Find answers to frequently asked questions about making appointments with a Massachusetts General Hospital physician.
- Registration and Referral Center: 866-211-6588
- Physician Referral Service: 800-711-4644
The Appointment Process
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by selecting one of the following options:
If you need assistance in selecting a doctor or making an appointment, call the Physician Referral Service at 800-711-4644.
What payment is due at my appointment?
If you are insured, any copayments and/or deductibles will be due at the time of the appointment. If you are uninsured or are not paying through insurance, full payment is usually due at the time of the appointment. Confirm payment options with your physician’s office in advance of your appointment if you are unable to pay on the day of the appointment.
How do I get to my appointment?
View driving directions or locate a parking lot on the hospital’s main campus
Before Making an Appointment
Will my insurance cover my appointment?
Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether you are covered for your appointment as well as the specifics of your coverage. Contact the Registration and Referral Center if you have any managed care referral questions at 866-489-4046. Learn more about insurance referrals and authorizations
Do I need to preregister at Mass General?
Patients will need a Mass General patient identification number prior to making an appointment. Before you make an appointment, call the Mass General Registration and Referral Center at 866-211-6588 for your patient number. You will receive a Blue Card in the mail several days later. Your Blue Card is for reference purposes only and is not required to receive services at Mass General.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring the following information to each appointment:
- A list of your current medications, including how much you take and how often
- Valid photo ID
- Mass General patient number, if available
- Social security number
- Insurance card, including your policy number and/or Medicare or Medicaid card
- Employer's name, address and phone number (if you are insured through your employer)
- Managed care referral authorization – this is necessary if you are covered by a managed care plan where a physician referral is required
- Name, address and phone number of your referring or primary care physician
- Any forms you were asked to complete prior to the appointment
- Any medical information requested by Mass General, such as radiology results and lab diagnostic test results. This is especially important if you are coming for a second opinion
Second Opinions
How do I know if I need a second opinion?
When faced with a serious diagnosis or treatment, patients often seek a second opinion to research treatment options or reconfirm a diagnosis. Second opinions can be a good idea if you are having major surgery, if you are unsure whether your treatment plan is the only available option or if you have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer or heart disease. Learn more about second opinions at Mass General
How do I talk to my primary doctor about getting a second opinion?
A variety of factors influences patients' health care decisions, and obtaining a second opinion – especially when a patient is facing a major illness or treatment program – has become standard medical practice.
Billing information 
Read more about Mass General's billing services and learn answers to questions you may have about your bill.
Interpreter services
Patients who have limited English proficiency or are deaf or hard of hearing can have a medical interpreter at no cost. Learn about our Medical Interpreter Services.
Patient confidentiality
Mass General places the highest priority on a patient’s right to privacy. Learn how medical information about you is used and disclosed.
