News from NEPHO – MARCH 2023 Edition


NEW PROVIDERS


  • William Rubenstein, MD of Sports Medicine North, 1 Orthopedics Drive Peabody, MA 01960 Phone: 978-818-6350 Fax: 978-818-6355

PRACTICE CHANGES/UPDATES


  • Coastal Orthopedics Associates is relocating to 152 Conant Street Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-927-3040 Fax: 978-927-0443 as of April 1, 2023 (See Hot Topics for new office highlights) 
  • Andrew Orenberg, MD of Microsurgical Eye Consultants, 31 Centennial Drive Peabody, MD 01960 Phone: 978-531-4400 Fax: 866-531-7106 has termed effective 3/9/2023 
  • Drs. Sophia Drinis, Alison Levy and Adam Ludvigson of Lahey Institute of Urology Beverly 75 Herrick Street Suite 219 Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-927-0714 Fax: 978-927-9135 are expanding practice locations to the following sites: 
    • Lahey Outpatient Clinic Danvers, 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923
    • Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care and Specialty Care Beverly Medical Associates, 30 Tozer Road Suite 203 Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-712-1100 Fax: 978-712-1120
  • Dr. Richard Birkett of Essex Surgical Associates, 100 Cummings Center Suite 112 D Beverly, MA 01915 Phone: 978-922-9226 Fax: 978-922-9203 is expanding practice locations to the following sites: 
    • Lahey Outpatient Clinic Danvers 480 Maple Street Danvers, MA 01923
    • Addison Gilbert Hospital 298 Washington Street Gloucester, MA 01930

SAVE THE DATE


NP/PA Meeting
Date:
Wednesday, April 26th, Noon
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Alison.Wiklund@lahey.org

NP/PA Meeting
Date:
Wednesday, May 24th, Noon
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Alison.Wiklund@lahey.org

New Physician Orientation Meeting
Date:
Tuesday, May 30th@ 7:30 am
Location: 
Teams Meeting
RSVP:
Alycia.Messelaar@Lahey.org

Office Manager Meeting
Date:
Wednesday, June 7th @ Noon
Location: 
Teams Meeting
RSVP:
Alycia.Messelaar@Lahey.org

NECoMG Annual Meeting
Date: 
Thursday, June 15th, 7am
Location: Virtual
RSVP: Margaret.M.Doyon@Lahey.org 

NP/PA Meeting
Date:
Wednesday, June 28th, Noon
Speaker: Dr. Gabriel Merlin, Coastal Orthopedics
Topic: Touching Hands Da Nang Vietnam
Location: Teams Meeting
RSVP: Alison.Wiklund@lahey.org


IMANE CME EVENT MAY 6TH


Are you looking to satisfy your Massachusetts Risk Management CME Requirements (5 credits), continental breakfast, and a gourmet Indian Lunch at an extremely reasonable price ($25 for members and $50 for non-members)? The Indian Medical Association of New England is putting on our annual CME Meeting on Saturday, May 06, 2023, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM at Massachusetts Medical Society Headquarters at 860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA.

This event is open to all physicians. Click here to Register. 

For more information, please contact Deepa Jhaveri, DPM, FACPM (she, her, hers), President, IMANE (Indian Medical Association of New England), Co-Founder, Women Who Win at deepa.jhaveri@gmail.com

If you would like to share a CME event or other educational opportunity in our next newsletter, please contact Meg Doyon at Margaret.M.Doyon@Lahey.org.


BILHPN ACUITY TRAINING FOR EPIC PROVIDERS


Below is a list of dates for BILHPN Acuity Training for Epic users and a link to the recording of the September 12, 2022 Session. Click on each date to register.

Provider Acuity Training Series with CME Credit

Click here to request access to view the Recording for the September 12th Provider Acuity Training Series Session.

May 2, 2023, from 12 – 1 p.m.

July 18, 2023, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Arcadia Acuity Trainings

May 10, 2023, from 12:05 – 1 p.m.

August 10, 2023, from 12:05 – 1 p.m.

November 7, 2023, from 12:05 – 1 p.m.


WELLSENSE MASSHEALTH ACO UPDATES


The Northeast PHO understands there has been an influx of communications and meetings surrounding the WellSense MassHealth ACO which will go live on April 1, 2023. In an effort to help keep resources consolidated, we have created a tab on our website dedicated to information we are able to share that we believe will be helpful at this time. 

www.nepho.org/masshealth-aco

Check back frequently for additional resources!


FALLON HEALTH-ATRIUS HEALTH CARE COLLABORATIVE


Specialists who opted in to this contract that went into effect on April 1, 2023, please click here to view and download a training presentation.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messlaar@lahey.org or 978-236-1784.


PAYOR UPDATES


Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Medical Policy Update: Serological Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
The policy has been updated as follows: Policy revised to include that monitoring adherence to a gluten-free diet with serum IgA anti-gliadin or IgA transglutaminase (TTG) levels is considered medically necessary. Reference 28-38 added. Coding Clarified. To view the complete policy, click here.

Authorization Requirements by Products
BCBSMA has posted an updated Authorization Requirements by Products. To view the complete list, click here.

Upcoming claim edits for monitored anesthesia care
This article is for anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists
Effective for dates of service on or after July 1, 2023, we will implement diagnosis-driven claim edits to reinforce our existing medical policy 154 guidelines. As a reminder, we cover monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopies and upper endoscopies when medically necessary. Medical policy 154 describes clinical scenarios where monitored anesthesia care is medically necessary for endoscopic procedures, outlined by certain medical
conditions and complication risks.

Our medical policy aligns with the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) guidelines.

Why are we doing this?

In accordance with the above guidelines, endoscopic procedures can be performed under either moderate sedation or monitored anesthesia care.

  • In appropriately selected patients, moderate sedation is comparably safe and more cost effective than monitored anesthesia care.
  • The member’s cost share is the same for either monitored anesthesia care or moderate sedation, and the amount is based on their plan benefits.
    • Note: If an endoscopic procedure is performed under monitored anesthesia care and does not align with medical policy 154, the member is not liable for the non-covered amount.

As a result of processing claims in accordance with our policy on a pre-payment basis, we are able to reduce the number of claims needing post-payment review. For more information click here

Medicare

MLN Fact Sheet: Medicare Secondary Payer: Don’t Deny Services & Bill Correctly
Continue to see and treat Medicare patients, even if CMS previously mistakenly denied or rejected a claim providers submitted as Medicare primary. Sometimes claims are mistakenly denied or rejected by Medicare when the claim diagnosis code is related to the patient’s MSP liability, no-fault, or workers’ compensation record found on the eligibility response. You can appeal these claim denials or rejections with the Medicare Administrative Contractor. Part A providers can submit adjustments. Learn how to bill correctly for liability, no-fault, and worker’s compensation claims. For additional information, click here.

Medicare Preventive Services — Revised
Learn about what’s changed: 1) Cardiovascular disease screening tests: Added information on lipid testing national coverage determination. 2) Glaucoma screening: Added information on local coverage article. 3) Medical nutrition therapy: Clarified frequency for subsequent years. 4) Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program: Clarified information on A1c test values for diagnosing prediabetes or diabetes. 5) Prostate cancer screening: Added CPT code 0359U effective January 1, 2023. To view the notification, click here.

April 2023 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Quarterly Update Reminder Trans. R11883CP, CR#12949
Transmittal 11711 issued November 17, 2022, is being rescinded and replaced by Transmittal 11883, dated, March 1, 2023, to update business requirement 12949.1 to state the HCPS file will be made available in mid-February. All other information remains the same. The purpose of this Change Request (CR) is to remind the Medicare contractors that the quarterly update to the HCPCS file is available for them to download. The complete HCPCS file is updated and released quarterly. The file contains existing, new, revised and discontinued HCPCS codes for the April 2023 quarter. Contractors must download the file via the CMS mainframe in March 2023. The recurring update notification applies to chapter 23, section 20 of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual. This CR only reminds the Medicare contractors that the Quarterly update to the HCPCS file will be available for them to download. To view the transmittal, click here.

Public Health Emergency (PHE) 1135 Waivers: Updated Guidance for Providers (COVID-19)
On February 9, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will end on May, 11, 2023. COVID-19 remains a significant priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and over the next several months, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will work to ensure a smooth transition. During the PHE, CMS has used a combination of emergency authority waivers, regulations, enforcement discretion, and sub-regulatory guidance to ensure easier access to care during the PHE for health care providers and their beneficiaries. Some of the flexibilities that were created during the pandemic were recently expanded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. Others, while critical during the initial responses to COVID-19, are no longer needed. CMS has made further updates to CMS Emergencies Page with useful information for providers – specifically around major telehealth and individual waivers – that were initiated during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). For additional information, click here.

