Important Update for Families with HPHC Quality or Explorer Plans
HPHC Quality or Explorer Insurance Plans
Effective July 1, 2024, Pediatric Associates at Northwoods and other practices in the Affiliated Pediatric Practices (APP) network will no longer be covered under the Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare (HPHC) Quality HMO plan. This change comes as Harvard Pilgrim/GIC has reclassified our network status, moving us from tier 2 (in-network provider) to tier 3 (high cost/excluded provider).
Here’s What You Need to Know:
1. Why This Change?: The decision to change our network status was made by Harvard Pilgrim/GIC, not by our practices. This adjustment affects all APP practices, as well as pediatric specialists and hospitals affiliated with Mass General Brigham (MGB).
2. What’s Affected?: This update impacts all APP network practices and related MGB specialists and facilities.
What You Can Do:
- Check Your Insurance Options: During open enrollment, take a moment to review your insurance plan options to make sure that Pediatric Associates at Northwoods and MGB specialists are included.
- Confirm Coverage: Listing our physicians on your enrollment form doesn’t automatically guarantee coverage. Please double-check with your insurance plan to ensure you’re covered.
- Plan Changes: After open enrollment ends, you won’t be able to change your insurance plan. Our office is unable to assist with these changes.
Need Help?
- Insurance Questions: For questions about which physicians are included in specific plans, please contact your insurance provider directly.
- Office Assistance: Our staff has limited information on insurance plans, so we encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider for detailed queries.
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We want to make sure your child continues to receive the best care, so please be sure to review your insurance options carefully during this enrollment period.
Thank you for your understanding!
๐ Halloween is full of excitement—costumes, friends, and candy galore! But come November 1st, parents face the real challenge: what should you do with ALL THAT CANDY ? Let kids go free rein… or pace their candy spree?
As the colder months approach, so does the return of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Let’s explore some key measures to keep our little ones healthy and safe!
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recently updated its vaccine schedule, and we want to let you know that our practice will be following their guidance. These updates are based on the latest research and a strong commitment to maintaining children’s health. You can read more on the AAP's parent-focused website: HealthyChildren.org .
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor the enduring presence, wisdom, and cultural contributions of Indigenous communities. It reminds us to recognize their deep connections to the land and the traditions that have been preserved and shared across generations, often in the face of great challenges. This day is not only about celebration, but also about reflection. It calls us to acknowledge the history of colonization, displacement, and inequities faced by Indigenous peoples, while also recognizing their strength, resilience, and continued influence on our shared story. As we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let us take the opportunity to learn more about the diverse languages, customs, and knowledge that shape Indigenous cultures. By listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous communities, we can help amplify their voices and contribute to a future rooted in respect, inclusion, and equity. Today, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a more just and inclusive tomorrow—together with Indigenous peoples. Here at PAN, we are also reminded of the privilege it is to care for all children and families in our community. We are truly grateful for the trust you place in us and for the opportunity to play a role in your children’s health and well-being. Ways to celebrate: 2025 Indigenous Peoples Day Events Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness
After 36 wonderful years of caring for families in our community, Beth and Dr. Frank Tomase have announced their plans to retire in 2026. Beth will be retiring in the spring and Dr. Tomase in August. While they are excited for the next chapter, they will truly miss the many families they’ve had the privilege to serve.
We’re excited to share a new addition to our website designed to support families in navigating important assistance programs. Our goal is to help connect you to the resources you need to address health-related social needs that impact your family’s well-being.
As August begins, we're officially a little more than halfway through summer vacation. While there's still plenty of fun to enjoy, it’s also a great time to start preparing for the upcoming school year. Here’s how you can make sure you’re ready:
As New England thaws and spring brings warm sunny days filled with outdoor fun, it also brings bugs—especially ticks! After a long winter, it’s easy to let our guard down—but ticks are already active, and daily tick checks are an important part of keeping your child healthy. ๏ปฟ
We are thrilled to announce that Pediatric Associates at Northwoods has been recognized by Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) with a 2024 Patient Experience Award for Patients’ Trust in Their Providers! This award is a testament to the strong relationships we build with our patients and families every day. Trust is the foundation of quality pediatric care, and we are incredibly proud of our team for their dedication to creating a welcoming, supportive, and compassionate environment where children and families feel heard, valued, and well cared for. MHQP is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality, patient experience, and transparency in Massachusetts. Each year, MHQP collects and analyzes patient survey data to evaluate healthcare experiences across the state. Their Patient Experience Awards recognize top-performing practices in key areas such as provider communication, coordination of care, and patient trust. This recognition reflects direct feedback from families like yours, making it an especially meaningful honor. We are grateful to our patients for their confidence in us and to our incredible staff for their commitment to providing the highest level of care. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s healthcare journey! ๐๐ถ๐ฉโ๏ธ
St. Patrick’s Day , celebrated on March 17th, is a fun holiday that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While it’s widely recognized for its shamrocks, leprechauns, and everything green, the holiday originally began as a religious observance. Today, it’s a joyful celebration full of parades, music, and festive cheer. As you enjoy the day, here are a few tips to keep your little ones happy and healthy: ๐ Stay Hydrated – Whether at a parade or home, make sure kids drink plenty of water. ๐Allergy-Friendly Treats – Double-check ingredients in festive snacks, especially if your child has food allergies. ๐ Safe Celebrations – Avoid small decorations or trinkets that could be choking hazards for little ones. ๐ Get Active – Take a walk and see how many green things your child can spot! ๐ Drive Safely – If you're out and about, be mindful of road safety and always drive carefully. Fun Green Things to D o: ๐ Green Scavenger Hunt – Create a list of green things to find around the house or yard. ๐ Make Green Crafts – Use green paper, markers, and glue to make shamrocks, leprechauns, or rainbows. ๐Green Snack Time – Try green smoothies, guacamole, or a colorful fruit salad with green grapes, kiwi, and apples. ๐ Wear Green – Get in the festive spirit with green outfits! Fun Leprechaun Facts Leprechauns, those mischievous creatures from Irish folklore, have some fun traits! Here are a few: ๐Leprechaun Origins: Leprechauns are a type of fairy from Irish folklore, known for their mischievous nature and love of gold. ๐Appearance: They are small, bearded men wearing green coats and hats. ๐Occupation: Leprechauns are cobblers or shoemakers by trade. ๐Gold at the End of the Rainbow: According to legend, leprechauns hide their pots of gold at the end of rainbows. Fun Books for St. Patrick’s Day Add some extra magic with these highly-rated reads: ๐"The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day Ever!" by Teddy Slater ๐ "How to Catch a Leprechaun" by Adam Wallace ๐ " There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!" by Lucille Colandro A ll of us at PAN wish you a safe, happy, and lucky St. Paddy’s Day! ๐ ๐ ๐ Pediatric Associates will be open for our regular office hours.