NEW PROVIDERS
- Wojciech Bulczynski, MD of Sports Medicine North 1 Orthopedic Drive Peabody, MA 01960 Phone: 978-818-6350 Fax: 978-818-6355
- Anthony Gualtieri, MD (anticipated start date 9/1/2022) of Coastal Orthopedic Associates 77 Herrick Street Suite 201 Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-927-3040
- Massachusetts Dermatology Associates
- Margaret Bruns, MD (anticipated start date 9/1/2022)
- Adriane Levin, MD
- Richard “Matt” McLarney, MD (anticipated start date 8/1/2022)
- Quinn Charbonneau, DPM (anticipated start date 5/20/2022) of Minimally Invasive Podiatry LLC 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923 Phone: 978-304-8403 Fax: 978-304-8493
- Claudia Reynders, MD (anticipated start date 9/1/2022) of Beverly Radiological Associates 85 Herrick Street Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-922-3000 Fax: 978-927-3534
- Zeyar Yeh, MD (anticipated start date 6/1/2022) of Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care and Specialty Care Beverly Medicine Associates 30 Tozer Road Suite 102 Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-712-1100 Fax: 978-712-1120
- Chris Burke, MD of Beverly Neurology 85 Herrick Street Beverly, MA 01915 and AGH Neurology 298 Washington Street Gloucester, MA 01930 Phone: 978-283-4000
NEWS FROM NEPHO
APRIL 2022 EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE:
BILHPC Re-Branding Patient Communication and Manager Toolkit
Practice Support: New Technology Options
PRACTICE CHANGES/UPDATES
- Dr. Emad Younan from The Pain Center of the North Shore has termed, effective 3/22/2022.
SAVE THE DATE
Please check the meeting calendar on our website to get the latest meeting status, notification of the Coding and Billing webinars, Specialty Specific meetings, and POD/IPA meetings.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Virtual Education Presentation – (CEU earned)
Speaker: Margaret (Maggie) Sullivan, FNP, DrPH, Director, Oasis
Date: Wednesday, May 4th @ 6 pm
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: margaret.m.doyon@lahey.org
New Physician Orientation Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 10th @ 7:30 am
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: alycia.messelaar@lahey.org
NP/PA Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 18th @ Noon
Speakers: Dr. Gary Rogers and Melanie Choi, PA, Dermatology
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: stephanie.k.cunningham@lahey.org or
978-236-1753
Coding and Billing Webinar – Best Practice To Support Risk Adjustment Coding Capture
Date: Wednesday, June 1st @ Noon
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Margaret.M.Doyon@Lahey.org
Office Manager Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 8th @ Noon
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Alycia.Messelaar@Lahey.org
or 978-236-1784
NP/PA Meeting
Date: Wednesday, June 15th @ Noon
Speaker: Dr. Ludvigson, Urology
RSVP: stephanie.k.cunningham@lahey.org or
978-236-1753
NECoMG Annual Meeting
Date: Thursday, June 16th @ 7 am
Speakers: Mark Albanese, MD, Medical Director of PHS and Bara Litman-Pike, Psy.D., Executive Director, Physician Health Services, Inc. (PHS)
RSVP: Margaret.m.doyon@lahey.org
Coding and Billing Webinar – Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Review and Updates
Date: Wednesday, June 22nd @ Noon
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Margaret.M.Doyon@Lahey.org
NEW FEE SCHEDULES
The HPHC fee schedule has been posted to the NEPHO website https://nepho.org/fee-schedules/
These fees are effective April 1, 2022.
You have the option to look up rates by CPT code or download a specialty specific fee schedule. You will need to log in to the site to see this section.
If you have questions about the fee schedule site, please contact Nick Catino at 978-236-1773 or nicholas.catino@lahey.org.
BILHPC RE-BRANDING COMMUNICATION
Below is a copy of the message Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care sent to patients regarding a re-branding project.
Customization of practice name, patient name and URLs used for tracking are missing in this copy, but were included in the messages that patients receive.
