Care New England
Medical Group Primary Care

A Patient-Centered Approach

Care New England is working to create a community of healthier people, and that begins with providing exceptional primary care that meets the highest standards for access, quality, and service. We care for the whole patient, and we address all of our patient's health care issues in a warm, personal, and caring environment. We work to help you reach your goals for health and wellness. Your primary care physician can create a personal partnership to help you and your family coordinate your care and meet all your health care needs. Our providers are here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you coordinate treatment through additional services, if necessary.

Our team works to provide a team and evidence-based approach for comprehensive health care by treating the whole patient, understanding and respecting a patient’s unique self, values, background, and needs, coordinating within the entire health system with a goal for improving accessibility through same-day appointments utilizing tools such as telehealth, and understanding quality metrics and striving for the safety of patients.

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Contact Information

Our Philosophy

  • Compassionate and Comprehensive Healthcare
  • Pain Management
  • Mental Health Treatment

Care New England’s primary care locations are staffed by Care New England Medical Group (CNEMG) clinicians. Selecting the right primary care provider is an important and personal decision and depends on a variety of factors, including personal fit, office accessibility, and hours of operation.

We are dedicated to providing you with convenient, compassionate, and comprehensive health care. Our providers are experienced with both preventive care to keep you healthy, as well as the treatment of acute illnesses and chronic medical diseases. We also focus on patient education and collaboration to create treatment plans that our patients understand and feel comfortable with.

All conversations with your primary care doctor are private and confidential, and we are here to help you in improving your overall healthcare under any circumstance.

Your Life and Primary Care

Our physicians are very experienced with the treatment of both acute and chronic pain. Our providers focus on providing compassionate and evidence-based care for both acute and chronic pain. This approach typically includes a multidisciplinary approach using other providers such as pain management clinics, physical and occupational therapy, and orthopedists when necessary.

We understand that there are many treatment options and approaches available and that many patients may already have treatment plans in place when they see us for the first time. Many patients have been prescribed narcotic pain medications by their previous providers to treat pain. However, in our opinion, there is very little evidence supporting the use of these medications for chronic pain, and there is a very high risk of side effects, overdose, and dependence. For these reasons, our providers believe that narcotics have a very limited role in the treatment of chronic pain.

When patients come to us already taking these medications, we will take the time to perform a thorough review of the patient's history and previous treatment. Because this review takes time, our policy is not to prescribe these medications at first visits. After performing a thorough review, our providers will decide whether or not they find it appropriate to continue the medication. Regardless of whether or not narcotics are prescribed, we will always work to find alternative treatments to reduce pain, improve our patients' lives, and minimize the risks of side effects.

Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are very common illnesses that are frequently stigmatized. Our goal is to treat all patients with understanding and compassion, and our primary care providers are very experienced with helping our patients with mental health conditions get the best possible treatment.

Our providers are comfortable treating many common psychiatric conditions. We aim to educate our patients about their condition and to work with them to create a patient-centered plan in which everyone is comfortable. Depending on the patient and the condition, this plan may include medications, referrals to counseling, and frequently, both.

Although we are experienced with treating many conditions, there are some instances where it is best to include the expertise of a psychiatrist. Some examples include patients with less common psychiatric conditions, patients taking medications with high risks of side effects, or patients whose symptoms continue or get worse despite initial treatment. In such cases, our providers are happy to assist patients with finding an appropriate provider who will work closely with the psychiatrist to help our patients receive the best care possible.

Care New England Advanced Primary Care

The world has changed and we believe healthcare should change with it. In our Advanced Primary Care practices, we have put convenience and access at the center of your care. With same-day appointments available every day and 24/7 access to your care team, seeing your provider has never been easier.

Learn More

Quality Care in Your Community

Care New England Medical Group’s highly-trained primary care internists, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants work as a team to deliver top-quality care that is patient-centered, accessible, and comprehensive. We serve all ages, from newborns to older adults and we work in conjunction with many of the best specialists and hospitalists to care for your health care needs.Multi-ethnic millenial group of friends taking a selfie photo with mobile phone on rooftop terrasse at sunset-1

Care New England offers:

Improving Health Across Rhode Island

Care New England is working to create a community of healthier people, and that begins with providing exceptional health care that meets the highest standards of quality, service, and access. We care for the whole patient—considering your emotional and social needs, in addition to addressing all of your healthcare concerns in a warm, personal and caring environment.

LGBTQIA+ Health

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you deserve unbiased, high-quality treatment from a physician who respects you. We at Care New England value your right to comprehensive treatment with sensitivity and equity. Whether you seek a new doctor or have specific healthcare concerns, our physicians invest in your well-being and stand ready to serve you and your family.

We are committed to patient-centered, welcoming healthcare, free from discrimination and close to home. Your healthcare needs change throughout your lifetime, and Care New England is here to welcome you, wherever you are in your healthcare journey.

