Faqs | Boston Hotel Doctors

1. How does Boston Hotel Doctors differ from a regular doctor office visit, Urgent Care Facility, or an Emergency Room?

We bring excellent, quality healthcare to you and on your schedule. You are seen in the comfort of your office or hotel room and at a convenient time for you. You never have to wait again in an overcrowded waiting room. You will not be sitting next to sick patients for an extended period of time. Boston Hotel Doctors can treat the same illnesses that you would normally go to see in a primary care physician’s office. You are always seen by a highly experienced Board Certified physician. Our fees are affordable and often less expensive that one would pay at an Urgent Care Center or an Emergency Department.

2. How much do you save with a Boston Hotel Doctors visit? How do I pay?

The time and monetary savings accompanied with a Boston Hotel Doctors visit are significant because of the convenience of bringing healthcare to you. Our visits offer value by providing Board Certified physicians on your schedule. If you are a traveling in an unfamiliar and busy city and do not have time to waste and value the little time you have to get the most done at your office or enjoy your trip, then Boston Hotel Doctors offers you an excellent solution when you or a loved one need medical attention. Now you can afford the luxury of not having to leave your office or hotel room when you are sick, deal with traffic, and spend significant time waiting for a doctor’s appointment or in the waiting room with other sick patients waiting to be seen. This can often take hours of your time.

3. How do I pay?

All fees are due in full at time of service. We accept major credit cards, cash, traveler’s checks, or credit card payment through Square or PayPal.

4. Do you accept health insurance?

Although most insurance companies will reimburse a portion of the visit or apply the amount to your deductible if it has not been met at this time, we do not accept insurance in the traditional sense. We will provide you with the documentation that can be submitted to your health insurance company for reimbursement. Boston Hotel Doctors patients can receive partial reimbursements from their private health insurance companies. They average as much as 80%, which means that the true cost to the patient for a visit could be a lot less after receiving reimbursement. Many health insurance companies have reimbursed many of our patients a portion of their Hotel Doctor visit through the “out-of-network” option of their PPO or HMO plans. However, please be aware that Boston Hotel Doctors does not guarantee any reimbursement, and that many types of health insurance products exist within each individual plan.

5. Do you take Medicare?

We are non-participating providers for Medicare. We do require that all fees are paid at time of service.

6. What type of illnesses do you treat?

Our physicians come prepared to diagnose and treat a wide variety of acute and chronic common illnesses such as:

Respiratory and ear infections
Sinus infections
Flu and upper stomach problems
Allergies and rashes
Headaches and migraines
Severe sore throat and strep throat
Bronchitis and Pneumonia
Asthma and COPD
Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease
Abdominal Pain, Heartburn, Diarrhea, Constipation
Bladder/urinary tract infections, kidney infections/stones
Minor burns and rashes
Minor skin infections and abscess
Foot pain, Ankle Pain, Knee Pain
Back pain, Neck Pain
Arthritis, Gout
Chronic Pain, Prescription refills
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia
STD Evaluation and Treatment
Eye problems
Skin conditions, Insect Bites, Hives, Abscess/Boils, Ingrown Nails
Animal/Human Bites, Puncture Wounds, Lacerations, Suture Removal,
Medical and Pre-operation Clearances
Wellness exams/checkups, School Physicals, Employment Physicals
Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea and constipation
Sprains, strains and fracture (may require referral_
Headaches• Healthy lifestyle consultation
Ingrown toenails• Second opinion
Laceration with suturing
Pink eye
Sports injury

In addition, our staff can perform all the diagnostic services you would expect in a fully equipped medical office, such as:

Urine analysis
Blood drawn for lab and blood tests (including blood glucose level)
Strep throat, influenza and infectious Mononucleosis analysis
Pregnancy testing
Injectables (for pain, vomiting, inflammation, antibiotics, vitamins, and others)
IV Fluids

7. How long will it take for a physician to arrive at my location?

We do our best to arrive within one to two hours of your call or arrange for your private transportation to our office in Cambridge.

8. Can I schedule an appointment during the day for a hotel call after 6 P.M.?

Yes, you can call anytime to schedule an appointment, 24/7.

9. When I call Boston Hotel Doctors, will I speak with a physician?

You will speak with our answering service who will arrange for our doctor to contact you directly.

