Arun Mukherjee

My philosophy of patient care: All patients are treated with respect and given the individualized attention that they deserve.  I care about my patients and believe that communication and education are essential aspects of a healthy doctor-patient relationship.  My goal is to establish long lasting, trusted relationships with individuals.  I strive to do more than manage your physical health – I want to be a resource you can rely on and to help you with every aspect of your well-being.  I listen carefully and take the time to understand what the root issues are.  As your doctor, this helps me target the most appropriate course of action, and it’s also key to helping you feel comfortable and confident with me. I enjoy seeing and interacting with people for their internal medicine and primary care needs. I have easily available, practically no-wait scheduling.  I see a wide variety of patients spanning all age groups, both male and female.   Most often, I see urgent visits on the same day or the next day.  I am almost always available to solve the medical problems of my patients.   I prefer face-to-face interaction. MRCP FAC

Atrius Health Information:

 

Welcome to Atrius Health! If you are a new Atrius Health adult primary care patient, please download our welcome packet below. This includes important info about how to get your medical records to us from your former doctor, access 24/7 telephone medical advice, schedule urgent care appointments, sign-up for appointment reminders by text and more! Thank you for selecting Atrius Health for your care.

New-Patient-Welcome-Packet-March-2020.pdf

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Specialty Referrals

To whom will I be referred for specialty care?

 

 

If your Atrius Health PCP determines a specialist is needed for your care, he/she will refer you, whenever possible, to a specialist within Atrius Health, or to a limited group of trusted specialists from outside offices in the event we cannot accommodate your need at our practice.  Over the last few years, we have significantly expanded our in-house specialty services and continue to improve appointment access to meet your care needs.

 

It is important to understand that for care that requires a referral Atrius Health does not refer to all of the specialists and hospitals that may be included in your health plan’s network of providers. Unless you are in active treatment elsewhere, or if we are unable to provide you with the appropriate clinical expertise within a clinically appropriate time, you will be referred to an Atrius Health clinician.   Similarly when hospital-based care is needed, we refer to our preferred hospital partners. The clinicians at Atrius Health refer within these trusted specialty and hospital relationships to provide you with the most complete and coordinated care.

In Massachusetts, a referral is not required to select an obstetrician, and the same is true for behavioral health services (other than for patients who have Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO as their insurance.)  Atrius Health offers a wide range of obstetrical care, including certified nurse-midwives who work collaboratively with our obstetricians.  We also have one of the largest out-patient behavioral health teams in the area, along with a broad range of other preferred clinicians we work with in the community.

How does my health plan product (insurance) affect my referrals?

The rules established by the health plans for referrals vary widely by insurance company and product. It is really important to understand the options and restrictions of any health plan before you enroll and to contact the health plan’s member services to learn what is required before they will pay for a test or specialist.

If you have a managed care health plan (e.g. HMO), these plans expect your PCP to coordinate your care through referrals and do not allow a patient to make his/her choice of specialists.   Your PCP will make the selection of specialists within our preferred relationships that best meet your needs and will then provide the referral.  Other types of health plan products (e.g., PPO, POS) may allow you to pay additional costs to see a specialist other than the one recommended by your physician.

If your health plan requires a referral and you choose to see clinicians outside of approved referrals from your PCP, you will likely be responsible for paying the entire bill (not just a co-pay or deductible). Even if your health plan does not require a referral, we strongly suggest that you call your PCP’s office to assess your needs as a first step in considering the right specialty care.

May I request a referral from my PCP’s office after I have seen a specialist or on the same day as my specialist appointment?

At Atrius Health, referrals must be requested in advance of a non-emergency visit with a specialist and we typically require 3 business days to review referral requests. If you choose to see a specialist without the approved PCP referral required by your health plan, it is likely that you will be responsible for payment of the entire bill (not just a co-payment or deductible). Please note that back-dated or same-day referral requests will usually not be approved by our practice other than for a medical emergency.

What if I am referred to a specialist when I am at another specialist, the emergency room or in the hospital?

You should call your PCP’s office for a referral before seeing a specialist who is recommended by the emergency room or another provider and before following up with a specialist who you have seen at the hospital. This will ensure that we can best facilitate within our connected system any follow-up care that is needed and try to help you to avoid a repeat emergency visit or hospital readmission.

Who do I call if I have a question about a referral?

