Use the resources below to educate and engage your patients. They are designed to strengthen the provider-patient relationship and help to drive behavior changes that may improve patient health.
Looking to update your practice communications? Try the language below.
Tools to help reduce cost surprises
 Fact sheet for you: ‘Help your patients save money’ on labs and imaging |
 Handout: ‘Three reasons you could get a bill’ |
 Handout: 'How your deductible works'
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 Handout: 'Emergency room alternatives' (English) |
 Handout: 'Emergency room alternatives' (Spanish) |
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Welcome new patients with these templates
You can cut and paste the language below into your own patient communications. For templates related to routine physicals and screenings, visit our Preventive & Chronic Care Reminders page.
Welcome to [Practice Name]!
We’re glad you’re a part of [Practice Name], where our number one priority is your health. Serving as the center of your care, our trusted team of specialists and doctors will strive to give you the care you need. We pride ourselves on our collaborative relationships: working closely with you, your health care providers, and your health plan. We look forward to keeping you in good health.
The center of your care
Your primary care provider (PCP) coordinates your health care. PCPs have a complete understanding of their patients’ medical history and conditions, putting them in the best position to determine what medical care is needed.
If you receive care outside of our office or change your medications, please let us know. Your health is important to us so the more we know, the better we can care for you.
Specialists and referrals
We have a trusted team of doctors and specialists who will work together to offer you the best and most efficient care. When necessary, your PCP will refer you to the specialist or hospital that’s right for you.
If you need a specialist outside of [Practice Name], we’ll discuss your options with you, keeping in mind quality of care, accessibility, timeliness, and cost, as we make the best decision for you.
Appointments
When you have a health concern, feel sick, or need to schedule a checkup, call our office. We’ll do our best to schedule an appointment for you soon.
| Office hours |
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|---|---|
| Office phone |
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| Patient website |
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After-hours
Even if you’re sick when our office is closed, please call us first. [Insert directions for patient; for example: “We have an on-call nurse available 24/7.” Add specific instructions for getting through after-hours, visiting a designated urgent care center, etc.]
This may save you money and a trip to the emergency room because, depending on the severity of your medical concern, you might not need to go there.
In addition to our after-hours options, your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts health plan offers some additional resources:
| Option | Examples of when to use | Contact information |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross’ 24/7 nurse line |
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1-888-247-BLUE (2583) |
| Limited Service Clinics |
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member.bluecrossma.com/fad Type Urgent Care in the search box |
| Urgent Care Centers |
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Emergencies
If you think your illness or injury is an emergency or life threatening, go directly to the nearest hospital, or call 911. And just so you know, if you do experience an emergency, we routinely work with [office-affiliated hospital].
- If you are admitted to this hospital, they notify us and [insert benefits of this relationship; for example: “We will be able to talk to the doctors taking care of you”].
- If you are not admitted, our relationship with this hospital helps us to provide follow-up care.
Your health plan’s role
Your health plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, partners with us to help you achieve and maintain better health. Understanding your health plan is an important part of managing your health and wellness. Create an account and log in to MyBlue® at bluecrossma.org to learn more.
Sincerely,
[Provider name
Specialty/Department
Practice name]
