EASTON, Mass. — Compass Medical patients are scrambling after the South Shore healthcare company unexpectedly closed its doors Wednesday, leaving many wondering how to fill prescriptions or contact their doctor.
“This is the first time in ten years I’ve seen this scope of offices close so suddenly,” said Caitlin Donovan, senior director of the National Patient Advocate Foundation. “[Continuity of care] is incredibly important for patients because it means stability. When things become unstable, it affects their entire life.”
Donovan suggested Compass patients take the following steps:
GET YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS
Donovan said every patient needs to obtain copies of their medical records. There is now a section on the Compass website to request records. The company said it is making that process a priority.
“If you have a place to transfer [the records], go ahead and transfer them. Otherwise, ask for a physical or digital copy,” Donovan said.
WHAT ABOUT MY PRESCRIPTIONS?
If you’re worried about your prescriptions, Donovan said you have a few options. First, talk to your pharmacist. They may be able to make suggestions.
If that doesn’t work, Donovan said visit an urgent care clinic. Keep in mind, you may be charged a higher copay.
“Try to find any type of provider. The worst case scenario is going to a hospital [for medications] because that’s going to get expensive,” she said.
Also, Donovan recommends looking for another doctor in your network and book an appointment as soon as possible.
“You can try to get in quickly a with a doctor who may not be the person you see for the next ten years, but certainly can be the person you see for this appointment while you’re trying to find your next primary care physician,” she said.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I STILL OWE COMPASS MEDICAL FOR PAST BILLS?
Donovan said it’s possible Compass sells its debt and a collection agency comes calling later on down the road. If that happens, Donovan says you should ask the creditor for a “debt validation letter.”
“A debt validation letter means they have to prove that you actually owe that money,” Donovan said. “They’re going to have a problem with that because these offices are now closed, so if that creditor comes calling but they can’t prove that debt is validated, you do not owe it. You are not liable for it.”
ASK FOR A REFERRAL
Donovan said if you can get in touch with your Compass doctor, ask for help finding a new primary care physician.
“If you can get ahold of a doctor there, you can ask for a referral. If you can’t, contact your insurer. Call them or go onto your portal to find a new doctor,” she said.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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