Point32 Health

Inactive Account Management for Secure Portal
Point32 Health encourages provider practices to regularly review their secure portal account to ensure that the list of registered users is accurate and up to date. To aid in account maintenance, Point32 Health will be removing inactive user accounts from the Tufts Health Plan secure portal, beginning March 31, 2023. For additional information, click here.

Harvard Pilgrim Provider Portal Required Fields Update
Harvard Pilgrim is making an update to the electronic prior authorization request submission process in HPHConnect, the online provider portal, which will take effect May 4, 2023. With the update, Contact Name and Contact Info will become required fields when submitting an outpatient service transaction. Today, these fields are required for inpatient services, but optional for outpatient services. For additional information, click here.

New Medical Policy: Manual Wheelchairs
New MNG adopted for Integration for THP. The policy and coverage criteria is as follows: For this policy, the Plan draws upon the following InterQual criteria: 1) Wheelchair Manual, Standard Hemi (low seat). 2) Wheelchair Manual, Lightweight. 3) Wheelchair Manual, High Strength Lightweight. 3) Wheelchair Manual, Ultra Lightweight. 4) Wheelchair Manual, Heavy Duty. 5) Wheelchair Manual, Extra Heavy Duty. 6) Wheelchair Manual, Adult Size, Includes Tilt in Space. Exclusions: The Plan will not cover the purchase of a manual wheelchair for use as a back-up mobility device when primary mobility device is in need of repair or when manual wheelchair is needed for convenience purposes of Member and/or Member’s caregiver(s). To view the complete policy, click here.


PHARMACY UPDATE


Heart Failure (HF) Pharmacy Initiative

A 2023 BILHPN Strategic Goal is to reduce HF readmission rate by 6.75%. In support of this goal, the BILHPN Pharmacy team will be focusing on implementation of Guideline Directed Medication Therapy (GDMT) as outlined in the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. Data supports use of quadruple therapy as the foundation for GDMT for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, with LVEF < 40%).

Quadruple therapy consists of the following medications:

  • ARNI (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor) sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto), OR ACE-inhibitor (any), or ARB candesartan, losartan or valsartan
  • Beta blocker metoprolol succinate, carvedilol or bisoprolol (not tartrate)
  • MRA (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) eplerenone or spironolactone
  • SGLT-2i (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor) empagliflozin or dapagliflozin 

Several charts provided in the 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure are provided below for your reference:

Medications for Treatment of Obesity

The popularity of GLP 1 RA’s for the treatment of obesity has created a significant demand for these agents and subsequent back orders, resulting in the need for PA coverage for alternative GLP 1 RA agents and/or interruption in treatment for patients with diabetes. Please see the Medications for Treatment of Obesity chart that shows coverage and requirements by plan.

Currently neither Medicaid nor Medicare Part D plans are covering medications for obesity. In addition, currently only Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are the only GLP 1 RA’s approved for weight loss even though Ozempic (semaglutide), for treatment of diabetes, is available in different strengths.

BILH COVID Guidelines/Resources

BILH Clinical Guidance – COVID-19 BILH Treatment Guidelines.pdf – All Documents (sharepoint.com)

BILH Clinical Guidance – COVID-19 Molnupiravir and Paxlovid Oral Therapy Guidelines.pdf – All Documents (sharepoint.com)

BILHPN Pharmacy Newsletters:

Each month the BILHPN Pharmacy Team publishes a valuable newsletter with current pharmacy related issues. You can access them by using the www.nepho.org Website under Pharmacy Resources*

*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.


POPULATION HEALTH UPDATE


March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

  • Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the US 
  • In the US 1:24 will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime 
  • Screening is recommended for all people 45 years and older 

Who is considered high risk and warrants direct visualization with colonoscopy? 

Personal history of: Positive FIT or positive Cologuard test, adenoma polyp, high-risk genetic syndromes, red flag symptoms (unexplained iron-deficiency anemia, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, and intestinal obstruction or perforation). 

First Degree Relatives (FDRs) diagnosed with:

  • Colorectal cancer 
  • Advanced adenoma (>1cm, high-grade dysplasia or villous elements) 
  • Advanced serrated lesion (Sessile serrated polyp >1cm, traditional serrated adenoma >1cm, SSP with cytologic dysplasia) 
  • High-risk genetic syndromes: May warrant/consider genetic testing as well 
    • Lynch syndrome 
    • Familial adenomatous polyposis 
    • MUTYH-associated polyposis 
    • Juvenile polyposis 
    • Cowden syndrome 
    • Li-Fraumeni Syndrome 
    • Attenuated FAP 
    • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome 
    • Serrated polyposis syndrome 
  • If 1 or more FDR: begin screening at age 40yrs or 10y before FDR diagnosis (whichever is earlier)
  • Perform Colonoscopy Q5 years 
    • If family member adamantly declines colonoscopy- yearly FIT should be offered 
      • Clearly educate the patient that FIT testing would be suboptimal, and a negative test would not be completely reassuring
      • If FIT is positive–> Colonoscopy 