If you are requesting information about whether a referral is required by your health plan, please call health plan’s member services at the phone number on your health insurance card. If you have a medical question related to a referral, please call your PCP’s office.

 

Medicare Information

At 65, most Americans are eligible for full Medicare benefits. It should be simple, but transitioning from a commercial or employer group health insurance plan to Medicare can be confusing. There is much to consider regarding your medical coverage when it comes time to retire, and it’s wise to do your research well in advance of turning 65.

We want to help make your transition to Medicare as easy as possible. The following resources will help guide you through your Medicare decision process:

• Helpful Medicare-related websites– We’ve put together a list of additional resources about Medicare and other related services.
• Medicare insurance plans accepted at Atrius Health– We want to make sure that you have a plan that is accepted by your Atrius Health providers and can best support your healthcare needs and budget.

Find additional information about Medicare and other related services on the following websites.

General Medicare information:

• gov– Tools and guidance on choosing Medicare plans including the “Find a plan” tool. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/ or call 1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048.
• gov– Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides Medicare policy updates and specific information on Medicare benefits, https://www.cms.gov/medicare/medicare-general-Information/medicareGenInfo/index.html.
• Medicare Interactive– Educational website run by the Medicare Rights Center provides general information as well as answers to more detailed questions about Medicare topics, https://www.medicareinteractive.org/learning-center.

Social Security Administration – Medicare enrollment information. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/ or call 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.

A Guide to Social Security For Seniors – A resource that provides detailed information about eligibility and how to claim benefits.

Guide to Medicare counseling resources available in Massachusetts – Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone (SHINE), https://www.mass.gov/health-insurance-counseling. To reach a SHINE Counselor, call 1-800-243-4636 and press 3 if calling from a land line or press 5 if calling from cell phone. TTY 1-877-610-0241.

Mass Health – Information on how Medicare and Mass Health work together, MA Health eligibility requirements, and application information. Visit www.mass.gov/masshealth or call 1-800-841-2900.

Financial assistance for Part D, prescription drug benefits.

Medicare and You handbook – A comprehensive guide published each year by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Available to download in PDF format.

Federal Employees – Medicare information for Federal retirees such as how Medicare works with Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) insurance options.

State and Municipal Employees – Information for those who obtain health insurance benefits from the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) which includes most state workers and some municipal employees.

Medicare Plans

Please contact the plan directly for more information about the costs and benefits covered for a specific Medicare plan.

ORIGINAL MEDICARE

• gov– 1-800-633-4227

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

• AARP/United Health Care– (1-866-636-2460)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Medicare HMO Blue(1-800-678-2265)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Medicare PPO Blue (1-800-678-2265)
• Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred HMO(1-888-974-0122)

Please note: We do not accept Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO/POS, eternalHealth Medicare Advantage HMO, Fallon Senior Plans HMO, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Stride HMO, Humana Medicare Advantage HMO, Mass General Brigham Medicare Advantage HMO/POS, Senior Whole Health Medicare Advantage HMO, or Wellcare Medicare Advantage HMO plans.

We are out-of-network for Aetna Medicare Advantage PPO, CCA Medicare Advantage PPO, eternalHealth, Mass General Brigham Medicare Advantage PPO, Senior Whole Health Medicare Advantage PPO, and Wellcare Medicare Advantage PPO plans.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS

• AARP/United Health Care (Core and Supplement 1)
• Aetna Individual Medicare Supplement Plan
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Managed Blue for Seniors
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Medex (all plans)
• GIC Commonwealth Indemnity Medicare Plan Extension (OME)
• Harvard Pilgrim Medicare Enhance
• Harvard Pilgrim Medicare Supplement Plan
• Medex (all plans)
• Tricare for Life
• Tufts Medicare Complement
• Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement Plan (Core and Supplement One)
• United Health Care (UHC)

The above list highlights some of the Medicare Supplement Plans we accept at Atrius Health, but it is not a complete list of plans accepted at the practice. If your Medicare Supplement plan is not listed above, please call 1-800-249-1767 to check if we accept your specific plan.

Patient Billing

Atrius Health has a responsibility to our patients to appropriately bill and collect payment for services provided. We take this responsibility seriously and, as a partner in your health care, would like to share some information to help you with the billing process.

If you have any questions regarding your billing statement, financial policies or price transparency, please contact the Patient Billing Call Center.