We are excited to announce that the name of our practice is changing to Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – . As you may know, we have been part of Beth Israel Lahey Health for some time. Now, we’re updating our name to proudly show our connection to this leading system of care.
Because you are a valued patient, we wanted to share this news with you and give you some information about what to expect.
What does this mean for me?
While our name is changing, you can still count on us for the same level of care and service delivered by the same team. Here’s what you can expect:
- You will continue to receive the same great care you are used to.
- Your doctor, nurses and other care team members will remain the same.
- You will still access your health information through your existing patient portal.
- We will continue to coordinate your care with our partners across Beth Israel Lahey Health and at other care locations that are most convenient for you.
- While our signs, paperwork and phone greetings will soon change, you may still see our former practice name from time to time.
Why are you changing your name?
We want our current and future patients to know that we are part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that’s focused on making our patients and communities healthier. When you are a patient of ours, you have the support of our world-class hospitals and specialists and a complete network of health care services. Read more about [url]
Where can I find more information and get answers to specific questions?
We understand you may have questions about this change. For additional information, please visit [url].
As always, we thank you for trusting us with your care.
Regards,
Your Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care Team
PRACTICE SUPPORT: NEW TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS
We thought it would be helpful to share some new ways practices are addressing staffing shortages, increasing patient demands and safety precautions.
Here are some new systems implemented at NEPHO practices:
Phreesia
- Offers automated tools for the intake/check-in process. Phreesia also offers services such as registration, self-scheduling, insurance verification and patient payments.
- For more information, check out their website at https://www.phreesia.com/.
Partners Technology
- Offers phone communication systems for businesses of all sizes, including a “Call Back Queue” to allow inbound callers in a queue to request a call back or leave a voicemail.
- For more information, check out their website at https://partnerstechnology.com/or call 781-930-5000.
If your practice is using a helpful new system, tool or functionality, please let us know and we will share it with other practices. You can send the information to Alycia Messelaar at Alycia.Messelaar@Lahey.org.
MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL SOCIETY (MMS) WORKSHOP – MANAGING WORKPLACE CONFLICT
Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) will be holding a two day workshop on Managing Workplace Conflict. Click here, or the image below for more information or to register.
PAYOR UPDATES
AllWays Health Partners
Sign up for Provider Roundtable
Provider Roundtable is a unique online forum where providers in the AllWays Health Partners network can share their feedback on products, services, and more.
In the Roundtable, members can quickly share their thoughts and ideas through surveys, discussion boards, and other activities — most of which take less than five minutes. In return, they’ll show you how they’re using your feedback to make improvements that benefit you, your colleagues, and your patients.
Provider Roundtable is open to all contracted providers. Your membership starts with a short sign up survey. After you complete the survey, they’ll be in touch with your membership information.
Clinical practice guidelines
AllWays Health Partners develops Clinical Practice Guidelines from both local and national organizations. They are periodically updated as new information becomes available regarding best practices. Resources containing practice guidelines for the following chronic or complex conditions, as well as preventative health and perinatal care, can be found on the www.allwayshealthpartners.org website on the Provider Resources page:
- ADHD – Primary Care for Children and Adolescents
- Asthma
- Depression
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Perinatal Care
- Preventive Care
These Clinical Practice Guidelines have been approved by the AllWays Health Partners’ Quality Program Committee (QPC) and adopted in 2022 and can be used to help you deliver the very best patient care. Please refer to coverage criteria to determine whether a treatment or service is covered.
Care management services may be available for your AllWays Health Partners patients in need of additional assistance in navigating their care. You can get more information on specific programs and how you can refer a member into one of our care management programs by e-mailing caremanagement@allwayshealth.org.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Authorization Will Be Required For Commercial EPO, PPO Members
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is expanding prior authorization requirements for certain services listed in its medical policies to members in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts commercial EPO and PPO plans as of June 1, 2022. These requirements will align with those currently in place for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts commercial HMO and POS members. Which services will require authorization? 1) Continuous glucose monitors (Codes: A9277, K0553, S1036); 2) Spine surgeries using InterQual SmartSheets. For additional information and to view the notification, click here.
