To reach our Billing Office, please call our Peabody phone number 978-535-1110, press 8, option #1 or follow the prompt menu. The Billing Office is open Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM. You may call that number at other hours and leave a message to be called back.

Fees, Bills and Insurers:

We follow usual and customary fee schedules for pediatric services in this area, which are within the range usually charged by pediatricians in Massachusetts . We also participate in Tufts, BlueCross BlueShield of MA, United Health Care, Aetna-USHC, CIGNA, Commonwealth Health, Mass Health (Medicaid), Harvard-Pilgrim Health Care, Children's Medical Security Plan, Health Care Value Management, Cost Care, Fallon Health Plans, and many others. If your insurer is not listed, please call our billing office at 978-535-1110.

If required by your insurer, a Primary Care Physician should be selected at the time of the initial visit. We have contracted with various HMO and PPO organizations. Should you belong to one, it is your responsibility to do the following at the time of service:

1. Present your ID card
2. Be prepared to pay your required co-payment. Please understand we are not allowed, by law, to waive co-payments.
3. Inform PHCA of any changes in your coverage.
4. Obtain any necessary referrals for specialists before your appointment with the specialist.

If we have a contract with your insurance carrier, claims will be submitted by our billing office. As a courtesy to you, we will also submit claims to commercial carriers. However, since we do not have contracts with these insurers, if a payment is not received within 30 days, it will become your responsibility to pay for the services and resolve any payment problems directly with your insurance company.

Because we strongly endorse the maintenance of good health by early diagnosis of potential problems, we routinely perform screening tests for anemia, urinary problems, lead poisoning, vision, hearing, developmental problems, tuberculosis, elevated cholesterol, and others on a regular basis. These tests are billed to the insurance plans, but if they are not a covered service, the fee is your responsibility.

Referrals

If your medical insurance requires a referral for a consultation by a specialist or outpatient clinic, please call the office that has your child's complete medical record. PHCA has its own special Referral Line, 978-535-1110, press 8, option #2 or follow the prompt menu. To reach Administration, call 978-535-1110, press 8, option #3 or follow the prompt menu.

Financial Hardship

In a case of financial hardship, the billing office will work with you to establish a payment plan. In the event of no insurance coverage, special arrangements can be made, with the physician's approval, to ensure continuity of care. The billing office staff is always ready to work with patients to resolve any outstanding financial issues.

Communication, frankness, and understanding between doctor and patient are extremely important. If a problem ever arises regarding medical treatment, service, fees, etc., please feel free to ask to speak directly with your doctor. We are here to help you!