References 

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1819350-overview 

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-colorectal-cancer-in-patients-with-a-family-history-of-colorectal-cancer-or-advanced-polyp?sectionName=Choosing%20a%20screening%20test&search=colorectal%20cancer%20screening%20guidelines&topicRef=7576&anchor=H3387122727&source=see_link#H3079853056

https://www.ccalliance.org/screening-prevention/screening-methods


PROVIDER RELATIONS


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 here.

Please reach out to Alycia Messelaar at alycia.messelaar@lahey.org if you are interested in being featured in a Virtual Networking video. 


Click here for the PDF version of the updated PHO Directory as of March 2023. 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 at 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 are the key memos that have been sent out over the last month –

JUST in case you missed it!

  • Monthly BILH Pharmacy Newsletters
  • Monthly BILHPN BMC WellSense MassHealth ACO Newsletter
  • Monthly Beth Israel Lahey Health Performance Network CDI Newsletter
  • 2023 Nominating Committee Letters
  • BILHPN Centralized Care Management Updates
  • Boston Children’s Hospital
    • Boston Children’s Hospital: Cont. Ed Opportunities and Urgent & Emergency Referral Process @ BCH
  • NECoMG 2021 Surplus Distribution
  • WellSense MassHealth ACO:
    • PC Cap Meeting invites (slides available)
    • WellSense ACO Training Meeting invites (slides available)
    • MassHealth ACO Resources for Primary Care
    • BILHPN Network Relations | MassHealth: WellSense BILH Performance Network ACO Go-Live April 1
    • Updated PCP Tiering (Tracking Grid and Oral Health Implementation) and Care Management Info

Please reach out to Alycia.Messelaar@lahey.org for a specific communication that you are unable to find.


RECOVERY RESOURCES AND OUTREACH PLANNING


MassHealth alerted WellSense to a potential disruption to buprenorphine access with the highest anticipated impact in the southeast region. Recently, a criminal complaint against Recovery Connection Centers of America was made public. Our understanding is that at least some RCCA locations have closed or ceased operations, and we anticipate that increasingly members/providers may call looking for assistance/resources. Gaps in treatment for SUD, especially medication treatment for opioid use disorder, can be not only disruptive but also life threatening. Below are recommended resources for members and providers seeking support: 

Patient Resources: 

  • BMC and BSAS have setup a hotline number to assist patients experiencing a gap in care: 617-414-4175. Additionally, BSAS has updated resources on the HELPLINE: www.helplinema.org or call 800-327-5050 Some printable materials are linked below.
  • Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) Patients can call or text- 833-773-2445 for assistance in identifying a provider or if in need of other supports. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. 
  • Many primary care practices offer medication for substance use disorder treatment, including buprenorphine. Patients can also access their local CBHC for same day MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) or linkage to a new provider as well if they are in need of crisis services. Providers can access Community Behavioral Health Centers | Mass.gov or can call the BHHL to identify which CBHC is closest for the member- 833-773-2445 
  • Carelon’s (Formerly Beacon) Northeast Access Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year and can offer support to members needing assistance. 866-444-5155; direct line-617-790-5601 
  • This website provides information on how to access Naloxone from the pharmacy with or without a prescription.

Provider Resources (in addition to the resources above): 

  • We encourage providers to directly continue SUD treatment when possible. Reminder, as of January 2023, no DEA waiver is needed for buprenophine prescription anymore 
    • For clinicians who are taking on the care of these patients MCSTAP offers a warm line to help providers manage SUD; for more information click here or call 1-833-PAIN-SUD (1-833-724-6783)
    • Click here to view, download and print a table which provides information about starting or continuing medication for alcohol and opioid use disorder for patients. 
  • Reminder: even though primary care practices cannot be reimbursed for primary care for Medicaid patients outside their Medicaid ACO, they CAN be reimbursed for buprenorphine treatment for all Medicaid patients. And as above, this website provides information on how to access Naloxone from the pharmacy with or without a prescription.
  • Click here for sample language for any staff receiving calls from affected patients.
  • Click here for sample language for any staff making calls from affected patients.
  • Click here and here for additional resources from the state. 

