Patient Resources
Trauma Care Information for Patients and Families
If you or someone close to you has been hospitalized following an accident or sudden illness, you many questions and concerns. Below is some important information about injury prevention, follow-up appointments, insurance and financial assistance.
We are committed to keeping you informed and answering any questions you or your family members or friends may have. In addition, you or your family members should always feel free to ask your nurse or surgeon any questions and we will do our utmost to answer them promptly.
Throughout the year, our Trauma Program sponsors a number of injury prevention initiatives in the community. We can also refer you to helpful external websites and other sources of information. If you would like to learn more about injury prevention and recovery resources, contact:
Monica Nasser, RN
Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator
mnasser@bidmc.harvard.edu
617-632-9916
Depending on your injury, you may need to come back to BIDMC for a follow-up appointment in one of our specialty areas. Following is useful information about where to make your appointment and what to bring.
Insurance Referrals
- You may be required by your insurance provider to obtain a referral from your primary care physician prior to your appointment.
Co-Payments
- If your insurance plan requires an office visit co-payment, it is expected that you will be ready to pay your co-payment during the check-in process.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Your insurance card or a letter regarding your application for MassHealth or liability coverage.
- Your co-pay, if applicable.
- A list of medications you are currently taking.
- Please refer to our Financial and Insurance Information if you are uninsured or filing a liability claim.
Acute Care Surgery Clinic
- 617-632-9922
- For injuries including rib fractures, spleen or liver lacerations, pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, minor skin lacerations, or other minor injuries.
- Our staff will help you make an appropriate follow-up appointment as well as arrange for any follow-up X-rays or testing.
Orthopedics
- 617-667-3940
- For all arm or leg fractures, pelvic and spine fractures, dislocations, and musculoskeletal (bones) trauma injuries.
Spine Center
- 617-754-9000
- For spine fractures and spinal cord injuries.
Neurosurgery
- 617-632-7246
- Contact Neurosurgery if you were seen by a neurosurgeon while a patient at BIDMC.
- The most common neurosurgical trauma injuries are skull fractures, brain injuries, or spinal cord injuries.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- 617-632-7827
- Contact Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery if you were seen by a plastic surgeon while a patient at BIDMC.
- The most common injuries that require plastic surgery are major lacerations, especially of the face.
- For hand injuries, contact the Plastic Surgery Hand Clinic.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- 617-638-4350 ext. 1
- For patients who had oral surgery while at BIDMC.
Other Helpful Contacts
- Social Work: 617-667-3421
- Arnold-Warfield Pain Management Center: 617-278-8000
- Rehabilitation Services
- Outpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy: 617-754-9100
- Inpatient Physical & Occupational Therapy: 617-632-0533
If you are a patient who does not have insurance, please use the information below to help obtain coverage.
Important Phone Numbers
- Financial Assistance Office: 617-667-5661
- Registration at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 617-754-8240
Motor Vehicle Accident
If you were in a motor vehicle accident, you must open a liability claim with your auto insurance company even if you were not at fault. Your insurance carrier will assist you with the claim.
Worker's Compensation
If you were injured at work, notify your employer as soon as possible to begin a Worker's Compensation claim. Your employer and insurance carrier will assist you with the claim.
Are you an uninsured Massachusetts resident?
If your answer is yes, you may qualify for health care assistance or coverage. Massachusetts residents between 0 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for coverage or level of assistance under a number of different programs.
IMPORTANT: You may be eligible for some type of coverage through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts such as Health Safety Net (formerly Free Care).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to get services through the Health Safety Net?
- You must live in Massachusetts
- Your income must be below 400 percent of the federal poverty level
- You must not be able to get MassHealth or Commonwealth Care
- You must not be able to get affordable insurance from your job
- You may also be able to get services if you have medical bills that add up to 10 to 30 percent of your income, depending on your income
- Your immigration status does NOT matter
What do I need to do?
Immediately contact BIDMC's Financial Assistance Office at 617-667-5661 for help determining your eligibility and filling out the application. The hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Should I do it right away, and why?
YES. Waiting may cause an increase in your cost of care because coverage (depending on what you are eligible for) may be retroactive to as few as 10 days from the date you apply.
Below are of examples of brochures and other public awareness materials BIDMC produces in order to educate patients and community members about how to reduce their risk of injury at home or while traveling.
- Commuting safely
- Safe biking
- Teach the Dutch reach
- The dangers of distracted driving
- Avoid driving under the influence
- Senior safety in the home
- Safe steps for seniors
BIDMC also provides support for injury prevention initiatives; learn more about the Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery.