Mass General Brigham Patient GatewayVisiting Mass General

Registering as a Patient at Mass General

All patients must have a current Mass General Medical Record Number (MRN) for hospital services. New patients may register by calling the Mass General Registration and Referral Center at 866-211-6588. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please have your insurance cards and primary care provider information when you place the call.

New Patients Must Have a Referral

All patients requesting a first-time visit with Rheumatology Associates must be referred by another provider (generally by your PCP or other specialists) for an evaluation on the basis of clinical evidence.  This “medical referral” can be in the form of clinic notes, lab reports, and/or a letter from your doctor’s office, and must be faxed to 617-643-1274 prior to contacting our office for an appointment.*

If your referring provider is at Mass General or another Mass General Brigham facility, the medical information we require may be available in your electronic medical record.  You may call our clinic to inquire whether we have the necessary information to make your appointment.

*Please note, no self-referrals are accepted (no exceptions). 

Insurance Coverage

We advise all patients who are either first-time patients to Rheumatology Associates or who have had a recent change of insurance to contact your insurance carrier and inquire about your coverage for a visit to an outpatient Rheumatology practice at a hospital facility.  Even if you have other providers at Mass General, your coverage may differ from one practice to another.

Getting an Insurance Referral

A majority of patients seen in our practice need an insurance referral from their primary care provider.  Please consult with your insurance carrier prior to your appointment.  If a referral is needed but not obtained, you will be responsible for payment.

What to Bring to Rheumatology Associates

  • Photo ID
  • Mass General Medical Record Number (MRN)
  • Insurance card
  • Prescription plan card
  • Co-payment
  • Referral from your primary care provider (it is the patient's responsibility to obtain this referral).  Patients who are seen without a referral will be held responsible in the event that patient’s insurance does not cover visit

If You Are Unable to Keep Your Appointment

Please notify our office at least two (2) business days prior to your scheduled office visit.  This allows us to schedule other patients who are waiting for an appointment.  Patients who cancel multiple appointments on short notice (fewer than 48 hours) may be asked to transfer their care to a different provider in our group, or to an alternate facility.

On the Day of Your New Patient Visit

Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your appointment to be checked in.  If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule to a later date.

Your Rheumatology Associates Healthcare Team

You will be evaluated and cared for by physicians who have received specialized training in the field of Rheumatology.  As Mass General is a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, doctors receiving advanced subspecialty medical training, such as residents and fellows, may also work with your physician.

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