News from NEPHO – MARCH 2022 Edition


NEW PROVIDERS


New providers will be announced after our next New Physician Orientation meeting, which will be held on May 10th. 


PRACTICE CHANGES/UPDATES


  • Candace Thompson, DO of Thompson Medical Associates has relocated from Suite 9 E to Suite 9 F Dr. Osman Babson Road Gloucester, MA 01930
  • North Shore Neurology & EMG has opened an additional practice location at 30 New Crossing Road Suite 207 Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 978-922-2226 Fax: 978-922-2269

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.

Open Meeting I
Date:
Thursday, April 5th @ 5:30pm

Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP:
lisa.m.driscoll@lahey.org or

978-236-1744

NP/PA Meeting
Speaker: Shawn Bromley
Topic:
Coding and Billing Supports Accurate Patient Health Status Annually
Date: Wednesday, April 13th @ Noon
Location:
Teams Meeting

RSVP: stephanie.k.cunningham@lahey.org or
978-236-1753

Coding and Billing Webinar
Review Quarter 1 NEPHO Coding Opportunity
Date: 
Wednesday, April 27th @ Noon

Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: margaret.m.doyon@lahey.org

NEPHO Provider Networking Event
Presentation on SDOH (CEU earned)
Potential Date (tentative): Wednesday, May 4th from 5 until 8 pm
Location: Danversport Yacht Club
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


NEW BILHPN WEBSITE


The Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network (BILHPN) is happy to share with you its new website: www.BILHPN.org

The new site serves as a hub for BILHPN information that we hope you find helpful so you can spend more time doing what you do best – caring for patients.

The website includes:

  1. Provider Resources, including details on our contracted health plans and commonly used forms and fact sheets and the BILHPN Provider Directory.
  2. Information on Arcadia Analytics, our population health data warehouse, including instructions and how to request access
  3. Public reporting information for our Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
  4. Pharmacy Resources, including information that supports pharmacy-related initiatives and educational programs as well as how to sign up and view archives of our Pharmacy Newsletter Beyond Prescriptions.

Please note: Before viewing much of the content of the website, you will be required to authenticate your participation in BILHPN by providing your email address. If you need assistance accessing the site, please contact NetworkRelations@bilh.org.

As always, we appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have suggestions on additional content or information you would like to see made available on the website.


NORTHSHORE MAGAZINE NAMES TOP DOCTORS 2022


Northshore Magazine has named many physicians affiliated with Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital to its annual ‘Top Doctors’ guide. Drawing from a Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. Physician database, the list consists of Northshore-area physicians and is available in the printed version or online subscription of Northshore Magazine.

The following Beverly Hospital and Addison Gilbert Hospital faculty members are included on the magazine’s list. Congratulations to all!


PAYOR UPDATES


Update on Federal & Massachusetts Surprise Billing Laws 

As many of you know, a new federal surprise billing law known as the No Surprises Act went into effect on January 1, 2022. In addition, Massachusetts has passed a law to address surprise billing that goes into effect on August 1, 2022. BILH is working diligently to get detailed education out to our providers on these complex and incredibly nuanced laws. Until more robust provider education is released, below please find some key provisions and frequently asked questions (FAQs) associated with the two new laws provided by Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network. 

Update on Federal & Massachusetts Surprise Billing Laws for BILH Healthcare Providers.pdf

AllWays Health Partners

Do your patients know about our Healthier You program?

Have you heard of our Healthier You program? As a provider, you can recommend this program to your patients who are looking to lose weight, eat more healthfully, increase physical activity, and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, learn more about the Healthier You program at AllWays Health Partners.