REFERRAL MANAGEMENT UPDATE


NEPHO Preference Lists

The NEPHO Referral Order Preference List have been updated and can provide your clinician with the full NEPHO Specialist directory to help facilitate the ordering of clinical services for their patients.

  • Providers are able to save customized preference lists so that orders are easily available with preferred details. Rather than building a preference list from scratch, you can copy another user’s list.
  • Epic Preference List – Open the preference list composer. This can be found under EPIC tools or under the wrench
  • From the Preference List Selector Screen – Click “copy user” in the lower left corner
  • Enter the name of the person to copy from (Ann Cabral) and the name of the person to copy to (self), select Outpatient to see only the Outpatient Orders. Check the box next to Referrals that you would like to copy
  • In the “Copy Option” field, select Merge or Replace. This option will replace your current Referrals favorites with the new list
  • Click copy on the lower right-hand side
  • The system may take a few seconds to copy the preference list. When the copy is complete, you will see a pop up window indicating that copy is complete and click on OK

EPIC users please contact Ann Cabral at Ann.Cabral@Lahey.org for instructions on how to copy the NEPHO Specialty Referral Orders into your EPIC Preference List.


CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION IMPROVEMENT


OPTUM NEWSLETTERMarch- Obesity and Protein – Calorie Malnutrition


Please click here to view the 2023 Optum webinar schedule.

Did you know? Obesity and Morbid Obesity are always clinically relevant to the care your patients receive.

Please be sure to document:
1. Your patient’s BMI
AND
2. The corresponding diagnosis of Obesity or Morbid Obesity as a separate problem in your assessment and plan when present
Obesity = patient with admitting BMI > 30

Morbid Obesity = patient with admitting BMI > 35

Per coding guidelines, you only need to document the diagnosis and corresponding BMI to show your patients’ severity of illness. You DO NOT need to document how your patients’ Obesity or Morbid Obesity impacted their care.

“Individuals who are overweight, obese or morbidly obese are at an increased risk for certain medical conditions when compared to persons of normal weight. Therefore, these conditions are always clinically significant and reportable when documented by the provider.”-AHA Coding Clinic, 3rd quarter 2011, Vol. 28, Num. 3, pages 4-5.

If you have any coding questions, please reach out to Jessica Bryan, Lead Certified Coder, Jessica.Bryan@lahey.org.


PATIENT EXPERIENCE COMMENTS


Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary and Specialty Care, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road Suite 203

  • Dr. Deborah Shih – I have never felt more listened to or cared for by medical professionals.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 100 Cummings Center

  • Dr. Pierre Ezzi and his team are very professional, courteous and knowledgeable.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 30 Tozer Road

  • I love Dr. Spencer Amesbury. A very special physician!
  • This was my first physical with my new doctor, Dr. Karenjeet Chahal. I was impressed. She had obviously spent time reviewing my history, answered my questions, and was in no hurry to rush me out. I would highly recommend her.
  • Dr. Gail Ellis is wonderful. Knowledgeable, courteous, such a nice person.
  • I am very happy with the care I am receiving from Dr. Neeraj Mahajan and the staff.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Beverly – 900 Cummings Center 

  • I have been a patient of Dr. Andrew Lenhardt’s for over 10 years. He has always been respectful. He listens and always has time for my questions and opinions.
  • Dr. Daniel McCullough is a treasure and a tribute to his field. He is professional, in every way, and at the same time never gives the impression of being in a hurry. He listens with great empathy, and is up to the minute on my issues. I regard him as a friend who cares about me and my family.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Danvers – 480 Maple Street Suite 204 

  • I have been a very happy patient of Dr. Kristina Jackson’s for several years. I feel they all take care of me and provide the best care possible.
  • Dr. Timothy Loughran – As usual everyone was courteous and professional. I am always treated with respect.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Danvers – 5 Federal Street

  • Dr. Brent Fryling is very thorough, thoughtful and caring with an outstanding persona. He is a pleasure to visit with and discuss medical questions, he listens very well and provides thoughtful information.
  • Dr. Brent Fryling – Everyone was very knowledgeable, professional, courteous, and friendly.
  • Dr. Margaret Legner was very experienced, thorough and very caring and concerned!! The office staff was also very caring, helpful and efficient!!

