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.
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!
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!
Our office hours for the holiday: Wednesday, November 26: Closing early at 2:00 PM. Thursday-Friday, November 27-28: An on-call physician will be available for emergency issues. Closed for office hours to allow our staff to spend time with their families. A Thanksgiving Celebration of Gratitude: What Our Kids and Families Are Thankful For As Thanksgiving approaches, it's the perfect time to reflect on the things that matter most. We asked our young patients and their families to share what they’re grateful for this year. Here’s a glimpse of their heartwarming responses .
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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 .
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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.
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! 💙👶👩⚕️