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2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
NEWTON, Mass. (Nov 2, 2016) – According to a report released last year by the Association of American Medical Colleges, a shortfall of between 12,500 and 31,100 primary care physicians is expected by 2025. These projections are startling, even as open enrollment kicks off in workplaces across the country and employees in the Boston area are looking to enroll in new health plans and find new primary care physicians for themselves and their families.
But Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) hopes to make this daunting process a little bit easier for the communities it serves. NWH has recently added eight new primary care physicians who are now accepting new patients in the following towns: Natick, Needham, Newton, Waltham, Walpole, Wellesley and Weston. The hospital is currently in talks with additional PCPs who will come on board in early 2017.
“In an increasingly challenging healthcare environment where PCPs accepting new patients are difficult to find, Newton-Wellesley has been able to recruit eight new primary care physicians over the last year,” said Nick Mascoli, MD, Medical Director for Primary Care, Newton-Wellesley Hospital. “And that means better access to affordable and cost effective care.”
“We are also seeing that primary care physicians really want to practice at NWH,” said Dr. Mascoli. “They love the culture, they are familiar with our outstanding reputation, and oftentimes they are raising families themselves and enjoy the idea of living and working close to home, in their own community.”
Dr. Mascoli recommends that patients do their research when looking for a new doctor. “Talk to family, friends and neighbors. Ask about a physician’s board certifications, training and special clinical interests and expertise. Does the physician use a secure messaging portal?”
Location and office hours are also important to consider, as is the physician’s hospital affiliation and specialist referral network. “If a patient needs to be hospitalized at some point, he/she wants to make sure that they are being admitted to a hospital they know and trust.”
Dr. Mascoli also advises prospective patients to inquire about the involvement of nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants in the practice. “These clinicians can provide longer visits, more openings and enhanced patient education.” Another consideration should be a physician’s philosophy of care, especially as it relates to a patient’s preferences.
“The bottom line is to do your homework ahead of time to ensure the best fit,” added Dr. Mascoli. “Physician referral services are a great place to start. The staff is very knowledgeable and can provide the background information needed to select a primary care provider.” CareFinder, Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s physician referral and information specialists, offers three easy and convenient ways to find a primary care physician:
If patients still can’t make up their minds about which doctor to choose, they can view Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s primary care physician video bios at http://www.nwh.org/departments-and-services/primarycare/videos/. These brief bios provide a snapshot of the physician’s background and help prospective patients connect on a more personal level.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a full system member of Partners HealthCare System, Inc., a nonprofit organization that includes acute care hospitals Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospital, North Shore Medical Center, and specialty hospitals McLean Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, as well the community-based doctors of Partners Community Physicians Organization.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital provides a wide range of services, including medical, surgical, obstetrical, orthopaedic, neonatal, pediatric and psychiatric care. Newton-Wellesley has been serving its community for over a century. The medical staff of the Hospital includes nearly 1,000 physicians practicing a full range of specialties. NWH is a major teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine, the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and sponsors a transitional year internship as well as postgraduate training programs for residents from Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
CONTACT: Rachel Kagno Public Affairs & Marketing Newton-Wellesley Hospital 617-243-6528 rkagno@partners.org