Advance Explanation of Benefits (AEOB) go-live date

The AEOB is a cost estimate for members to keep them informed about their cost-sharing prior to specific scheduled services. A member can request an AEOB after scheduling a service with their provider. Because the final federal rules have not been published, AllWays Health Partners will offer an interim AEOB request process for 3/15/2022. This is one element of the Federal No Surprises Act. Read more AllWays Health Partners Blog or check out the fact sheet.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Telehealth Payment Policy update

In recognition of the importance of telehealth as a means of delivering care, and in response to Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2020, we are updating our Medical and Mental Health Telehealth payment policies, effective April 1, 2022. Our updated policies are also in line with guidance from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

At that time, please refer to these new payment policies for telehealth payment-related information instead of referring to the Temporary COVID-19 payment policy as you have been.

The new Telehealth Medical and Mental Health payment policies contain:

  • New telehealth modifiers and place of service codes in the Coding and Billing Guidelines section
  • Payment and reimbursement information for mental health, primary care provider, chronic disease management, and all other services
  • A list of services eligible for telehealth

For additional information and to view the notification, click here.  

COVID-19 Treatments Available Across Massachusetts

The Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a reminder to Massachusetts residents that free COVID-19 treatment options are available. For information on patient treatment qualification, read Clinical Guidance on Therapies for COVID-19. To view the complete notification, click here.

Auth Requirements and Credentialing Procedures Continue to be Relaxed

BCBSMA continues to waive authorization requirements and expedite credentialing applications through the dates listed attached. This is in response to the Division of Insurance Bulletin 2022-03 – Relaxation of Prior Authorization and Credentialing Procedures in Response to Health Facility Staffing and Capacity Constraints (issued February 23, 2022). Authorization requirements continue to be waived for Commercial HMO and PPO, and Indemnity members only for the following services: All inpatient treatment, both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related, at acute care and post-acute care facilities; Mental health admissions; Scheduled surgeries. To view the complete notification, click here.

Reminder: Bill E/M Services with Professional Revenue Codes

Blue Cross reimburses for evaluation and management (E/M) services as outlined in the existing Outpatient Clinic Services – Facility Payment Policy. As a reminder, BCBSMA only reimburse E/M services in a facility setting when billed with professional revenue codes. To view the complete notification, click here.

Medicare

Medicare Sequestration to Resume April 1, 2022

The Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act will reinstate the Medicare payment adjustment known as “sequestration” effective April 1, 2022. From April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will apply a 1% payment adjustment. Beginning July 1, 2022, CMS will apply a 2% payment adjustment.

The No Surprises Act’s Good Faith Estimates and Patient-Provider Dispute Resolution Requirements (NSA)

CMS has added information for providers and facilities on the requirements to provide good faith estimates to uninsured/self-pay patients, and information on the patient-provider dispute resolution process. This information is available as a slide presentation and recorded presentation. For additional information, click here and locate the presentation under the Resources section by title.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in the Primary Care Setting

NCQA’s Initiation and Engagement of Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence treatment (IET) HEDIS measure assesses adults and adolescents with a new episode of alcohol or other drug (AOD) dependence who initiated treatment within two weeks of diagnosis, as well as those who initiated treatment and had two or more additional related services or treatments within 34 days of the initiation visit. Harvard Pilgrim’s behavioral health partner, Optum/United Behavioral Health can help providers refer patients for behavioral health treatment, including treatment for substance use disorders. For additional information and to view the notification, click here.

Ovia Health’s Family Health Solutions

Harvard Pilgrim would like to remind providers of the convenient family health benefit platform solution available at no additional cost to your patients through our partnership with Ovia Health.

Ovia’s solutions are designed to support and guide patients through the journey of reproductive health, pregnancy, and early parenthood.

You can direct your patients to www.harvardpilgrim.org/public/family-wellness for more information about the benefits Ovia Health offers and instructions on setting up an Ovia Health account or downloading one or more of Ovia’s apps.

Timely Follow-Up Critical After Behavioral Health Discharge

Because patients hospitalized for behavioral health issues are vulnerable after discharge, follow-up care by trained behavioral health clinicians, and coordination of care between primary care physicians (PCPs) and behavioral health practitioners, are critical for their health and well-being.

The NCQA’s Follow-Up After Hospitalization for Mental Illness (FUH) HEDIS measure assesses adults and children 6 years of age and older who were hospitalized for treatment of mental illness or intentional self-harm and had an outpatient visit, an intensive outpatient encounter, or a partial hospitalization with a behavioral health practitioner. The measure identifies the percentage of members who received follow-up within 7 days and 30 days of discharge.

Post-discharge coordination of care

Follow-up for members hospitalized for behavioral health reasons should occur within 7 days of discharge (but not on the same day as discharge), and again within 30 days of discharge. Follow-up may include an outpatient visit, intensive outpatient visit, or partial hospital visit, and must be with a behavioral health provider, i.e., a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or other therapist. Telemedicine visits with the appropriate principal diagnosis also meet the follow-up criteria.

PCPs can play an integral role in helping to increase compliance with behavioral health outpatient follow-up care and to provide ongoing support that helps to improve treatment outcomes. Ways they can help include:

  • Educating patients and families about the importance of a behavioral health follow-up appointment within 7 days after an inpatient behavioral health hospitalization
  • Scheduling a phone call or telemedicine appointment with the patient following discharge to ensure that the patient has a follow up appointment scheduled with a behavioral health provider
  • If necessary, helping to facilitate the scheduling of in person or telemedicine appointment with a behavioral health provider

Harvard Pilgrim’s behavioral health partner, Optum/United Behavioral Health can help you refer your patients for behavioral health treatment. To refer a patient for behavioral health services and to facilitate the coordination of care, call Optum at 888-777-4742. If you believe your patient may benefit from Optum’s Complex Case Management program, please send a referral via email to care.coordination@optum.com.

Tufts Health Plans

Webinars: Interactive Training Sessions

The webinars allow providers to participate in interactive training sessions with Tufts Health Plan’s Provider Education Team without traveling away from provider’s office. To view the complete notification, click here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates for Providers – Telehealth/Telemedicine

Last updated 3/15/2022: The COVID-19 Treatment section has been updated with a reference to the new medical necessity guidelines for COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. To view the complete notification, click here.

Medical Record Review Program Beginning in May 2022 (Commercial Products, Tufts Health Public Plans Products)

Tufts Health Plan would like to notify the provider network of a medical record review program, which will begin on May 1, 2022 and apply to claims for members of Tufts Health Plan Commercial products and Tufts Health Public Plans products. For additional information and to view the entire notification, click here.

Substance Use Disorders in the Primary Care Setting

Tufts posted information about NCQA’s Initiation and Engagement of Alcohol and Other Drug Dependence treatment (IET) HEDIS measure and other Behavioral Health resources. For additional information and to view the entire 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 Alyicia 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!

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 March 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!

  • Monthly BILH Pharmacy Newsletters
  • Resources to Address Violence and Aggressive Behavior in the Practice Setting
  • Optional Malpractice Insurance Cost Savings Program for NEPHO Providers.
  • COVID-19 Updates
    • MA DPH – Comprehensive PPE and COVID-19 Guidance for All Healthcare Provider Updates
    • “HireNow” Program to Aid in Hiring and Training Workers
  • Northeast Oncology Meet and Greet
    • Wednesday, April 6th at 12:15 pm
    • Wednesday, May 4th at 12:15 pm
    • Tuesday, June 21st at 12:15 pm

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
CIGNA Beth Hart 4/7/2022 11:00AM – Noon Remote/Webinar
BMC HealthNet Plan Fabiolo Ladouceur 4/21/2022 11:00AM – Noon Remote/Webinar
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

PHARMACY UPDATE


2022 American Diabetes Association (ADA) T2DM Standards of Care Update

At the March POD meetings, a high-level summary of the recent changes in the 2022 ADA Standards of Care (full version) was presented. A copy of the 2022 ADA Standards (abridged version) of the ADA Standards is also available. Please refer to the 2020 March BILHPN Pharmacy Newsletter available under Pharmacy Resources on the NEPHO website by clicking www.nepho.org * for a summary and some case examples of the updates including:

  • Metformin remains a 1st-line option with slight changes in guidance
  • GLP-1RAs are preferred injectables over insulin when possible in T2DM
  • Concomitant SGLT-2is & GLP-1RAs yield a combined benefit
  • CKD in DM gets a dedicated chapter in the 2022 ADA updates

* please note, a password is now required to log into Pharmacy Resources on the www.nepho.org website. If assistance is needed, please contact Alycia Messelaar at Alycia.messelaar@lahey.org.

For more information please contact Carol Freedman at carol.freedman@lahey.org or at 978-380-4089.


QUALITY/POPULATION HEALTH


In March the NEPHO Quality and Population Health Teams conducted two office manager meetings for the practice managers and quality contacts. Quality measures and initiatives were discussed as well as available reports and outreach efforts. The purpose of this meeting was to provide practice managers and office staff with the information and tools they need to provide quality care for their patients and to coordinate efforts between NEPHO and our practices.

The key takeaways that we would like to communicate to our quality partners are:

  • The BILHPN deadline for the Diabetes Composite Measure is August 31st. Patients in this measure need to have a compliant A1c (< 9.0), BP (< 139/89) and eye exam before that date. Our target threshold is 37% or higher. The Diabetes Composite Measure applies to BCBS HMO only.
  • NEPHO will continue the mammogram concierge scheduling program for BCBS patients and conduct other cancer screening initiatives. We will be sending cervical cancer screening lists to the practices for patients who complete their pap tests at the practice.
  • The Patient Experience score is 25% of the BCBS total performance score. Support and training for staff is available.
  • Efficiency is also an important part of overall performance. Proper coding of patient conditions and complications has a significant impact on budget and expenses.
  • The hospital and NEPHO are working with the High Risk Intervention Team to reduce preventable readmissions.

If you have any questions regarding the 2022 Quality Measures and initiatives please reach out the Quality or Population Health Teams. Our contact information was included in the presentation which has been emailed to practice managers and quality contacts. We are here to support you and greatly appreciate your partnership.


CODING TIP OF THE MONTH


OPTUM NEWSLETTER – March – Focusing on Morbid Obesity and Malnutrition

Overview of Telehealth Services 2022

Telehealth can be utilized to increase practice revenue while improving patient access to care. Knowledge of services that can be provided via Telehealth will offer patients additional access to care, improve patient compliance in following plan of care plan, improve patient’s health that have chronic conditions, help to reduce face-to-face office visit cancellations and no-shows, and support patient interaction in their plan of care.

The following services are supported via Telehealth:

  • Transitional Care Management (TCM) involve a transition of care from one of the following hospital settings:
    • Inpatient acute care hospital • Inpatient psychiatric hospital • Long-term care hospital • Skilled nursing facility • Inpatient rehabilitation facility • Hospital outpatient observation or partial hospitalization • Partial hospitalization at a community mental health center
  • Annual Wellness Visits (AWV): The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan may help prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. Keep in mind that the AWV is not a head-to-toe physical.
  • Chronic Care Management Codes (CCM, CCCM, PCM): These services support care for chronic conditions that pose a significant risk of death, acute decompensation, or decline. 
  • Management of Care Services: Preventive medicine counseling and/or risk factor reduction intervention(s) provided to an individual (separate procedure).
  • Social Determinants of Health: SDOH are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. The connection between people’s access to and understanding of health services and their own health.

New Telehealth Modifier 2022

  • Modifier 93 – Synchronous Telehealth Service Rendered via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System was effective January 1, 2022.

Please see the below services that can be performed via Telehealth. Medicare is currently reimbursing at the following rates and the Commercial rates have been provided as a range. Please check the Commercial 2022 payment policies to confirm the service is being reimbursed.

