Primary Care Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an appointment?

If you are a first-time patient, call 617.414.5951 or book online using ZocDoc. If you are a returning patient, please call 617.414.5951.

Where are you located?

801 Massachusetts Ave
6^th Floor
Boston, MA 02119

What are your hours of operation?

A physician is on-call at all other times. To make an appointment, or to speak with the doctor on-call, call us at 617.414.5951.

If you have a medical emergency, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What if I need care when the office is closed?

To access the on-call physician, call 617.414.5951 and our answering service will page the on-call physician. If you have a medical emergency, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What should I expect at my first visit?

On your first visit, you will meet your physician, recount your medical history and other information, and have a physical exam.

• Please bring a list of any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal preparations.
• A family member or caregiver is always welcome to come with you. Remember, however, that your physician may ask very personal questions.
• It is important that you answer these questions honestly and fully as the answers may have important implications for your care.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment so that you can register and complete paperwork.

What is an Internal Medicine doctor?

Doctors of Internal Medicine focus on general adult medicine. They care for patients from the teen years through old age. Internists have special training that focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.

What is a Primary Care Physician and why do I need one?

Your primary care physician (PCP) is your partner for health and through the health care system. He or she will educate, advise, and guide you with all of your health care needs. Your PCP can be a doctor of Internal Medicine or a nurse practitioner who focuses on primary care. Having a PCP is important because he or she can determine when you need to see a specialist, help you find the right specialist, and coordinate all of your care. Many health care insurers require a referral from your PCP before you can see a specialist.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept most major health insurance and managed-care plan. We also provide free care for patients without insurance who cannot afford to pay. Please familiarize yourself with your insurance plan, especially regarding co-pays, referrals, and emergency care. Be sure to bring your health insurance card and your co-payment with you to every appointment.

What if I need urgent care?

We help treat acute problems such as coughs, flu, sore throats, stomach ache, sprains, and other common medical complaints. When you are sick, please call 617.414.5951. If your regular doctor is not available, we will schedule you with another physician or a physician's assistant on your doctor’s team.

If you have a medical emergency, you should go directly to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What if I need an interpreter?

Interpreters are available either on site or on call to assist patients who do not speak English.

How can I get a prescription refill?

For prescription refills, please call 617.414.5951

Please call your doctor’s office before you run out of medication. We will process all routine prescription refills within 48 hours. For some medications, the refill process can take longer so please plan ahead.

How do I learn more about the behavioral medicine programs?

For more information on BMC’s behavioral medicine programs like smoking cessation, hypertension clinic, chronic pain management and stress reduction and relaxation center call 617.414.5098.