Referrals Policy

As primary care physicians, we can manage most of your child's health care at our office.

For medical issues that require further specialty care, you should always contact our office to discuss referral requests prior to making an appointment with a specialist. We refer to specialists in whom we have confidence and who communicate with us regularly about our patients’ needs. We are affiliated with the world renowned Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (MGHfC). In addition to their location in Boston, they have many satellites, making it much more convenient for those residing in and around Bristol County. MGHfC specialists are able to access your records, growth chart and laboratory results allowing them to coordinate care more efficiently with your primary care physician. Staying within the MGHfC system allows your primary care physician to become your advocate in securing appointments.

If your insurance plan is a PPO, you do not need a referral from your primary care physician.

If you have an HMO plan, you are required to have a referral from your primary care physician in order for your insurance company to pay for the visit.

Once your pediatrician has recommended that your child see a specialist, you may call the specialist and make an appointment. If you require a referral, we suggest that you call us as soon as you make your appointment with the specialist. Please allow up to seven business days to process your referral. Requests made less than seven business days prior to the appointment or after the appointment has already taken place may not be able to be processed. 

To have an insurance referral processed, please call us during regular office hours. We will ask you for the following information:

• Your child’s name
• Date of birth
• Name of your primary care physician
• Name of your insurance carrier
• Insurance carrierID number
• Name of the specialist
• Specialist’s phone
• Fax numbers
• Appointment date
• Location
• Reason for the referral
• Your name and phone number in the event that there are questions regarding your referral.