Register to learn about ConnectCenter, the replacement for Online Services
On May 2 we’ll launch our latest eTool, ConnectCenterTM. ConnectCenter is replacing our current tool for eligibility and benefits, claim status, and professional claim submission, Online Services.
Use ConnectCenter to conduct these transactions for your Blue Cross Blue Shield patients:
- Check member eligibility and benefits.
- Verify claim status.
- Enter referrals.
- Submit 1500 claims.
Available at no additional cost to you through Provider Central.
Improved user experience
ConnectCenter has an improved format. On the home page, you’ll find the status of your claims with quick links to related work items, alerts, and notifications.
If you’re used to submitting 1500 claims using Direct Data Entry in Online Services, you’ll see that the claim creation process has been enhanced in ConnectCenter. This includes real-time prompts and error messages that will prevent claim entry issues.
Important dates
- May 2 – New Provider Central users will only have access to ConnectCenter.
- July 22 – Existing Online Services users will no longer be able to enter 1500 claims through Direct Data Entry in Online Services. Please enter 1500 professional claims in ConnectCenter.
- August 12 – Existing Online Services users will no longer have access to eligibility, referral/authorization, and claim status functionality. (For authorization requests and verification, use Authorization Manager.)
Sign up for ConnectCenter training
To help you make the most of ConnectCenter, we’re offering many interactive training opportunities to demonstrate how to:
- Access ConnectCenter through Provider Central
- Navigate ConnectCenter
- Verify member eligibility and benefits
- Check the status of claims
- Enter and check on referrals
- Submit 1500 claims
- Find other tools and resources
Click here to register for a webinar.
Resources
- Answers to some questions you may have about this transition.
- Our News Alert announcing this transition.
- Our ConnectCenter Quick Start Guide.
- The Related Content area of our ConnectCenter page has additional Quick Tips to help you use the tool. The page will be updated further on May 2, 2022.
Spring Update to Member Cost Tool Data
- This update will include data for: 1) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Indemnity members, who now have access to the member cost tool. 2) Providers who may be new to cost estimation tool reporting, and existing providers who may now have data for treatment categories for which they did not previously meet minimum denominator requirements. To view the complete notification, click here.
Boston Medical Center Health Plan
Boston Medical Center Health Plan (BMCHP) Prior Authorizations
Medicare
Payment Disputes Between Providers and Health Plans
The Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) system is live. Due to a pause in the launch required to address a court ruling (see February 28 guidance (PDF)), there may be a backlog of Federal IDR requests and high initial case volume. This could cause delays in Federal IDR request processing. In response, the Departments will: 1) Grant requests for extensions submitted by the parties or certified IDR entities, as appropriate. 2) Monitor the volume and provide additional guidance, including updates to the timeframes under the Federal IDR process, as necessary. Updates will be announced here, and parties with disputes in process will be notified directly in advance of an update taking effect. For additional information, click here.
2023 Medicare Advantage and Part D Rate Announcement
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies (the Rate Announcement). CMS’s goals for Medicare Advantage and Part D mirror the vision for the agency’s programs as a whole, which is to advance health equity; drive comprehensive, person-centered care; and promote affordability and the sustainability of the Medicare program. For additional information, click here.
COVID-19: New Codes for Moderna Vaccine Booster Doses
On March 29, 2022, the FDA amended the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization (PDF), including new packaging for vaccine boosters (blue cap). CMS issued new codes, effective March 29, 2022, for the vaccine booster and administration: Code: 91309 and Code: 0094A. To view the notification, click here.
FAQs About Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 Implementation – Good Faith Estimates (GFE) for Uninsured (or Self-Pay) Individuals Part 2 (NSA)
Listed are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding implementation of Section 112 of Title I (the No Surprises Act (NSA)) of Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA 2021), and implementing regulations published in the Federal Register on October 7, 2021 as part of interim final rules with comment period, entitled “Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part II.” These FAQs have been prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address the provision of GFEs for uninsured (or self-pay) individuals, as described in Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) section 2799B-6 and implementing regulations at 45 CFR 149.610. For additional information, click here.