10. Do you provide service to my place of business or hotel?

Yes, Boston Hotel Doctors is an at-your-door service. We will come to your office or hotel or will arrange for your private transportation to our nearby office 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

11. Does Boston Hotel Doctors offer services for employers?

We offer custom corporate service programs to provide medical care for your employees living in, working in, or visiting your local area. Our full line of services is available as well as custom arrangements tailored to your company’s needs. Rather than putting off a meeting or delaying a flight, we arrange medical treatment in the comfort of your employee’s office, house or hotel, and make sure that they rapidly get on the road to recovery. Make Boston Hotel Doctors a valuable asset and addition to your benefits package by keeping you employees healthy and happy.

12. If I am experiencing an emergency, should I call Boston Hotel Doctors?

Boston Hotel Doctors is not an Emergency Room replacement and we do not treat patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, head trauma, loss of consciousness, or other life-threatening emergencies, as these conditions may require immediate hospitalization. If you are having a medical emergency, please go directly to the E.R. or dial 911 immediately.

13. Does Boston Hotel Doctors treat all ages?

House Call Doctor physicians will treat patients from infancy to geriatrics.

14. What if the physician decides my illness requires additional testing and/or treatment?

Boston Hotel Doctors provides initial clinical evaluation and treatment if possible in the comfort and convenience of your hotel suite or office, and can provide referrals if needed.

15. May I utilize your Boston Hotel Doctors while I still see my regular physician with whom I have a long term relationship?

Yes! Being physicians we understand the tremendous value in long standing Doctor Patient relationships. We will confer with your physician and coordinate your care together.

16. What geographical locations does Boston Hotel Doctors Cover?

Currently we cover the hotels and offices in the Greater Boston area; however we are continually expanding our coverage area. Please call us for exact details. Special arrangements are available for patients in other areas.

17. Who uses Boston Hotel Doctors?

For those of you who are traveling through Boston and feel they have an urgent need for medical attention but are unfamiliar with the area or are frustrated by excessive wait times in the ER or refuse to stay in an overcrowded urgent care clinic, Boston Hotel Doctors offers a private, attentive, and efficient alternative. With Boston Hotel Doctors, you can now be taken care of in the comfort and privacy of your hotel or workplace, with minimal interruption to your daily life. Also, a variety of medications can be provided during the visit, so you no longer need to waste additional time at the pharmacy.

19. Do you provide medications?

YES. We do carry a variety of pharmaceuticals that can be purchased for a nominal charge. Additionally, we carry injectable medications as well.

20. Who are your medical providers?

Our medical providers are licensed and board certified physicians and nurse practitioners. They are trained and specialize in urgent care medicine.

21. Are you affiliated with a hospital?

NO. However, we can facilitate transfer referrals and to any hospital in the area if an emergent medical need arises. Our staff is affiliated with several urgent cares in the greater Boston area which can provide additional support and resources as needed.

22. Do you draw labs or take x-rays?

We do offer a variety of laboratory tests and studies that can be completed in the hotel room or workplace. Blood work can be drawn and delivered to local laboratories when necessary. X-rays can be ordered to be done at your location. Additionally, we are affiliated with local imaging facilities and can schedule X-rays if necessary.

23. What if I need to go to the Emergency Room?

In the event that your medical condition is determined to be more emergent after initial examination, our physicians will contact local emergency department staff and coordinate your transfer. This will save you valuable time and allow you to avoid long waits in the ER.

24. What if I need to be admitted to the hospital?

Our physicians will facilitate transfer and referral to hospitals throughout the area. We will coordinate admissions with hospital staff when required.

25. What are the benefits of using Boston Hotel Doctors?

24/7 access to your personal physician via cell phone and email.
Same-day service and appointments, usually within one to two hours of your call.
Extended and unhurried medical visits.
Comprehensive medical care in the comfort of your own environment.
No more waiting in waiting rooms.
Office or Hotel Visits.
Available 24/7/365, including Weekends and Holidays.
On site diagnostic testing.
Personal relationship with your doctor.
Prompt follow-up on all tests and reports.
Coordinated Pharmacy medication drop-off.
Fast and Easy Prescription Renewal Anytime/Anywhere.
Prompt telephone feedback with lab and radiology test results.
All blood work is done on visit to your Home, Hotel or place of work. You won't be referred to busy labs for blood work.