 

Our Services

  • Complete physical exams
  • Diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of chronic conditions
  • Diagnostic/laboratory tests
  • Disease prevention, education and counseling, including health risk assessments and preventive healthcare screenings
  • Family medicine
  • Geriatric medicine and senior health care, including medication assessment and management, and advocacy and referral
  • Immunizations
  • Minor surgical procedures
  • Referrals to other doctors when you need more specialized care, ranging from psychiatrists and behavioral therapists to physical therapists and podiatrists
  • Prescribe and manage medication use
  • Rehabilitation medicine
  • Screening tests for underlying illnesses
  • Women’s and children’s health, including prenatal, obstetrics, postpartum care, and gynecology

Learn More About Common Diseases and Chronic Conditions

Telehealth or E-Visits

A virtual visit is an appointment with a medical provider done digitally online through a video platform. Virtual visits allow providers and patients to connect over a secure video channel designated solely for that appointment. Many providers, including primary care physicians, are scheduling e-visits to make care more convenient and to improve care by reducing barriers patients face coming to offices.

A doctor’s office will provide the necessary information, credentials, registration, and sign-in information for an e-visit.

Choosing a Primary Care Provider

Selecting the right primary care provider is an important and personal decision and depends on a variety of factors, including personal fit, office accessibility, and hours of operation. For more information about choosing a primary care provider, or to make an appointment, please call (401) 227-3669 or request an appointment online.


 
Family Medicine

A family medicine doctor is your main healthcare provider for all ages and different types of diseases and conditions. The role of a family medical provider is to help patients manage overall health and wellness, preventive care for the whole family, teaching healthy lifestyle choices, identifying and treating common medical conditions, and provide referrals for further specialized care, when necessary.

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine is a primary care specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in adult patients. An internal medicine physician is trained to diagnose and treat medical illness and help patients manage medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and obesity, among others, including both common conditions and long-term, chronic, and complex health concerns and illnesses.

Older Adults

To better enhance the care of our older adult patients, Care New England Medical Group (CNEMG) with the support of the Integra care team, has launched an innovative ambulatory practice setting where members can seek their care conveniently and in the community. This practice was designed to better suit the needs of older adults.

Learn More

Urgent/Express Care

There are times when health issues arise, and scheduling an appointment with a medical provider like a primary care physician may not be possible but does not warrant an immediate need for emergency room care. Our physicians and clinicians treat injuries and ailments such as cuts, sprains and strains, minor traumas, cold, flu, and headache. All patients are served, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Location: 111 Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Hours of Operation:

Monday 8 am - 4:45 pm

Tuesday 8 am - 4:45 pm

Wednesday 8 am - 7:45 pm

Thursday 8 am - 4:45 pm

Friday 8 am - 4:45 pm

Saturday Closed

Sunday 8 am - 4:45 pm

Your Primary Care Provider plays an essential role in coordinating your care and addressing your immediate and long-term health needs. The goal of the Care New England Express Care program is to make sure you have access to care when you need it if your Primary Care physician isn’t immediately available. 

Call 401-729-2304 to make an Express Care appointment.

Care, Right Here

If you need urgent help with common concerns like cold and flu symptoms, allergies, sore throat, sinus infection, urinary tract infection, depression, or anxiety, we provide that Care, Right Here. 

The Care, Right Here digital application is available for virtual health care needs and can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The service is available on-demand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sign Up Here

Reproductive Health

Reproductive health is an important part of an individual’s life, which includes obstetrics and gynecology, as well as on treatment for disorders and routine care for the reproductive system. It is important to monitor and maintain overall health with a primary care physician.

Care New England’s primary care service practitioners and family medicine providers, which includes Women & Infants Hospital’s Center for Primary Care, focus not only on the specific health and wellness needs of our adult patients but on each patient’s individual concerns, comfort, well-being, and convenience. We strive to improve health and well-being through education about preventive care, building awareness of major health issues, and promoting behavioral changes.

Laboratory Testing

Many of the primary care offices have on-site laboratory testing affiliated with Kent Hospital or Women & Infants Hospital, plus additional sites across Rhode Island for additional convenience. 

View List of Lab Locations

Primary Care Resources

Primary Care
Care New England

Scheduling an appointment with your Primary Care provider may seem unnecessary, especially when you are feeling well, but it could end up saving your life.

Primary Care
Care New England

Having and keeping annual visits with your primary care provider is essential to maintaining long-term good health and living a longer, happier life.

Primary Care
Kayla Cross, Nurse Practitioner, Women & Infants Center for Primary Care

The year 2020 brought about much uncertainty, but the expansion of telemedicine services has been a notable positive addition to primary care.

After Hours Care at our Offices

In an effort to provide safe and comprehensive care, some offices have physicians available on call after hours. If you are sick after hours and do not feel like you can wait until the office opens to speak with a physician, please call to reach our answering service. If appropriate, the physician on call will be paged. Ask your primary care physician about e-visits.

The Care, Right Here mobile app is also available 24 hours a day for urgent needs. Please note: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Learn More

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a new patient?

We are currently accepting new patients. We accept all major insurance carriers in the area with the exception of MassHealth.

What do I bring to my first appointment?

Please come to your first visit 30 minutes before it is scheduled to complete our medical history forms. If you wish, you may complete this form in advance. We can mail you a copy to complete, or you can download a copy and complete it at your convenience.