Tufts Health Plans
Utilization and Care Management Change (Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO, Tufts Health Plan SCO)
For Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options (SCO), for dates of service beginning April 11, 2022, extended care admissions will be managed by Tufts Health Plan’s Utilization Management team. For further information, practices should refer to the following Care Management lists, which provide contact information for the appropriate utilization review manager, care manager and/or transition manager by practice. For additional information and to view the entire notification, click here.
New Email Box for Provider Appeals (Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO, Tufts Health Plan SCO)
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and improve provider experience, the claims team has established a new email box for providers to submit their appeals for certain claim denials for Senior Products. Providers should email the Request for Claim Review Form to SP_Provider_Appeals@point32health.org to appeal claims which were denied for lack of prior authorization or notification and for compensation/reimbursement appeals. For additional information and to view the entire notification, click here.
Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Professional Payment Policy Update
Annual review; clarified SA modifier and “incident to” services. To view the complete policy, click here.
Evaluation and Management Professional Payment Policy Update
Tufts Health Plan has added compensation information for venipuncture services, effective for dates of service on or after June 1, 2022 for Commercial, Senior Products, and Tufts Health Public Plans (except Tufts Health Together). To view the complete policy, click here.
Medical Policy Update: Preventive Services
For effective date 3/1/22, added codes M0220, M0221 and Q0220. To view the complete policy, click here.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
New Behavioral Health Continuing Education Web Session
Harvard Pilgrim’s behavioral health partner, Optum/United Behavioral Health, has launched the third installment of a three-part series of free continuing education sessions focused on the integration of behavioral health services into the clinical primary care setting and the successful management of population health for improved outcomes. The sessions are designed to meet the educational needs of primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners who are interested in learning about pertinent topics in behavioral health, along with best practices related to several behavioral health Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures. For complete details, click here.
COVID-19 Updates
To streamline information for providers, Harvard Pilgrim has published the Medical Policy for COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients with positive COVID-19 test results who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. Additionally, the prior authorization and concurrent review flexibilities have been extended for Massachusetts Commercial products in accordance with Massachusetts Division of Insurance Bulletin 2022-03. To view the notification, click here.
COVID-19 Information and Resources (COVID-19/Telemedicine/Telehealth)
Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan has updated the Latest Updates as follows: Updated coverage information for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for Medicare Advantage members. For additional information and to view the notification, click here.
PROVIDER RELATIONS
Things are constantly changing with NEPHO practices – it truly is inevitable. As a reminder, please reach out to the Provider Relations Department periodically to request updates or assistance in creating provider lists. Examples of frequent outreach we receive include and are not limited to:
- Primary Care Providers with open panels for patients transitioning out of Pediatric Care.
- Primary Care Providers with open panels for Special Needs patients transitioning out of Pediatric Care.
- NEPHO PCP practice rosters used to update EMR mapping tied to billing/referral network identification.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messelaar@lahey.org for such requests. We are here to help bring ease to both the practices and the patients you serve.
Please click here to take a moment to read the Provider Spotlights!
- Vivian Argento, MD of Center for Healthy Aging
- Margaret Bruns, MD of Massachusetts Dermatology Associates
- Richard “Matt” McLarney of Massachusetts Dermatology Associates
If you would like to be featured on the PHO website, please reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messlaar@lahey.org or 978-236-1784.
Virtual Networking videos from NEPHO providers can be found at https://www.nepho.org/virtual-networking/.
Please reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messelaar@lahey.org if you are interested in being featured in a Provider Spotlight of Virtual Networking video.
Please reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messelaar@lahey.org to keep NEPHO informed of changes in practice schedules due to the current resurge of COVID-19 (office closures, limited office hours, scope of appointment, telehealth use, phone line to reach staff, etc.) or if you have questions about other practice schedules.
