are having chest pain. This will help you describe when it occurs, the possible triggers, and what gives you relief.

4. Test Results. If you have had any Xrays, MRI's, blood work, stress tests, EKG's, etc, performed outside of Partners HealthCare hospitals, bring the results with you. Call for a copy of these results a few days prior to your appointment, or keep a working medical record at home to bring with you on visits. Include contact information for the specialists who ordered the tests.

5. History. Become familiar with you and your family's medical history. Your doctor needs all possible information to formulate the correct diagnosis.

6. Support. Bring a friend or family member for support, if you feel you may become distracted, overwhelmed, or forget to ask something. Decide their role. Give them a copy of your list of questions so they can remind you if something was not discussed.

7. Comprehension. Don't be afraid to say "I don't understand." Never feel embarrassed or shy about asking for clarification about something your doctor says. Ask for a simpler explanation, and repeat what is said back so you can be sure you have it right.

8. If you speak predominantly a foreign language, please consider bringing a family member/friend fluent both in your language and English. If requested in advance, North Shore Medical Center will provide an interpreter in most common languages for you during your visit.

9. Review Insurance & Demographics. Remember to bring all your current insurance cards with you. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to fill out any necessary paperwork. Check your address, telephone, and PCP info to ensure accuracy.

10. Follow Up. Consider follow-up as part of your visit. Make any necessary appointments before leaving the doctor's office. Pick up your prescriptions immediately. Ask for any instructions your doctor has given you to be in writing.

Appointment Policy

We see all patients on an appointment basis and make every effort to honor all time commitments. Appointments for routine problems and follow-ups are available Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. If an emergency arises you will be informed of delays and/or schedule changes.

We ask all our patients to fill out a medical history form before their office visit, the form is available here for your convenience.

Medical History Form

We also ask that you read and acknowledge our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Notice of Privacy Practices
Privacy Practices Acknowledgement

Prescriptions & Refills

Please call during normal office hours to request a refill on a cardiac prescription. If the office is closed or if all lines are busy, you will be able to leave a message in the prescription voicemail via our automated system. We refill cardiac medications only. Make every effort to avoid calling for routine refills on weekends and off business hours.

The information you will be asked for when requesting a prescription or a refill includes:

Name
Date of birth
Phone number including the area code
Name of the medication(s)
Dose(s) of the medication(s)
Pharmacy name and phone number (or the address if you want the prescriptions mailed to you)

Please allow 24 hours before calling your pharmacy to check on your prescription(s).

Managed Care Referrals

The physicians of North Shore Cardiovascular Associates participate in a number of managed care programs, (i.e. HMO's, and PPO's). If your insurance requires primary care physician authorization/referral to see a specialist or undergo diagnostic testing, you must discuss this with your primary care physician and RECEIVE APPROVAL prior to receiving those services (in the case of emergency care, follow your plans instructions). Plan on 7 to 10 days for a referral request to be processed.

If you arrive for an appointment and have not requested the appropriate insurance referral from your primary care physician, you will be asked to sign a Managed Care Referral Waiver Form in which you acknowledge that you do not have a referral and will assume financial liability for services provided should payment by your insurance company be denied. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the provisions of your insurance plan.

Reaching Us After-Hours

If you are having chest pain that is not relieved with nitroglycerin, dial 911 to get help. Do not drive yourself to the hospital! The ambulance personnel will assist getting you quickly to the care you need.

Learn to recognize a heart attack and act quickly when you notice the warning signs!

During business hours you can call any of our offices. Please identify your problem as clearly as you can. We will handle your call as efficiently as possible. For after hours emergency calls, dial (978) 744-5900 and our answering service will page the "on call" physician who will return your call. All non-urgent calls will be handled within 24 hours.