General Practice Questions
What is Concierge Medicine?
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Concierge medicine is a membership-based model that allows your physician to care for a smaller number of patients. This gives you more time during appointments, same-day or next-day visits, direct access to your doctor, and thoughtful, whole-person care. Insurance still covers your medical services; the membership covers enhanced access, comprehensive care coordination and availability.
How is Concierge MDs different from a traditional medical practice?
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Unlike traditional primary care practices that oversee thousands of patients, we intentionally limit our patient panel. This allows us to provide unhurried visits, proactive wellness planning, responsive communication, and personalized care coordination that support every aspect of your health. We practice evidence-based medicine with an integrative perspective—caring for your physical, emotional, and lifestyle needs.
Do I still need health insurance?
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Yes. All patients must continue to carry traditional insurance. Your insurance covers medical services such as lab work, imaging, procedures, hospitalizations, and specialist visits. The membership fee covers enhanced access and the concierge model of care—not medical services.
What insurance plans do you accept?
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We accept most major insurance plans, including: Cigna, BCBS, Harvard Pilgrim, United, Tufts, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Medicaid - MA, Medicare - MA, Senior Whole Health, USAA, Tufts Health Plan, Well Sense Health Plan (FKA BMC), and Aetna. Please get in touch with our office for our current list of accepted plans.
What ages do you accept?
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We care for adults 16 and older.
Do you accept Medicare?
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Yes. Medicare patients are welcome, and your membership works alongside your Medicare coverage.
Can I keep my current specialists?
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Absolutely. We work closely with all specialists involved in your care—whether you’ve chosen them or were referred by a previous physician. Our team ensures that we receive all relevant records and coordinate follow-up, so your care remains connected and comprehensive.
Additional FAQs
Membership &
Access
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Membership provides 24/7 direct communication with your physician, same- or next-day appointments, extended visit times, comprehensive annual physicals, care coordination, after-hours support, travel support, and proactive preventive care. It also allows us to deeply review your medical history and provide personalized guidance throughout your health journey.
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Members have direct access to contact Dr. Sherifat or Dr. James by phone, text, or email. If you call after hours, your call will be forwarded to your physician’s personal line.
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If you are experiencing a true medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Once stabilized, we will coordinate with the hospital team, help guide your care, and assist in your follow-up after discharge.
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Yes. Telehealth visits are an available option.
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Members are guaranteed same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns.
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Yes. Home visits are available for eligible patients, particularly older adults and those with mobility limitations.
Care Coordination &
Specialty Support
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We manage every step of the referral process—identifying the right specialist, scheduling the appointment, transmitting medical records, communicating with the specialist, and ensuring prompt return of results. You never have to navigate the process alone.
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Yes. Our referral network includes specialists and sub-specialists across all major Boston teaching hospitals as well as local community hospitals throughout the South Shore.
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We schedule follow-up within 24–48 hours after discharge, review all hospital information, reconcile medications, and coordinate any ongoing care or testing you need.
Getting Started with
Concierge MDs
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The first step is a brief consultation to answer any questions. If you choose to join, we will complete a detailed intake process, gather your medical records, and schedule your comprehensive initial evaluation.
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Your first visit is an unhurried 60–90 minute appointment where we review your medical history, concerns, lifestyle, goals, and any past testing. We then develop a personalized care plan and begin coordinating any necessary follow-up.
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Yes. To maintain the highest level of care, we accept only a small number of members. This ensures accessibility, continuity, and highly personalized attention for every patient.
Services &
Clinical Care
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Yes. We provide comprehensive management for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, obesity, insomnia, and more. We integrate lifestyle medicine, emotional well-being, and medical therapy to support better outcomes.
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Absolutely. Dr. Sherifat Hinchey has a special interest in caring for patients with unclear or complex symptoms such as chronic fatigue, pain, GI issues, dizziness, or persistent discomfort without a defined diagnosis. We listen deeply, investigate thoughtfully, and work collaboratively to find answers.
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Yes. With Dr. James Hinchey’s emergency medicine expertise, we can handle urgent injuries, lacerations and other acute concerns in-office when appropriate.
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Yes. We offer destination-specific counseling, vaccines, preventive medications, and guidance on staying healthy while traveling. If you become ill while away, we can coordinate care and send prescriptions to a nearby pharmacy.