In-Person Visits: What to Expect

Even during COVID-19, it is important to get the care you need for your health conditions—whatever they may be. Massachusetts General Hospital physicians, nurses and staff are ready to provide you with exceptional care. Your health is our number one priority.

We are offering both virtual visits and in-person visits. Virtual visits allow you to conveniently see your provider from home, over your computer, device or phone. In-person visits are the traditional face-to-face visits you are used to, now with enhanced safety protocols. In-person visits are particularly appropriate when the doctor needs to examine you or you need specific tests done.

Here is what to expect for your in-person visit.

Please Call First

Please call your provider’s office, who will help you determine whether an online virtual visit on an in-person visit is best for your individual circumstances, taking into consideration both your health needs and your ability to safely travel to Mass General.  They will set up your appointment accordingly.

To help us safely care for you, please notify us of any upper respiratory symptoms you may have before coming to the hospital, such as:

• New or worsening fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose/nasal congestion
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches
• Inability to smell or taste

You may also receive a screening phone call from a nurse prior to your appointment. Knowing your symptoms will help us determine the most appropriate setting in which to treat you.

eCheck-in

You can save time the day of your visit by updating important information through Patient Gateway’s convenient eCheck-in. You can review your insurance information, fill out questionnaires related to your visit, and take care of co-pays online. Please complete eCheck-in up to three days before your appointment.

Learn more about Patient Gateway and eCheck-in

Upon Arrival at Mass General

You will be greeted by a Mass General employee who will provide hand sanitizer, a mask and will direct you to your appointment location. Hand sanitizer and mask stations are available at all hospital entrances.

Symptoms Check

As part of our Safe Care Commitment, Mass General is screening all patients and visitors for symptoms to protect them, their families and our staff, before they are welcomed into the hospital. You may be asked multiple times about any symptoms you may have, including two or three days before your appointment—please be patient. It is for your safety. 

If you have a visitor or support person to accompany you, they will also be screened for COVID-19.

Read more about the screening process

Check-in

You will have multiple check-in steps, including one at the hospital entrance and another when you arrive at your appointment location.

Your Safety at Mass General

Your safety has always been our top priority. During COVID-19, we have implemented unprecedented safety measures to keep our patients and staff safe.

Learn more about our safe care commitment

Waiting Rooms

Waiting rooms have been re-organized with many fewer chairs, and the floors in front of check-in desks have been marked with tape at six-foot intervals. The current universal mask policy adds another layer of protection.

Parking

Mass General offers parking for patients and visitors at the Fruit Street, Parkman Street, Yawkey Center and Charles River Plaza garages on our main campus. We also offer valet parking at the Wang and Yawkey Centers.

Additional parking options include nearby private parking garages and parking lots as well as limited street parking.

Learn more about parking at the main campus

Masks

Everyone—including patients, staff and vendors—are given a clean mask and hand sanitizer upon entering Mass General. Hand sanitizer and mask stations are available at all hospital entrances.

Read the mask policy