To reduce the risk of billing errors and frustration, please bring your active insurance card and a photo ID.

Please bring in a bag with all of the medications you take including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and any herbal supplements you take. This will allow your doctor to get to know your medical history and to look for any dangerous interactions.

Bring any old medical or vaccination records you have. We will copy these for your records and give you back your copy. If you have medical records from a previous provider, please have this information sent to our office.
What happens when I have an acute medical issue?

Please call the primary care provider’s office to schedule a sick visit appointment. We will do our best to ensure that you are seen by one of our providers within 24 hours of your call.  For urgent care needs, utilize the Care Right Here Application. 

What is the best way to get a prescription refill?

Taking medications is an important part of staying healthy, and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to refill medications. The fastest and safest way to refill your medications is to call your pharmacy and ask them to electronically request a refill from your doctor. This will speed up the process and minimize the possibility of medication errors.

We process all refill requests as soon as possible, however, there are occasional delays. Please allow up to 48 hours for a refill request and make sure to call your pharmacy before you are out of your medicines to avoid missed doses.

Unless it is an emergency, we are unable to refill medications over the weekend, so please request refills by Wednesday evening if you are going to run out over a weekend.

There are certain medications with a high risk of side effects that must be authorized by your primary doctor. To ensure patient safety, our on-call physicians cannot provide refills for such medications after hours, over the weekend, or on holidays.

Prescriptions can be filled through the Care New England Pharmacy.  Learn More >>

 

What part of my primary care visit might not be covered by insurance?

Your visit to a primary care physician is covered by most insurances, including an annual visit.

During an annual visit your primary care physician will typically:

  • Ask you questions about your health
  • Do a physical examination
  • Give you advice about how to prevent health problems
  • Take care of minor health problems or a chronic illness that has not changed

Make sure to research or talk to your medical insurance provider about specific details of coverage.

Types of Insurance

Commercial Health Plans

Most health care plans cover a set of preventative services at no cost to the patient, which includes no co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible, according to the Affordable Care Act. This includes an annual wellness visit.

Preventative health services under certain conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Alcohol abuse screening and counseling
  • Aortic aneurysm screening 
  • Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer
  • Blood pressure screening
  • Cholesterol screening 
  • Colorectal cancer screening 
  • Depression screening
  • Diabetes (Type 2) screening 
  • Diet counseling 
  • Falls prevention 
  • Hepatitis B and C screening
  • HIV screening 
  • Immunization vaccines for adults
  • Lung cancer screening
  • Obesity screening and counseling
  • Sexually transmitted infection prevention
  • Statin preventive medication 
  • Syphilis screening 
  • Tobacco use screening 
  • Tuberculosis screening 
Medicare Advantage

Many Medicare Advantage plans will also pay the full cost of preventative exams.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers an annual visit, called a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. These visits usually involve questions about your health, and family history, advice on prevention activity, and mental health screening. The Medicare Annual Wellness visit does not include a physical exam.

If your primary care physician does perform a physical exam during your visit, you may be responsible for part of the payment. A physical exam can be done within the first 12 months of enrollment during a Welcome to Medicare visit.

When new conditions or chronic issues are treated, it is designated as a Sick Visit where you may be responsible for a portion of payment, whether as a deductible, co-payment, or other payment.

Lab Tests

Lab tests for disease screening and certain immunizations are covered, but specific coverage by a health plan depends on various conditions and factors, including potentially a patient’s age and/or gender.

How do I obtain my test results?

As part of routine health care, it is very common for physicians to order lab tests such as blood work, or imaging studies such as x-rays. We certainly understand that waiting for these test results can be stressful, and it is natural to want to know the results as soon as possible.

We have a patient portal called Mychart, that allows you to see laboratory results on a secure and private website. 

The best way to avoid unnecessary waiting and stress is to communicate with your doctor. Be sure to ask why the test is being ordered, when the results are expected and how we will contact you. Our providers are always happy to answer these questions for you.

Depending on the test ordered and the provider reviewing the results, there are several ways to discuss the results. Some of these include:

  • Letting you know that we will only contact you if the result is abnormal
  • Scheduling a follow-up appointment to review the results
  • Sending you a letter with test results
  • Calling you with the test results

If you are expecting test results and have not gotten them within a week of when you were told to expect them, please feel free to call our office and ask to discuss the results.

How do I get a referral to a specialist?

Our physicians are happy to work closely with your specialist to ensure the best care possible.

Depending on your insurance, you may be required to get a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing a specialist. In these cases, please call us to discuss your needs with our staff. Even if your insurance does not require a referral, in many cases it can be helpful to discuss the reason for seeing the specialist with your primary care doctor. In some cases, the problem can easily be treated by our providers.

Any time that you see a specialist, please give their office our information and request that they send their notes to your primary care doctor. This will help ensure that you receive the safest and most comprehensive care possible.

Our providers, if they need to refer you for further healthcare services, will provide information about specialists in the area or that they recommend and will log in information directly to the specialist about your needs through an integrated health information system that is completely secure and private.