Patient Billing Call Center
1-800-898-7980
Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm

Payment Options

There are multiple options to make payment on your bill:

• If you have a MyHealthAccount, you can also log in there to view and pay your bill online or select a paperless statement option.
• Online Bill Pay – click hereto use a debit card or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express) to pay your bill online
• Through your bank – be sure to enter the remittance address on the payment coupon
• At practice sites – can accept cash or credit card payments
• By mail – send check with payment coupon and mail in enclosed remittance envelope to Atrius Health, P.O. Box 415432, Boston, MA 02241-5432

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have coverage through two policies?
Some patients have coverage through two policies and can incur out-of-pocket expenses for health care services. As a courtesy, we will submit your claims to both insurance companies. You may receive a bill for out-of-pocket expenses after both insurance companies have reviewed your claims. If you find yourself in this situation, contact the second insurance company for more information.

Why did I get charged a cancellation fee?
Depending on the specialty area in which your appointment is scheduled, a cancellation fee may be charged. This fee for cancellation can be billed for cancellation with less than 24 hours notice or less than 48 hours, per the specialty’s policy.

What if I am seeing the doctor because I was in a car accident or had an accident at work?
On occasion, visits and medical care can be a result of an injury that occurs in a motor vehicle accident or while at work. It is important that you let your physician’s office know when scheduling an appointment and when checking in that the visit is related to this type of injury. In addition, it is important that you provide our offices with the information for your auto insurer and/or worker’s compensation carrier so that we can direct the claim for your services to the appropriate insurer.

What if I want to know what benefits I have through my health insurance plan? 
The phone number to reach your insurance company should be on the back of your insurance card. The insurance has all of the information on your benefits including co-payment, deductible, coinsurance and what is covered benefits.

Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills

When you get emergency care or get treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, you are protected from surprise billing or balance billing.

WHAT IS “BALANCE BILLING” (SOMETIMES CALLED “SURPRISE BILLING”)?

When you see a doctor or other health care provider, you may owe certain out-of-pocket costs, such as a copayment, coinsurance, and/or a deductible. You may have other costs or have to pay the entire bill if you see a provider or visit a health care facility that isn’t in your health plan’s network.

“Out-of-network” describes providers and facilities that haven’t signed a contract with your health plan. Out-of-network providers may be permitted to bill you for the difference between what your plan agreed to pay and the full amount charged for a service. This is called “balance billing.” This amount is likely more than in-network costs for the same service and might not count toward your annual out-of-pocket limit.

“Surprise billing” is an unexpected balance bill. This can happen when you can’t control who is involved in your care—like when you have an emergency or when you schedule a visit at an in-network facility but are unexpectedly treated by an out-of-network provider.

YOU ARE PROTECTED FROM BALANCE BILLING FOR:

Emergency services

If you have an emergency medical condition and get emergency services from an out-of-network provider or facility, the most the provider or facility may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount (such as copayments and coinsurance). You can’t be balance billed for these emergency services. This includes services you may get after you’re in stable condition, unless you give written consent and give up your protections not to be balanced billed for these post-stabilization services.

Certain services at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center

When you get services from an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center, certain providers there may be out-of-network. In these cases, the most those providers may bill you is your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amount. This applies to emergency medicine, anesthesia, pathology, radiology, laboratory, neonatology, assistant surgeon, hospitalist, or intensivist services. These providers can’t balance bill you and may not ask you to give up your protections not to be balance billed.

If you get other services at these in-network facilities, out-of-network providers can’t balance bill you, unless you give written consent and give up your protections.

YOU’RE NEVER REQUIRED TO GIVE UP YOUR PROTECTIONS FROM BALANCE BILLING. YOU ALSO AREN’T REQUIRED TO GET CARE OUT-OF-NETWORK. YOU CAN CHOOSE A PROVIDER OR FACILITY IN YOUR PLAN’S NETWORK.

Your provider must notify you if you are being referred to another provider in the same practice of that provider’s out-of-network provider status with your health plan

WHEN BALANCE BILLING ISN’T ALLOWED, YOU ALSO HAVE THE FOLLOWING PROTECTIONS:

• You are only responsible for paying your share of the cost (like the copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles that you would pay if the provider or facility was in-network). Your health plan will pay out-of-network providers and facilities directly
• Your health plan generally must:
  • Cover emergency services without requiring you to get approval for services in advance (prior authorization)
  • Cover emergency services by out-of-network providers.
  • Base what you owe the provider or facility (cost-sharing) on what it would pay an in-network provider or facility and show that amount in your explanation of benefits.
  • Count any amount you pay for emergency services or out-of-network services toward your deductible and out-of-pocket limit.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact the Attorney General’s Health Care Division at 1-888-830-6277 or https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-health-care-complaint.

