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Web Site Help

Listed below are answers to frequently asked questions. If you would like personal assistance finding a physician that is right for you, please call the MGH Physician Referral Service at
1-800-711-4644.

If I know the name of my doctor, how do I look him/her up?

To find specific information on a particular physician, enter the Last Name (e.g., Miller) in the Provider Name search field and click Search. If you would like to further narrow the search, enter the Last Name, comma, First Name (e.g., Miller,Patricia) of the physician and click Search. Be sure not to enter a space anywhere in the name, just the comma to separate last name from first name. If you are unable to locate the physician, double check the spelling. If you are not sure how to spell a name, try entering the first few letters of the last name to see a list of physicians with similar names.

What does "Provider Type" mean?

This category refers to whether the physician sees patients for routine care or for more specialized care. Choose whether you are looking for a primary care physician or a specialist. A primary care physician (PCP) is a physician responsible for providing and managing all of your health care needs. PCPs are board certified in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine or Pediatric Medicine. Specialists manage your care for a specific disease or condition and are trained in their particular area of expertise. Click on the "Provider Type" arrow to see the options of "primary care" or "specialist". Choose the category you are interested in or use the default of "no preference" if you are not sure.

What does it mean that a doctor is accepting new patients?

This refers to primary care physicians. Since a primary care physician manages all your health care needs, a PCP can only care for a certain number of patients on an ongoing basis to provide the highest quality care. Although we list all our physicians in this on-line directory, we wanted to give you the option of searching for just those PCPs who are accepting appointments with new patients. Click on the "Accepting New Patients" arrow and click on "yes" if you would like to find a physician who has appointments for new patients.

How do I find a doctor in a particular specialty?

Click on the "Department/Specialty" arrow to see a list of all the departments and specialties at MGH. Click on a particular specialty to find doctors who are trained in specific areas of expertise.

How do I choose a doctor by his or her clinical interest?

In the "Clinical Interest" box, you can type either one or two interests. If you type two, you must separate them by a comma. Each interest can have more than one word.

For example:
• breast cancer
• stroke, heart attack
• asthma


How do I find a doctor near my home?

Click on the "Primary Care Practice Location" arrow. This will show you a list of all the locations where MGH primary care physicians see patients. The list is organized by practice group since primary care physicians are part of a larger team that works together to provide care. Click the practice location that is nearest to your home or work to narrow your search.

How do I know if a doctor takes my insurance?

Click on the "Health Plan Accepted" arrow. This will show you a list of all the health plans that MGH physicians accept. Click on your specific health plan and your search results will only include physicians who accept your insurance.

How do I find a doctor who speaks my language?

Type in your language request -- in English -- in the box labeled "Languages spoken."
Example: Italian -- not Italiano

How do I choose a doctor by gender?

You can leave the gender box at "no preference."
Or, you can click on the arrow and then select "Male" or "Female."

What do I do if my search comes up with no doctors?

Your criteria may be too specific. Try using less search criteria (return the boxes back to "No Preference") to broaden your search. Keep in mind that the more search criteria you use, fewer physicians will appear. If you need personal help in finding a physician that meets your needs, please call the MGH Physician Referral Service at 1-800-711-4644.

How do I sign up with the doctor I choose or make an appointment?

Use this electronic guide to select a physician that meets your needs. Call the MGH Physician Referral Service at 1-800-711-4644 to make an appointment. They will confirm the physician's availability and direct you to register with MGH. If you are choosing a primary care physician, notify your health plan. If you are choosing a specialist, you may need to notify your primary care physician.

What internet browser should I be using to view this site?

It is recommended that you use Internet Explorer v5.0 (or higher) to view this web site. Other browsers should work, but it in order to utilize all the functionality of this site you will need to upgrade to Internet Explore 5.
Click here
and follow the instructions to download the most recent version of Internet Explorer.



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For assistance finding a physician or
scheduling an appointment,
please call the
MGH Physician Referral Service at
1-800-711-4644


If you are a physician
in need of referral information,
please call 1-800-388-4644.