Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
(Information as of November, 1998.)
Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center is a hospital close
to BU. When asked why people might choose Beth Israel versus other
hospitals, one of their Financial Counselors replied that they are
user-friendly: they have a good referral system between their
clinics, plus, most bills paid for by financial assistance programs can
be taken care of by their computer system.
Primary Care
Those expecting to use Beth Israel as their primary care provider may
choose a primary care physician from the hospital's group of healthcare
associates. They also work in conjunction with several neighborhood health
centers.
They have a Health
Information Line (617-667-5356 or 1-800-667-5356) that can help
patients find the right doctor.
Assistance Programs
For those interested in financial assistance, the hospital first
considers whether someone will qualify for MassHealth. If not, they will consider
the Free Care program.
Full-time students (plus, all international students) must normally
purchase the BU Student Health Plan or some equivalent insurance.
However, the hospital assesses each individual's case, so these
students, full-time or part-time, international or American, may still
qualify for financial assistance.
Free Care
Because Free Care is the plan students are most likely to qualify for,
we list some specifics about using Free Care at Beth Israel Medical Center
below.
See a general description of Free Care,
including how to qualify, before proceeding.
- Services at Associated Health Centers
-
Coverage for services at those locations usually requires extra
paperwork.
- Services from Contractors
-
For a few services that may involve non-hospital employees (e.g.,
sometimes reading of x-rays), extra paperwork may have to be processed.
- Coverage Exclusions
-
There are a few non-critical services that are not covered, except
under emergency conditions (e.g., acupuncture, plastic surgery, etc.)
- Prescriptions
-
Most prescriptions are covered when they are filled at the hospital's
pharmacy. Prescription coverage only applies for prescriptions written
by hospital doctors or that come from the Bowdoin St. (Dorchester) clinic.
- Dental
-
There is no coverage for routine dental services.
Applying
You can talk to someone about financial assistance programs at Beth
Israel by calling 617-667-8437. When applying for financial assistance
at the hospital, they prefer that you come in to see one of their
Financial Counselors. You should call them in advance to ask what
documentation they require.
Applicants can receive medical services while an application is being
processed; their accounts will be put on hold until approval/denial is
received.
Additional Information
Look at the hospital's web site
(http://www.bidmc.harvard.edu/)
for more information about the services they provide.
To contact the Graduate Student Organization on healthcare issues, send
mail to healthcare@gso.bu.edu.