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Frequently Asked Questions



Do I need a referral?
How do I get a referral?
How do I get a prescription refill?
How do I get a prior authorization for my medication and how long will it take?
How do I get my test results?
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
How can I reschedule an appointment?
What should I do if I will be late to my appointment?
Are all services covered by my insurance carrier?
What do I do if I have an urgent medical issue or medical issue over the weekend?

Do I need a referral?

Your insurance plan may require that you obtain a managed care referral from your primary care physician in order to see a specialist either inside or outside of the Brigham and Women's Network.

How do I get a referral?

If you need an approved referral, please call 617-732-9300, option #3, and you will be connected directly with the Brigham's Patient Service Center where your referral request will be processed. Please be ready to give the following information:

  • Your name, BWH medical record number or social security number
  • Specialist name, location, and phone number
  • Date of the appointment
  • Reason/diagnosis (if available)

    • How do I get a prescription refill?

    You can contact us by phone (call 617-732-9300, option #2) or through your Patient Gateway account to request a prescription refill. A prescription refill may take up to 2 business days to fill, or longer if a prior authorization from your insurance company is required, so please plan accordingly. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
  • Your name and a phone number (with area code) where you can be reached
  • Your BWH medical record number or social security number
  • Your physician's name
  • The name and dose of your medication
  • The name and phone number of your pharmacy
  • The name and number of your prescription insurance plan

    • How do I get a prior authorization for my medication and how long will it take?

    Many of the insurance carriers require prior authorizations for certain medications, slowing the process of refills.  When a prior authorization is required, we must first work with your insurance company to secure a prior authorization in order to guarantee that the insurance company will pay their portion of the medication cost.
    How do I get my test results?

    Test results are communicated in writing. If the results are normal, you should receive a letter from your physician about 2 weeks after the tests were done. A member of the medical team will communicate any results of concern to you as soon as we receive them. If you do not receive results within 3 weeks, please call the practice at 617-732-9300, and press option #5 to speak with a nurse.
    What do I need to bring to my appointment?

    • Brigham and Women's blue hospital registration card (if available)
    • Insurance cards (please notify the receptionist if your insurance information has recently changed)
    • List of medications you are currently taking and/or the actual medications themselves
    • Co-payment in the form of cash, check and most major credit cards
    • If first appointment:
      • Completed patient history form
      • Name and location of your preferred Pharmacy
      • Pertinent medical records from outside of Partners HealthCare System
    How can I reschedule an appointment?

    If you must change or cancel your appointment, please notify us at 617-732-9300 at least 2 business days before your scheduled visit so that we may accommodate other patients who are waiting to be seen.
    What should I do if I will be late to my appointment?

    Please call us as soon as you realize you may be late for your appointment.  We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we will do our best to accommodate you while respecting the needs of those patients who were on time for their appointments.  Unfortunately, at times it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment should you arrive late.
    Are all services covered by my insurance carrier?

    Brigham and Women's Hospital accepts most insurance plans. Please contact your insurance company to ensure that your physician is in your approved network and the service you receive is a benefit covered by your insurance plan.

    All services performed will be billed in two components: 1) one bill from Brigham and Women’s Physician Organization (BWPO) for the professional (MD) component of your visit, and 2) one bill from Brigham and Women’s Hospital for the facility/staff support component of your visit. If you have an out-of-state insurance plan, we recommend that you contact your insurance company in advance to discuss whether they will cover both parts of the bill. Once bills are issued, please contact the phone numbers on the bills you receive if you have any further questions or concerns regarding payment.
    What do I do if I have an urgent medical issue or a medical issue over the weekend?

    If you have a medical concern, please call our practice Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 617-732-9300 and press option #5 to speak with a nurse to assess your situation and schedule an urgent care appointment.

    After office hours, you may call 617-732-9300 and press option #6 to page your doctor.  (If your doctor is unavailable, the page will automatically be sent to the covering doctor on call.)

    For medical emergencies please dial 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room at the main hospital at 75 Francis Street in Boston or the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain.

    Primary care patients may be seen for urgent Weekend Care at the Faulkner Hospital, Suite 5910, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Space is limited and an appointment is required. To make an appointment, call our office at 617-732-9300 and follow the instructions to page the doctor on call. If an appointment is deemed necessary, the doctor will provide you with the number to the Brigham Primary Physicians. The Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain is part of Brigham and Women's Hospital, and has full laboratory, radiology, and emergency services.
    Send Feedback   Send Feedback to: Dora Tovar at connorscenter@partners.org
    This page was last modified on 8/10/2009