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

  • Dr. Amy Esdale and her entire staff are ALWAYS professional and caring. I have been a patient of hers for many years and I am always very impressed with their entire approach to healthcare, my specific needs/ concerns, and overall current and preventative care. You should be VERY proud of this great team.
  • Dr. Kathryn Hollett was so kind and respectful, I felt really comfortable with her and the staff. I felt that I could trust them to give me the treatment that I needed. I feel really confident that I will enjoy my future visits and can rely on them to help me with any health issue that arise now and in the future.

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

  • Dr. Karen Damico is in my opinion, an excellent care provider. She is professional, respectful, attentive, thoughtful and intelligent. I feel confident in her care and her ability. I am thankful to have her as my PCP.
  • I always look forward to seeing Dr. Victor Carabba. He has my complete confidence.

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Hamilton – 15 Railroad Avenue

  • Dr. William Medwid is very personable and knowledgeable and answered all my questions. We will definitely recommend him and your office!!

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, Manchester – 195 School Street

  • Dr. Jana Oettinger is caring and thorough. Great listener. Does not make me feel rushed.
  • Dr. Matthew Plosker is very patient oriented, caring, and supportive.

Blackburn Primary Care, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • Never a bad experience!! Dr. Jay Isaac Is a very compassionate, understanding, I know I am in good hands when it comes to my health.

Brian Orr Pediatrics, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • Dr. Brian Orr and staff are phenomenal. Dr. Orr was my Pediatrician and he’s honestly the best. Emily is amazing and we love her. I drive 15-20 minutes to see Dr. Orr and staff, and I honestly think it’s well worth it. Hats off to Dr. Orr and team! Bravo!

Cape Ann Medical Center, Gloucester – 1 Blackburn Drive

  • Dr. Shawn Pawson Always treats me with respect and kindness.

Cape Ann Pediatricians, Gloucester – 298 Washington Street

  • Dr. Jeffrey Stockman – Everyone is always so nice and helpful with anything I have questions about or just in general I always feel so welcomed when we come.

Danvers Family Doctors, Danvers – 140 Commonwealth Avenue

  • Dr. Subroto Bhattacharya – Incredibly amazing facility. Kind staff and a doctor who actually listens and gets to know his patient. I HIGHLY recommend this place!

EMTAR Healthcare, Inc., South Hamilton – 205 Willow Street

  • This is a great practice. Dr. Michael Edwards listens carefully, is vastly knowledgeable, and excellent about answering any questions and about follow-up. I recommend this practice highly.

Essex County Primary Care, South Hamilton – 42 Asbury Street 

  • Dr. Nicholas Avgerinos always takes time to listen and clearly pays attention. Always get an appointment right away if needed.

Garden City Pediatrics, Beverly – 83 Herrick Street

  • Our visit with Dr. John Dean was excellent and he helped us understand the issue. We really appreciate that he made space to see us at the last minute on a Saturday. Thank you for the amazing care GCP!
  • Dr. Suzanne Graves is very friendly, warm and easy to talk to. My twin teenagers like the care that she gives to them and never complain about going. She is so professional and works well with patients of all ages.
  • We love Dr. Sheryl Silva and have always felt respected by her. She takes time to explain things to us and makes us feel calm, especially as new parents.
  • We love Dr. Eric Sleeper! He always takes the time to answer all our questions!

Leonard Horowitz, M.D., Danvers – 7 Federal Street

  • Dr. Leonard Horowitz and his staff are always so professional and kind. They listen and give the best feedback. I feel heard and safe as a patient which is super important to me.

North Shore Pediatrics, Danvers – 480 Maple Street 

  • We love Dr. David Danis. He always gives his time and explains thoroughly the symptoms of our kids and goes beyond!
  • Dr. Lance Goodman is amazing. He is very caring and great doctor!
  • Dr. Maureen Mathews is the most caring and thoughtful medical provider. We always recommend this practice to others.

Thomas Pearce, MD, Gloucester – 279 East Main Street

  • I cannot say enough about how amazing I think Dr. Thomas Pearce is. He listens and looks into concerns without just assuming they are of no concern. I trust him and his advice completely.

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

  • I feel comfortable with Dr. Candace Thompson and her staff! Good discussions about my health, and how to handle what has to continue at home. Excellent experience.

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:

Estelle Mullen for outstanding year-long support and collaboration with the NEPHO Population Health Team and proactively outreaching to patients to meet quality measures.

Tammy Silveira, Practice Manager, with Suzanne Muise whom she nominated for our practice recognition award. The certificate reads “For your dedication professionalism and outstanding teamwork at the office of Dr. Tom Pearce.”

Robin Ingalls at Lahey Institute for Urology for her exceptional support in keeping care within the Northeast PHO.

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