The Department of Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital is one of the largest pediatric surgery programs in the world. Whether this is your first visit to Children's, or one of many, we know the experience can be stressful for your child and family.
New patients
Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment in order to verify insurance, demographic information, and complete the registration process which will include payment of a co-payment when applicable. The traffic and parking in the Longwood Medical Area can sometimes be difficult and take more time than anticipated. Please take this into account when you leave for your visit. Parking is available in the Boston Children's Parking Garage at a discounted rate with a validated ticket.
When you arrive to the office in the Fegan Building, 3rd floor, you will first need to check in at one of our Kiosk stations, we have two stations located within the Department of General Surgery. Once you complete your check-in at the Kiosk station, please see one of our front desk team members who will finalize your check-in process.One of our staff will verify your personal information and collect the copay for your visit. You will be able to have a seat in our waiting area. During this time you will be asked to complete a history and physical form answering questions about your health history. It is often helpful to complete these forms prior to your visit.
From our reception area, you will be escorted to the exam room. In the exam room, a clinical assistant may obtain the height, weight, temperature and blood pressure. Next, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant will enter the exam room and may review the completed history and physical form. Your doctor will then enter the exam room and complete the examination.
After the doctor has completed the examination, you may need to stop at the checkout desk to obtain a follow up appointment. At anytime, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff for assistance or information.
If you have any questions, please call us at 617-355-7800.
Useful links
What to bring
Please bring these with you to your appointment:
- name, address, and telephone number of the physician who referred you to us
- completed history and physical form
- List of medications your child is taking
- any relevant medical records, x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or other lab results from other facilities
- Social Security number of patient and parent with the insurance coverage
- insurance information and insurance cards
- insurance referral (see "Referrals" below)
- co-payment
Other helpful items to make your visit more enjoyable:
- books to read while waiting (there are limited books and magazines available in the waiting area)
- snacks
- formula, diapers, or a change of baby clothes
Referrals
We suggest that all patients follow the guidelines below to obtain the correct referral.
A referral is a form or number from your child's primary care physician approving your child's visit to the Department of Surgery. Referrals can vary in the number of visits they cover, the length of time that visits can be used, and the services covered.
Referral process
Step 1: Verify with your insurance company that you need a referral. If you have an HMO plan, most likely you will need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) for the visit. If you have a PPO plan, chances are that you will not need to obtain a referral, provided that we are in your insurance company's network of providers. If you have an indemnity plan, you should not need a referral.
Step 2: Speak with your pediatrician, PCP, referring MD or nurse practitioner about the need for a referral and receive medical approval for the referral before you schedule the appointment.
Step 3: When you make an appointment for your child with one of our specialists, be sure to ask for the specialist's provider ID number for your specific insurance. Some insurances issue provider ID numbers and some do not. This will allow you to more easily confirm with your insurance company if that specialist is a member of your health insurance network; otherwise you may be subject to "out of network" costs.
Insurance/financial
CHMC Surgical Foundation Inc. currently bills for all office visits and procedures performed by the surgeons in the Department of General Surgery.
We are contracted with most insurance companies and therefore most likely accept your insurance. However, the options and coverage for these plans vary considerably.
We urge you to become familiar with your insurance to gain a better understanding of its rules and coverage. It is very important that you bring your child's insurance card to our office each time that you visit. All insurance companies have specific billing instructions that are usually found on your insurance card. Presentation of the actual card will reduce the likelihood of any errors.
Co-payments
Co-payments are due at the time of your visit. Insurance companies require that patients pay their co-payment for each scheduled appointment. We appreciate your cooperation in paying your co-payment at the time of registration. Please check your insurance card for the amount due. We accept cash, personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. ATM machines (Bank of America and Citizens) are conveniently located in the Hospital.
Waiver fee
If you do not have a valid referral from your primary care provider (PCP), you will be asked to sign a waiver assuming all responsibility for payment of the visit. You will be asked to pay a $50 deposit. If you are able to obtain the referral from your physician before noon the following business day, we will refund your waiver deposit. After that time frame, we will refund your waiver deposit once payment is received from your insurance company for the visit.
Missed visits
If you are unable to show for your visit, we ask that you call the office to cancel at least 1 business day (24 hours) in advance. We have a high demand for appointments, and this will allow other patients to use this time.
Referrals
A referral is a form and/or code number from your child's primary care physician or insurance company and is required for office visits with most HMO insurance plans. Referrals can vary in the number of visits they cover, the length of time that visits can be used, and the services covered. Please note that referrals do not guarantee coverage, so please check directly with your insurance carrier.
Below, you will find a list of our attending physicians and their NPI numbers. Please reference these provider numbers when contacting your primary care physician's office or insurance company to obtain referrals. Confirm that the specialist is a member of your health insurance network, otherwise you may be subject to "out of network" costs.
Surgeons' NPI numbers
- Buchmiller: 1497780811
- Chen: 1265451751
- Cuenca: 1992871412
- Demehri: 1821317587
- Dickie: 1720270606
- Fishman: 1235164617
- Jaksic: 1972538379
- Kim: 1144249632
- Lee: 1245526276
- Lillehei: 1285653766
- Modi: 1730136524
- Mohammed: 1558643437
- Mooney: 1881613370
- Nandivada: 1184936320
- Papadakis: 1528046257
- Puder: 1285671875
- Rangel: 1588871586
- Shamberger: 1043239536
- Weil: 1972760593
- Weldon: 1750485884
- Zalieckas: 1174794556
- Zendejas: 1740576370
- CHMC Surgical Foundation Inc.: 1902977515
Insurance card
Please remember to bring your card or your child's insurance card to the office for each visit. We will ask to see your insurance card (or your child's card if your insurance company issues one in your child's name) to verify that we have the correct information. If you change insurance companies, please notify the office immediately so we may update our records.
Uninsured/non-covered services
Uninsured patients or services not covered by insurance companies may be eligible for a 40% discount at the time of service. Please contact our office to discuss this option.
Additionally, if you are uninsured or have limited income, you may qualify for public assistance or free care. Depending on your income level, all or part of your medical costs may be covered by the medical center under the free care provision of state Medicaid Law. For more information, contact Financial Counseling at 617-355-7201.
Billing issues
Billing issues are substantially reduced when families contact their insurance company directly prior to their initial visit and obtain any necessary authorization in advance.
Should you experience billing issues, please contact our billing office at 800-224-7070. You may need to also contact your primary care physician's office or insurance company to help rectify the account.
A list of FAQs regarding billing is available online.
Your child's tests
Your doctor may need additional tests to evaluate your child's condition. Usually, these are imaging studies like x-rays and MRIs, which take an inside look at your child's bones and muscles.
Your child's tests may include:
