January 25, 2008

Do it all with one call

One phone call is all it takes to link pediatric patients and physicians to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) through the MGHfC Access and New Appointment Center. The center, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, was created as a resource for doctors and families to help both groups navigate the MGHfC, improve access to specialty practices and simplify scheduling.

With the creation of the Access Center, it is easier than ever for parents of both new and current MGHfC patients to connect with the hospital's many pediatric specialists, programs and services. Specially trained representatives are available to schedule appointments and facilitate new patient registration and, when appropriate, link patients to MGH satellite locations so appointments can take place at the most convenient site possible. The center also offers many benefits to referring physicians, including direct access to MGHfC specialists for help with questions or concerns about navigating the hospital's services.

From left, Quinlan, Patrice Darden, Frechette, Letear Charley and Sharise Henson

"Our multidisciplinary approach in the development of this center — including the administrative director, administrative managers, nurses and patient service coordinators — is the key to the success of the Access Center," says Jule Frechette, senior administrative manager of the Access and Appointment Center and liaison for the MGHfC. "Each member brought a unique perspective on patient care and patient experiences to help us build a program that meets the needs of our patients and referring communities."

Access Center representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm. To schedule an appointment, parents should call 888-MGHfC4U (644-3248). Referring physicians should call 888-MGHfC11 (644-3211). For more
information about the center, contact Frechette at (617) 643-1808 or Donna Quinlan, supervisor for the Access Center, at (617) 724-3758.