Click here for the PDF version of the updated PHO Directory as of April 2022. For your convenience click here for the separate Specialists Only PDF directory to refer to as needed.
Please share this directory with your office by printing or showing them how to visit us online for an easy to use directory search tool.
Note: Primary care providers (PCPs) in the BILH Performance Network no longer need to submit an administrative referral to refer Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, or Tufts Health Plan members to a specialist in the BILH Performance Network. Please reach out to Alycia Messelaar, Alycia.Messelaar@lahey.org, regarding questions pertaining to providers within the BILHPN Network.
As a reminder, it is important to use the NEPHO Physician Directory when referring to a specialty physician.
Here at the PHO, we completely understand how overwhelming it can be to stay on top of all the email communications that are being sent on a day-to-day basis. In an effort to keep you well informed, below you will find a highlight of key memos that have been sent out over the last month – Just in case you missed it!
Please reach out to Alycia.messelaar@lahey.org for a specific communication that you are unable to find.
In hopes of better preparing office managers for when NEPHO extends invites to Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network meetings, we wanted to share the 2022 anticipated dates and times with you ahead of time.
| HEALTH PLAN | REPRESENTATIVE | DATE | TIME | LOCATION |
| Tufts Health Plan | Kelly Farewell | 5/5/2022 | 11:00AM – Noon | Remote/Webinar |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | Suzanne Medeiros | 5/12/2022 | 11:00AM – Noon | Remote/Webinar |
| Fallon | Mary Beth Curnen | 5/19/2022 | 11:00AM – Noon | Remote/Webinar |
QUALITY/POPULATION HEALTH
Texting Campaigns 2022
The NEPHO Quality Team is collaborating with the Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network (BILHPN) to conduct a series of texting campaigns targeting patients who are in need of screenings. The intention of the campaign is to decrease outreach burden on practices and close patient care gaps. Text messages will be sent out in batches of 150 per day and patients will have the ability to opt out of any future text messages. BILHPN and the NEPHO Quality Team will monitor and review the performance data for this initiative.
Below are the proposed dates and age ranges for the 2022 Texting Campaigns.
| Month | Campaign | Ages | Sex |
| April | Non-compliant patients with diabetes | 18-75 | All |
| April | Cervical Cancer non-compliant | 21-64 | Female |
| May | Breast Cancer | 51-75 | Female |
| June | |||
| July | Child/Adolescent Immunizations non-compliant | 0-13 | All |
| August | |||
| September | Colorectal Cancer non-compliant | 50-76 | All |
| October | Breast Cancer Awareness Month | 51-75 | Female |
| November | Diabetes Awareness Month any non-compliant measure | 18-75 | All |
| December |
This is an example of a text message that patients will receive (diabetes campaign).
[Practice Name] @ Beth Israel Lahey Health: Your health is important to us. Regular screening and preventative care, such as eye exams, labs, and monitoring blood pressure, are important to controlling diabetes. If you have not already done so, please call [PRACTICE NAME] to schedule a visit at [PRACTICE PHONE]. To stop receiving messages, reply with ‘STOP’.
If you have any questions regarding the 2022 texting campaign, please reach out to Laureen Viel, Lead Population Health Specialist at Laureen.viel@lahey.org.
CODING TIP OF THE MONTH
OPTUM NEWSLETTER – April – Focusing on Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Risk Adjustment Coding Update and Coding Examples
The following examples are from visits that had missed coding opportunities. These missed coding opportunities will affect the patients’ Risk Adjustment Factor (RAF) scores that support allocated dollars for healthcare costs in 2023. It is necessary to update patient’s conditions each year to help support a patient’s health status.
Coding Example 1
- Patient has his annual exam visit. He has Type 2 diabetes, controlled through diet and salt intake. His A1c is at goal. He is taking Lisinopril for his hypertension and he has hyperlipidemia. He has stopped smoking and is eating a low-fat diet, which has helped reduce his lipid levels. He is currently seeing oncology for his thyroid cancer that was identified this past year. Overall, he is following his treatment plan. I have encouraged weight loss due to his obesity and BMI is >40. I will plan to see him in 3 months for his follow-up and hope to see weight reduction.
- Coding by provider:
- Diabetes Type 2: E11.9
- Hypertension: I10
- Thyroid Cancer: C73
- Accurate Coding Capture:
- Thyroid Cancer: C73
- Diabetes Type 2 with complications: E11.69
- Hypertension: I10
- Hyperlipidemia: E78.5
- Morbid Obesity E66.01
- BMI>40: Z68.41
Coding Example 2
- Coding Annual Visits as Z00.00 only, not addressing Chronic Conditions
- Chronic Conditions:
- Diabetes Type 2: current A1c: 8.9
- Takes an oral diabetes Rx
- Overdue diabetes eye exam and patient has cataracts
- CKD 2
- COPD
- Coding by provider: Z00.00 only and did not address chronic conditions
- Accurate Coding Capture:
- Diabetes with CKD 2: E11.22, N18.2
- Diabetes long term oral Rx: Z79.84
- Diabetes with cataract: E11.36, H26.9
- CKD 2: N18.2
- COPD: J44.9
- Accurate Coding Capture:
Coding Example 3
- Many providers are still missing Morbid Obesity Coding Capture Accurately. BMI>35 will risk adjust. The E code and Z code must be captured together in order for the coding to risk adjust. An estimated $2,800 will go into a patient budget to support obesity annual care: Nutrition, Weight Counseling, and Medication.
- Provider Example: Patient weight is 307lbs their BMI>45
- Coding by provider: Morbid Obesity Z66.01
- Accurate Coding Capture should be: Morbid Obesity Z66.01, BMI>45 Z68.4
- Provider Example: Patient weight is 187lbs their BMI>36
- Coding by provider: Obesity E66.9
- Accurate Coding Capture should be: E66.9, BMI>36 Z68.36
Please reach out to Shawn Bromley with additional questions or interest regarding Risk Adjustment Coding capture. shawn.m.bromley@lahey.org or 978-238-6902.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE COMMENTS
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road
- Dr. Gail Ellis is the best! She provides excellent care to me and my family. We are treated well by everyone.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 100 Cummings Center
- I have always been extremely satisfied with my Primary Care Physician, Dr. Pierre Ezzi!
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Danvers – 480 Maple Street
- I have been a patient of Dr. Kristina Jackson for many years now. She is an excellent physician.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Danvers – 5 Federal Street
- Dr. Brent Fryling is a consummate medical professional. He is patient and gives you the sense that he has all the time needed to listen, communicate with, and respect his patients. He is an amazing diagnostician, having solved a problem that many other medical personnel were unable to diagnose. He exudes confidence and has extensive knowledge without being arrogant. His staff is also very considerate, thorough and helpful.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street 4th Floor
- Dr. Victor Carabba is a very kind and caring man. He takes the time to listen to you and does not rush you. He makes you feel like you matter. He is the best!
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street 1st Floor
- Dr. Amy Esdale always listens to me and talks to me about my health concerns. When I leave, I feel confident that I’ve been guided well in my health.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Hamilton – 15 Railroad Avenue
- Dr. Laurence Gordon is ALWAYS professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. The staff in the FMA office is always courteous and professional as well!
- I have been a patient of Dr. William Medwid for at least 20 years. He has always been very professional and caring when addressing any health concerns. I have complete confidence in him as my primary care Physician.
- Dr. Hugh Taylor – The medical care from doctors and nurse practitioners that I have received here has always been very good. I have already recommended this practice to my family and others.
Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Manchester – 192 School Street
- Dr. Jana Oettinger is the best doctor I’ve ever had in this practice – over 30 years. She’s attentive, patient, and thorough. I walk away from each visit very pleased with my care.
- Dr. Matthew Plosker is a physician who listens and respects what you have to say. I would strongly recommend him to anyone.
