After the sudden closure of Compass Medical left patients and employees panicked and searching for answers Wednesday, the local company now says there’s a plan in place for those fearing their healthcare futures.
Most of Compass Medical’s physicians will join other practices in the community and it will aim to connect former patients with them, the company said in a statement Thursday.
“Compass will be updating the website regularly with information on how patients can contact their physician in their new practice setting and how they can obtain access to their medical records,” Compass Medical said in a statement. “Medical records will be preserved and available in accordance with all state and federal regulations.”
Compass Medical announced Wednesday evening that all their practices will immediately close and advised patients to access their local emergency rooms and urgent cares.
[ Compass Medical announces immediate closure, patients left pondering their healthcare futures ]
Laurie and her family are patients at Compass Medical in Taunton. She says her daughter needed a physical there as part of her dental school requirements.
“She just called me in a panic while she was working and said ‘Mom, they canceled my appointment.’ If someone wants to give my daughter a physical exam within the next 2 weeks, I would really appreciate it,” says Laurie.
Laurie was not the only one scrambling for last-minute medical arrangements. Susan Labonte, a patient at the East Bridgewater location, was shocked by what she found out Wednesday.
“I really felt comfortable with my doctor and now to start all over again I do not like change,” says Labonte.
Others were a little more fortunate.
Former Compass Medical patient Maryann Boyle ran into her neighbor, who told her to go to the Steward Medical clinic, located directly across the street from the East Bridgewater facility. As of Thursday afternoon, it was still accepting new patients — or so the sign out front indicated.
“We have a doctor, so I’m relieved,” said Jen Kirby, a former Compass patient. “We were just there on Tuesday with my daughter — she had a double ear infection. And then the very next day they’re closed.”
Kirby called it “insane.”
“I think it should be illegal,” she said. “I think banks get a bailout, why couldn’t they get a bailout from the government so people can keep their health care? I think about the people who have chronic health issues, emergent health issues or medications they can’t get.”
Even former employees shared in Kirby’s frustrations.
“We should have been given a heads up and patients should have been given a heads up, but I technically think this came down the pike so fast,” says a Compass Medical Employee who wants to remain anonymous.
Compass Medical operated six medical clinics south of Boston. For ten years, Compass partnered with Steward Medical to bring medical care to the South Shore. That association ended on a sour note last year. The companies sued each other over financial issues. Last October, a Boston jury found Compass guilty of fraud, awarding Steward $16.4 million. The attorney representing Steward in that case, Howard Copper of the firm Todd & Weld, LLP, tells Boston 25 News that settlement has since swelled, with interest, to at least $25 million. It remains unpaid.
“After a steady stream of challenges, we were ultimately forced to make the devastating decision to close all offices of Compass Medical PC,” the company said in a statement.
Those looking to contact the Attorney General’s Office with concerns can do so by clicking this link or by calling 617-727-2200.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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