26. What happens during a typical Boston Hotel Doctors visit?

After introductions, your doctor will perform a thorough history and physical examination appropriate for your specific complaints and will then recommend the appropriate treatment options and administer the selected treatment. After all of your questions are answered, instructions are given, and paperwork is completed, your doctor will depart. However, you will continue to have direct telephone access to your caregiver for any follow up questions or needs that may arise, and the physician will call you within 48 hours to ensure your symptoms are improving. In most situations, our provider will offer to leave your medications with you so that you can avoid a trip to the pharmacy. Alternatively, written or telephoned prescriptions are always available.

27. Does it cost more if I’m very sick or if I have a laceration or fracture?

Not necessarily. You will not be charged more because of a particular illness; however, if procedure or injection is required, you will be charged for the additional cost of those specific treatments. Our very transparent fee schedule is discussed in advance of administration of any treatment or performance of any procedure.

28. For my urgent care needs, why not go to an urgent care center?

Many patients want the ease of having a doctor come to them while they stay at their Hotel room, avoiding unfamiliar city, traffic, long waits, rushed visits, and ill patients, with at least one or more of these factors common to many urgent care centers. Also, for some patients, it’s important for them to always see a board-certified, experienced physician rather than a physician extender, such as a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. With Boston Hotel Doctors you can always request to see a board-certified physician. Lastly, we don’t charge a “facility fee” that many urgent care centers charge. We absolutely don’t have any hidden fees as you will know exactly what to expect regarding cost.

29. Do I need to be a member to receive a house call or receive direct phone access to the physician?

Absolutely not. We currently offer a concierge medical practice which allows very high access to our doctors day and night.

30. Will I have access to Boston Medical Doctors when I travel?

Yes, any patient that has seen our doctors before will have access to them either via cell or email. And they’ll actually call you back!

31. What if I need more than one family member treated?

There will be a small additional charge to see more than one patient. The fee is based on time spent at your home. So it’s possible to evaluate and treat more than one person having a very straightforward, simple condition at the same time for a small additional price.

32. Will my insurance cover my house call?

Possibly. We don’t bill or submit any claims to your health insurance company since we are out-of-network, non-contracted providers with all health insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid. We’ll provide you with the necessary documentation to seek reimbursement. However, due to an extensive governmental process we’re working through, we are unable to make house calls to Medicare or Medicaid recipients at this this time. Fortunately, we are closer to making available house calls to these individuals.

Visits are usually fully or partially reimbursed by most insurance plans. All HMO plans will likely not reimburse you any portion of your house call visit or any test that our physician may order. It’s recommended that you review your health account and insurance policy terms for reimbursement purposes.

33. How does receiving care from you affect my health insurance coverage?

It doesn’t affect your insurance coverage as we are simply considered out-of-network provider(s). However, we do encourage you to speak with your insurance company regarding possible out-of-network fees for a particular test ordered by our physician if needed.

34. Do I need health insurance if I receive care from you?

Absolutely not. We’re geared to keep our prices down when others don’t. However, our fee doesn’t cover emergency care, lab, specialist care, imaging, hospitalizations, surgeries, or prescription coverage. And whether you’re insured or uninsured, we take great pride on diligently researching and negotiating low lab and imaging costs from lab and imaging centers.

35. How do I get my prescribed medication after my house call visit?

Sometimes the doctor will have medications on hand, whether in injection form or tablets, saving you a trip to the pharmacy. For medications not on hand, the doctor will promptly send the prescription to the pharmacy. Then simply pick your medication up at the pharmacy.

36. How long does it take for the doctor to arrive at my home?

Typically your visit is the same day. Our doctors will personally discuss with you a mutual best time for your visit.

37. What if I still don’t feel well after seeing the Boston Hotel Doctors?

Simply contact us. Whether another visit is in order or a new prescription is needed, we’ll do everything possible to help you feel better.

38. Are you a home health agency?

No. For the same reason an office physician isn’t a home health agency. We don’t provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy services, or occupational therapy services home health agencies typically provide, but rather physician care in the form of a house call.

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