Beverly Medical Associates, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road
- I feel very comfortable with Dr. David Driscoll and Staff. Have been seeing Dr. Driscoll for a year and I am happy with this Practice and Lahey.
- Dr. David Driscoll is the best. He always addresses all my problems and spends quality time with me. The staff has always been exceptionally helpful. Would highly recommend Dr. Driscoll!
- Dr. Deborah Shih is the best!! Highly recommend her!!
Cape Ann Medical Center, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive
- Dr. Janet Doran is an excellent physician. She goes over all your medications, is very efficient and very caring. She is wonderful! All staff and nurses are excellent, very helpful and nice!
Danvers Family Doctors, Danvers – 140 Commonwealth Avenue
- Dr. Subroto Bhattacharya – Dr. B and his staff are the absolute best!
EMTAR, South Hamilton – 205 Willow Street
- Dr. Michael Edwards is a compassionate doctor who cares for his patients well being and makes every effort to listen and to help.
Essex County Primary Care, South Hamilton – 42 Asbury Street
- Dr. Nicholas Avgerinos – Everyone is friendly, prompt, courteous, thorough and comfortable to talk to.
- Dr. Nicholas Avgerinos – I just meet Dr. Nick and his staff for the first time since he took the practice over from Dr. Smith. I was concerned at first, as everyone is with a new PCP. The nerves all went away within the first few minutes. Dr. Nick and his staff made me feel like I’ve been a patient of theirs for a long time. I am happy to continue to be a patient of Essex County Primary Care.
Garden City Pediatrics, Beverly – 83 Herrick Street
- We absolutely love GCP and Dr. John Dean! He is an incredible doctor and we can’t speak highly enough about him!!!
- Dr. Suzanne Graves and her staff are attentive, supportive and caring. Dr. Graves provides care for both my children, I strongly recommend her to anyone. She is a doctor who cares about her patients and takes time each visit with my children to know them and understand who they are.
- Dr. Eric Sleeper is a gem! My husband and I were really blown away by how great he was with the baby and how he listened and had a lot of respect for us new parents. Can’t rate him high enough!
North Shore Pediatrics, Danvers – 480 Maple Street
- I feel like Dr. Lance Goodman knows my children and it always makes for a very positive experience. He’s the best!
Brian Orr Pediatrics, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive
- We always have a good experience when we visit Dr. Brian Orr’s office. He and his whole staff care very much for their patients and it shows. Thank you all!
Thomas Pearce, M.D., Gloucester – 279 East Main Street
- Dr. Thomas Pearce – Dr. Tom is the best doctor I have ever had. Primary care providers should model themselves after his style and care.
Thompson Medical Associates, Gloucester – 9 F Dr. Osman Babson Road
- I think Dr. Candace Thompson and her staff give the best care possible. It is always positive and productive experience when I visit. She is the best!
- Very professional, respectful and friendly. Dr. Candace Thompson and her staff are great!
PRACTICE RECOGNITION
The Northeast PHO recognizes colleagues who provide a positive experience for our patients, help us keep care local, meet our quality targets and support their colleagues.
This month’s winners are:
Michelle Dearborn, Lahey Cardiology, was recognized for her efforts to keep specialty care in the Northeast PHO network.
Mini Reyes, Essex County Primary Care, for her patient experience comment: “Mini was very patient with me as I was filling out the patient portal forms on-line when I called. Dr. Avgerinos is easy to talk to, and he does not talk down to patients. The nurses who took blood and got my history were lovely, kind people. Best doctor visit I’ve ever had.”
Mark Thistlewood, Beverly Medical Associates, was recognized by his practice for his dedication, professionalism and outstanding teamwork.
Michelle Dearborn pictured here with the Lahey Cardiology Team
Mini Reyes shown with Dr. Nicholas Avgerinos.
Mark Thistlewood, Beverly Medical Associates
Please let us know if you would like to nominate a team member in your practice or another practice for the recognition program. We will deliver gift cards to the winners each month, and they will be announced here and in our website “Hot Topics” section.