Medical Staff

To view a searchable directory of our physicians click here.

What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

Nurse practitioners are nurses who have specialized training and certification to assist in the diagnosis and management of patients' medical issues. They are individuals who have completed RN training and certification and have practiced in their profession for several years. Many have obtained a masters degree in nursing. Following specialized academic and clinical training, they become certified as nurse practitioners. At UM, these individuals work under the supervision of a licensed physician. The training of nurse practitioners qualifies them to take a medical history, perform physical examinations, identify medical problems, interpret laboratory results, and instruct, counsel and prescribe medications for patients.

How does the Nurse Practitioner work with the physician?

The physician and nurse practitioner work closely together to assure quality care is delivered to you. Although you may occasionally see the nurse practitioner instead of your physician, your physician is made aware of the nature of your visit.

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

Physician Assistants are health professionals qualified by academic and clinical training to assist physicians in the management of patient medical issues. They are licensed and board certified through the state medical board to work under the supervision of a licensed physician.

How does a Physician Assistant work with the physician?

The physician and physician assistant work closely together to deliver quality care. Although you may occasionally see the nurse practitioner instead of your physician, your physician is made aware of the nature of your visit.

Hours of Service

To view the hours of operation for a specific site please select the "Locations" menu item from above.

Is there a doctor available 24-hours per day?

In the event that you have an urgent medical need, call your physician's office and the answering service will page your physician. Your physician or the physician on call, will evaluate the urgency of your medical needs and instruct you how to proceed.

What services are available during extended evening and weekend hours?

A few of our primary care practices offer scheduled hours outside of the traditional business hours. During these times, a medical team is always available. You may be referred outside for lab, radiology, and/or pharmacy when seen outside of traditional business hours. Call the site for an overview of specific services that are available during extended hours.

Scheduling

Can I schedule a same day appointment?

Yes. You need to call to make the appointment, and we will attempt to work you into the schedule. Depending on the practice schedule for that day, it is likely to involve some waiting. If you are ill, it's best to first call to speak with a staff member, so that a plan appropriate to your level of urgency can be set up for you.

How far out do you book appointments?

It depends on the doctor's schedule. Call the site directly for more information on a specific physician.

The Office Visit

Where can I park?

All UM locations have parking available. At the sites located in and around the Rhode Island Hospital campus a parking fee may be requested.

What forms do I need for my first visit?

It helps to provide us with immunization records, up-to-date insurance card, medical history, list of medications, and family information sheet. Please arrive twenty minutes before your first visit in order to complete information forms and get your account set up in the computer. If you would like to complete your insurance and family information sheets prior to the first visit, please call the site.

When do you expect me to pay my insurance co-pay?

We require the co-payment at the time of the visit. We prefer that you pay it upon check-in. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.

Will I always see my personal physician? Can I be seen by any of your doctors?

One of the advantages to a group practice, like UM, is that we try to manage your care as a team. If your doctor is out of town or fully scheduled, another member of the medical team can respond to your needs.

Financial and Insurance

I have a question about my bill. What should I do?

If the bill is from UM, please call 1-401-274-0103 during normal business hours (MON - FRI 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) and ask to speak with a billing specialist.

Which health insurance plans do you accept?

Below you will find a listing of UM accepted health insurance plans, grouped by provider...

• Aetna

• BCBS of Rhode Island/BlueChip

• CIGNA Healthcare

• Coventry Health

• Great West One Health

• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

• Humana

• MA Medicaid - Only the following divisions participate
  • Division of Infectious Diseases
  • Division of Hypertension & Kidney Diseases
  • Division of Hospitalist Medicine

• RI Medicare

• Railroad Medicare

• MA Medicare
  • Rehoboth, MA - Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

• Neighborhood Health Plans of Rhode Island

• PHCS/MultiPlan, Inc.

• TriCare

• Tufts Health Plan

• United Healthcare of New England

If I see a doctor or nurse practitioner, which is not my regular doctor, will my insurance pay?

Yes, all of our medical staff are covered under the health insurance plans listed above.

What should I do if I am unable to pay for needed care?

A Free Care Program is offered by the University Medicine for patients who are indigent or are experiencing severe financial hardship. This program is available only after all other financial resources available to the patient are exhausted. Please contact our Billing Office at 401-274-0103 for additional information.

What should I do when I travel out of the area and I get sick?

Every insurance plan is different. Before you travel, read the section on out-of-area emergency medical care. If you are seriously ill, please call the customer relations number on your insurance card. Your insurance company should tell you whether you are authorized to go to an urgent care center or to a hospital emergency room.

Medical Records

How do I get a copy of my medical record?

Contact your physician's office directly. We must receive a signed authorization from the patient to release records. We charge a small fee, as allowed by Rhode Island law, to cover photocopy costs, to release a copy of your medical record to your non UM physicians office . If you are a UM patient who is transferring from one UM location to another UM location, simply sign a release and we will have the records transferred, at no charge.

Medications

What is the difference between a prescription refill and a prescription renewal?

Refill: a prescription on file with the file that has remaining refills. This prescription can be refilled without contacting the physician.

Renewal: a prescription on file with the pharmacy that no longer has remaining refills. The physician must be contacted for approval before the prescription may be filled. Usually the prescription renewal will allow for several refills over time. Prescription renewals will be addressed at the time of the office visit.

How can I get my prescriptions renewed?

Usually, we will renew medications at a comprehensive or preventive visit. This allows proper evaluation and documentation of your condition and your response to the medication.

Will the doctor call in an antibiotic for me without having seen me?

Most physicians feel that they need to examine you in order to determine if treatment is necessary and when it is necessary, to choose the right medication.

Miscellaneous

Where can I find directions to your sites?

The "Specialties" menu item listed above will lead you to a page listing all the sites for that specialty. Clicking on a particular location will provide you with additional information; including hours, contact information, maps and written directions.

Who do I call if I have a complaint?

It is our mission to provide you with a great outcome and great experience. Our goal is to be sure that you receive exceptional service from all staff. If you have comments or concerns about the service you receive, or concerns about privacy, please call (401) 444-2532.