Visit cms.gov/nosurprises for more information about your rights under the federal law.

 

Understanding Insurance Coverage & Copayments

It is helpful to be knowledgeable of and understand your insurance coverage and what the out-of-pocket expenses will likely be when you go for an appointment. In addition, knowing this information will make understanding the charges easier when the bill arrives. Given the growing number of health plan requirements, coverage issues, and varying copayments, contact your insurance company if you have questions as to your level of coverage and what copayments, coinsurances and deductibles may be your responsibility. When it comes to copayments, keep in mind:

• Some insurance companies have policies that include a copayment for a physician’s visit and additional copayment(s) for lab or radiology services performed in a doctor’s office, even if these services are performed on the same day. There is various levels of coverage according to the reason for the lab work or visit. Often lab work ordered by the physician at your annual exam will have a patient liability as the physician orders the blood work for clinical reasons. If you present to your physical exam with acute or chronic symptoms and your physician evaluates those symptoms there may be an additional charge to your insurance plan for that.
• Most insurance companies have policies that include different co-payments for physicians of different specialties. For example, a visit with your primary care physician may be a $10.00 copayment and a visit with your orthopedic physician may be a copayment of $20.00.
• Your clinician may invite another clinician to consult on your case. If the consulting clinician provides a telephone consult or comes to the exam room to see you, he/she will submit a bill to your insurance company for his/her services. Thus, you may receive a bill according to your insurance plan’s out-of-pocket expenses.
• Coverage for eye exams varies according to health plan and employer. It is important that you know what your coverage is for eye exams and the preferred locations for eye exams. Your insurance company can provide that information.

Helpful Patient Billing Tips – Before, During and After Your Appointment

The following tips can help you, the patient, contribute to a more smooth overall health care experience.

When scheduling your appointment . . .

• Provide complete and accurate insurance information to your doctor’s office.
• Contact your insurance company if you have any questions on benefits. Often there is patent responsibility associated with annual physical exams as lab work is ordered by your physician for medical reasons and there is a coinsurance.
• When scheduling your annual physical exam, it is important to know and understand that a physical exam is limited to an evaluation of the body for screening purposes. It does not include management of existing conditions, diagnosis of new conditions, prescription management or extensive counseling by the clinician.
• When a patient has a physical exam and also has an acute or chronic issue that is discussed and/ or treated, it is appropriate to bill for more services and can result in co-payment or out-of-pocket expenses as determined by your health plan.

Before going to your appointment . . .

• Obtain all necessary referralsrequired by your insurance plan.
• Check with your insurancecompany to determine any applicable out-of-pocket expenses including co-payment, deductible and coinsurance that you will incur for the visit.
• Check with your insurance company to determine if there are exclusions from coverage including physical exams or preventive care.

When you check-in for your appointment . . .

• Present your insurance card and necessary referral information.
• Be mindful that you are expected to pay any co-payments, unpaid balances, or fees for any non-covered services.
• Recognize that uninsured patients are expected to pay in full at the time of the visit.

Post appointment financial considerations . . .

• Balances unpaid by your insurance company are due to be paid by you within 30 days of the date of your billing statement.
• Unpaid past due accounts will be referred to collection agencies and could potentially interfere with your ability to receive further care.

PAY YOUR BILL WITH MYHEALTH ONLINE

Atrius Health is pleased to offer our patients the convenience of paying your bill online using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express). Patients can easily pay their bill through MyHealth Online, our secure online patient portal, whether you have a MyHealth account or not. Here’s how:

Have a Current
MyHealth Account?

Click Here to sign into your secure MyHealth account and select the “Billing” tab.

 

Do NOT Have a
MyHealth Account?

No problem! Click Here to use our secure “Pay As Guest” MyHealth option.

TO USE THE “PAY AS GUEST” OPTION: Please have your Atrius Health paper billing statement available for reference. You will need to enter the Atrius Health Account Number (located in the upper right side of your billing statement) and the last name of the Atrius Health Account Holder listed on the billing statement to whom the bill is mailed.