Service Category CPT Code Medicare Rates Commercial Rates (range)
TCM 99495 $216.96 $365.64
TCM 99496 $292.47 $494.88
CCM 99490 $66.19 $71.76
CCM 99439 $50.18 $65.77
CCM 99491 $88.85 $141.40
CCM 99437 $63.17 Check Payment Policy
CCCM 99487 $139.44 $163.75
CCCM 99489 $73.16 $77.96
PCM 99424 $85.97 Check Payment Policy
PCM 99425 $62.07 Check Payment Policy
PCM 99426 $65.37 Check Payment Policy
PCM 99427 $50.17 Check Payment Policy
Serious Illness 99497 $88.12 $147.36
Serious Illness 99498 $76.20 $126.68
AWV G0438 $175.48 $294.47
AWV G0439 $137.47 $233.43
Remote Monitoring 98975 $20.41 Check Payment Policy
Remote Monitoring 98976 $59.04 Check Payment Policy
Remote Monitoring 98977 $59.04 Check Payment Policy
Remote Monitoring 98980 $52.19 Check Payment Policy
Remote Monitoring 98901 $42.21 Check Payment Policy
Preventative Counseling 99401 $40.97 $70.23
Preventative Counseling 99402 $67.53 $113.75
Preventative Counseling 99403 $91.76 $155.67
Preventative Services 99404 $117.88 $197.23
Preventative Services 99406 $16.08 $27.20
Preventative Services 99407 $29.57 $49.64
Preventative Services 99408 $37.02 $62.02
Preventative Services 99409 $71.03 $118.56
Remote Communication 99421 $15.70 $25.81
Remote Communication 99422 $30.67 $51.61
Remote Communication 99423 $49.90 $81.81
Audio Only 99441 $58.99 $100.43
Audio Only 99442 $95.04 $162.02
Audio Only 99443 $134.45 $229.09

Please reach out to Shawn Bromley at 978-238-6902 or Shawn.m.bromley@lahey.org if you would like to learn more about enhancing your current Telehealth program.


PATIENT EXPERIENCE COMMENTS


Beverly Medical Associates, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road

  • Dr. Alyssa Handler – This was my first visit. I am a new patient but I was very impressed with the doctor I chose. She listened to what I had to say and I didn’t feel rushed. It was a good experience!
  • My visits with Dr. Deborah Shih are always done with professionalism. She is very thorough and knowledgeable as well as giving me the feeling that she truly cares about me as a person. My husband and I would recommend her to anyone with enthusiasm.

Blackburn Primary Care, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • Dr. Jay Isaac always makes time for me and always respects my own personal health care wishes. He is thoughtful, knowledgeable, and caring.

Brian Orr Pediatrics, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • We are very happy with Dr. Brian Orr! He was highly recommended by everyone.

Cape Ann Medical Center, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • Dr. James Maguire – Clear easy to understand explanations, staff interacted well with my situation all were very helpful respectful and considerate
  • My experience with Dr. Yuliya Mandel and Cape Ann Medical Center was excellent! Everyone I talked to or had contact with was awesome, and went above & beyond!

Cape Ann Pediatrics, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street

  • Dr. Jeffrey Stockman – Best pediatrician ever for all of my kids!

Danvers Family Doctors, P.C., Danvers – 140 Commonwealth Avenue

  • Dr. Subroto Bhattacharya – Dr. B has always been a good listener, and takes time to explain diagnosis and treatment. He answers any questions in detail. He is patient, kind, and caring.

Essex County Primary Care, South Hamilton – 42 Asbury Street

  • Dr. Nicholas Avgerinos – Doctor Nick and his staff are amazing! They make it enjoyable to go for a Doctor’s appointment.

