doctor?

[aquilt.livejournal.com]

Hi guys, would anyone be able to recommend a good, friendly doctor in the Davis/Medford area? I've had a pretty high fever the last few days and feel like I might want to get checked out. Thanks!

Comments

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

I don't know how the doctors around here work, but I imagine if you don't already have a relationship with one, it would be hard to be seen urgently (or at all?). That being said, I know that Mount Auburn and MGH both have urgent care walk in clinics, that are open until 7pm (at least).

[mindstalk.livejournal.com]

Harvard Vanguard group has urgent care in their building on Holland, right north of the Davis station. Whether they'd take someone, I don't know (and also depends on insurance, e.g. I know they won't take new patients with Commonwealth Care NHP.)

[secretlyironic.livejournal.com]

Definitely call the Harvard vanguard people- they do have openings.

Mount Auburn has urgent non-ER stuff too, and will see you with or without an appointment.

For minor emergencies such as fever or earache I have also found the CVS minute clinic to be good.

Naturally if this is a serious emergency go o a real ER.

[raysimoto.livejournal.com]

If you do go the urgent care route, be sure to check with your insurance to find out if you need a referral. Most HMO policies will require one, which can be tricky if you don't already have an established relationship with a PCP.

A lot of people don't realize that "urgent care" treatment is not viewed the same way as "ER" treatment by the insurance companies, and it's an easy way to get stuck with a huge bill.

So go get treatment, but if you're worried about switching doctors or don't have one at all, you may want to pay the higher ER copay and save yourself the fight with the insurance company later.

[emcicle.livejournal.com]

oh, this is a good point. I had forgotten about that. I went to MGH's urgent care clinic after my office had closed on a Friday because i had a sinus infection and was flying on that Sunday. After the fact I had to ask my PCP to send a referral in for the visit (which I thought was frankly bizarre, but it did work out).

[ron_newman]

I tagged this 'health care'. You may find old posts here useful.

[aquilt.livejournal.com]

ahh, I missed that tag, thanks.

[zdenka]

I've had a good experience with Davis Square Family Practice.

[darlucky.livejournal.com]

Ball Square family practice is also great (Dr. Tomkins et al). I highly recommend!

[enveri.livejournal.com]

I've used the Mount Auburn walk-in clinic several times when I had an urgent 'really sick' day. The last time I was there, they did send me downstairs to the ER for fluids and observation, so if it's required, they do have the facilities to escalate your care.

My regular GP is Dr Alan Barron in Medford (there's a bus from the Rite Aid in Davis, drawing a blank on the number). He's been almost irritatingly thorough in trying to determine what is causing my breathing problems.

I've also seen a specialist in the Harvard Vanguard building, they were impressive as well.