If you have any questions about your Atrius Health statement or would like to update your address and/or insurance information, please contact the Atrius Health Patient Billing Call Center at 1-800-898-7980 from 8:00am-4:30pm (EST), Monday-Friday and we would be happy to assist you.

Sign up for a MyHealth Account

MyHealth Online is a highly secure, web-based portal that allows you to access portions of your health record and communicate with your doctor’s office about non-urgent matters. Additionally, it offers many convenient payment and billing features for patients who are the guarantor on the billing account:

·        View and print detailed billing statements for the past 12 months ·        View your payment history (up to 50 past payments) ·        Make a payment that is immediately posted to your account ·        Verify your balance due in real-time

Sign Up Today!

Health Insurance Plans Accepted by Atrius Health

The Atrius Health practices (Granite Medical Group, Dedham Medical Associates, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates and PMG Physician Associates) accept most health insurance plans. Click on your health plan category below for more detailed accepted insurance information:

• Commercial Medical Insurance Plans
• Medicare Plans
• MassHealth Plans
• One Care Plans
• Senior Care Options (SCO) Plans
• Behavioral Health Insurance Plans
• Vision Plans

Please note that all health plans are independent of Atrius Health and we may not accept every product from these insurance companies.

If you have questions about whether or not your health insurance plan is accepted by Atrius Health, please call our Patient Registration department at 1-800-249-1767.

If you have questions about your individual insurance plan benefits or coverage, please contact your insurance company directly at the member services number on your health insurance card.

Urgent Care at Atrius Health

For patients with illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention, call your Atrius Health primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment. If there is not a convenient same day or next day appointment available for you, Atrius Health offers urgent care options on the weekdays, weekends and most holidays at certain practice locations. All Atrius Health adult and pediatric patients can utilize these urgent care options regardless of where they see their Atrius Health primary care provider (Dedham Medical, Granite Medical, Harvard Vanguard, or PMG). As a reminder, you should always call 911 in the event of a life threatening emergency.

Weekday Urgent Care Locations

If the times offered at your usual practice site are not convenient, Atrius Health patients may receive weekday care at all of the locations below.

Boston (Kenmore) Adults Only (18 years and older) By Appointment Only Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm Address: 133 Brookline Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Braintree Adults Only (18 years and older) By Appointment Only  Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00pm Address: 111 Grossman Dr., Braintree, MA 02184 Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Norwood  Adults Only (18 Years and Older) By Appointment Only Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Address: 1177 Providence Highway (Route 1 South), Norwood, MA 02062 Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Peabody Adults Only (18 Years and Older) By Appointment Only Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm Address:2 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA 01960 Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Plymouth – Cordage Park Children and Adults (2 years and older) By Appointment (Atrius Health Patients Only) Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Address: 10 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Somerville Adults Only (18 years and older)  By Appointment Only  Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 8:00pm Address: 40 Holland Street, Somerville, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Weekend Urgent Care Locations

Weekend urgent care is available to Atrius Health patients at all of the locations below. Call your Atrius Health doctor’s office to schedule an urgent care appointment at the location nearest you.

Boston (Kenmore) Adults By Appointment Only Hours: Adults: Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm Holiday hours vary Address: 133 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Braintree Adults and Children  By Appointment Only Hours: Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm Holiday hours vary Address: 111 Grossman Drive, Braintree, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Chelmsford Adults and Children  By Appointment Only Hours: Adults: Saturday 9:00am – 2:00pm Pediatrics: Saturday and Sunday 9:00am – 2:00pm Holiday hours vary Address: 228 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Norwood  Dedham Medical Norwood (Adults and Children) By Appointment Only Hours for Adult Urgent Care: Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Hours for Pediatric Care: Saturday 9:00am – 3:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 1:00pm Address: 1177 Providence Highway (Route 1 South), Norwood, MA 02062 Please call your primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Peabody Adults Only By Appointment Only Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am – 2:00pm Holiday hours vary Address: 2 Essex Center Drive, Peabody, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Plymouth (Cordage Park) Children and Adults (2 years and older) By Appointment (Atrius Health Patients Only) Hours: Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Address: 10 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.

Somerville Adults and Children By Appointment Only Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm Holiday hours vary Address: 40 Holland Street, Somerville, MA Please call your Primary Care Provider’s office to schedule an appointment.