Garden City Pediatrics, Beverly – 83 Herrick Street

  • Dr. Eric Sleeper – We are pleased with the care every member of the team provides. Excellent care and service.
  • Both of my children enjoy seeing Dr. Meghan Weir and feel she listens to their concerns and treats them with respect.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road

  • Dr. Tina Waugh is an absolutely fabulous doctor. I love being her patient and she always shows that she truly cares and wants the best for her patients.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 100 Cummings Center

  • Dr. Pierre Ezzi is wonderful. He is never rushed, we chat and he listens to me. He is the ideal primary care physician. I’ve recommended him highly for years.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 900 Cummings Center

  • I have the greatest confidence in Dr. Andrew Lenhardt. I am very pleased I am in his care.
  • Dr. Daniel McCullough is the nicest doctor on planet. Wish they were all like him, he is the best!

Lahey Health Primary Care, Danvers – 5 Federal Street

  • Nurses and Dr. Brent Fryling were great, personal, took time to answer questions and elaborated on and clarified answers to my questions. They took time with me and did not rush!
  • This was my first visit with Dr. Kristina Jackson, but not my first visit to this office. I was very, very impressed with how she made a new patient feel comfortable and heard.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street, 1st Floor

  • Dr. Amy Esdale & PAs & entire staff kind; always, courteous and have the utmost concern for any and all health questions/concerns.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street, 4th Floor

  • Dr. Victor Carabba is widely knowledgeable, patient and impressively professional.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Hamilton– 15 Railroad Avenue

  • Dr. Laurence Gordon is always caring, patient and takes time to understand and research the best options for my care. I can’t recommend him highly enough – overall an excellent primary care physician.
  • Dr. William Medwid is exceptional at showing care and concern for me and my family, and our conversations are just that–conversations between a medical provider and a patient, where my thoughts, ideas, and concerns are taken seriously. I frequently recommend Dr. Medwid to others.

Lahey Health Primary Care, Manchester – 195 School Street

  • Dr. Jana Oettinger is an outstanding primary physician — very pleased to have her on my team.

North Shore Pediatrics, Danvers – 480 Maple Street

  • Dr. David Danis – Everyone here – doctors, nurses, medical staff, front desk have always been really wonderful to deal with. Very empathetic and will never brush you off or belittle your concerns. We love this practice.
  • We have always had great experiences with Dr. Lance Goodman and everyone here. I have recommended your practice many times!

Thomas Pearce, M.D., Gloucester – 279 East Main Street

  • Dr. Thomas Pearce has been my primary care physician over many years and his intelligent and compassionate care has always been excellent. His staff is terrific as well.

Thompson Medical Associates, Gloucester – 9 F Dr. Osman Babson Road

  • Dr. Candace Thompson – The care providers and receptionist were all very respectful and helpful at all of my visits. I always feel welcomed, listened to and I know they have my health exactly where it needs to be. They are top notch!

TEAMWORK AWARD


The Northeast PHO asked practices to nominate a staff member who made a significant contribution by working extra hours to cover shifts or taking on new responsibilities. We are pleased to present these 7 colleagues with a Teamwork award:

Lisa Lucido, Cape Ann Pediatrics
Kathryn Tolios, Essex Surgical Associates
Kelly Corbett-Griffin, Howard Goldberg, M.D.
Albeliz Yasmin Gomez, Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly
Kathleen Geary, Beverly Medical Associates
Mark Thistlewood, Beverly Medical Associates
Theresa Otero-Otero, Lahey Infectious Disease


PRACTICE RECOGNITION


The Northeast PHO recognizes colleagues who provide a positive experience for our patients, help us keep care local and meet our quality targets.

This month’s winner is:

Emily Bettencourt, Garden City Pediatrics, was recognized for her patient experience comment “Dr. Dean and nurse Emily are amazing!!!! I wish I had a nurse like Emily growing up!”

Emily Bettencourt with Dr. John Dean, Garden City Pediatrics

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.

Please be sure to look for the new winners in next month’s issue!