Frequently Asked Questions

When was Atrius Health formed?
In 2004, HealthOne Care System was formed by Dedham Medical Associates, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Southboro Medical Group and South Shore Medical Center to collaborate on new approaches to the delivery of health care. In 2005, Granite Medical Group joined HealthOne Care System. In early 2007, HealthOne Care System changed its name to Atrius Health. In 2011, Reliant Medical Group (formerly Fallon Clinic) joined Atrius Health.

What does "Atrius" mean?
Atrius is derived by combining the words "Atrium" and "Radius". "Atrium" is an open central court or dedicated special space, and also a chamber in the heart. "Radius" defines a circle or sphere, or is a measure of range of activity or influence. When joined, "Atrius" means a special dedicated space defined by the relationship between the patient - at the center - and his/her physician and medical team.

What is our vision?
By partnering with our patients and communities to make it easier to be healthy, we measurably improve their health.

What is our mission?
Atrius Health supports its medical groups to improve the health of their patients and communities.

What are our values?
Each Atrius Health medical group individually and collectively embraces these values:

• We practice patient-centered care, seeking to know our patients as individuals, offering compassionate care that respects their unique needs, and responding to their feedback to continuously improve their care.
• We respect that the cornerstone of our practices is to deliver the highest possible quality to our patients in the safest environment within their local communities.
• We value teamwork led by clinicians collaborating with engaged and talented staff.
• We shape the future of healthcare by innovating new ways to care for our patients, promoting research and educating the next generation of clinicians.
• We deliver equitable health care that is evidence-based whenever possible to all of our diverse patient populations.
• We endeavor to be good stewards of our resources in order to extend care charitably, efficiently, and more broadly to our communities.
• We aspire to integrate our information and services across diverse communities to create a seamless system of care for our patients.
• We believe our mission is best served by retaining the identity, independence, and diversity of the member groups.

What is "A better approach to your health?"
Atrius Health believes in a proactive approach to managing your health, coordinated by your primary care physician and his/her medical team. We are known for our high quality preventive care and for exceptional programs for managing chronic conditions. Our outstanding specialists in more than 35 fields, with top hospital affiliations, and connections to other practices, ensure that we can support you in maintaining your health or in recovering from or managing an injury or illness.

Our practices are organized to make your life easier. Many of the Atrius Health practices provide on-site labs, pharmacy, and imaging services so you have minimum travel if diagnostic testing is needed. We provide 24-hour medical advice and extensive weekend urgent care. Each Atrius Health medical group utilizes an electronic medical record, which helps in coordinating care within a medical group.

What is Atrius Health's quality track record?
Leading quality care distinguishes Atrius Health. Organizations such as Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan recognize achievements of the Atrius Health medical groups in their evaluations of physician quality. Likewise, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates was awarded recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the work of its doctors in advanced medical records, patient education and support, and care management. Atrius Health is among the leaders in the state when clinical quality is measured by Massachusetts Health Quality Partners, an independent, non-profit organization that collects and publicly reports statewide patient experience and clinical performance data for physicians to help improve the quality of health care services delivered to Massachusetts' residents.

What special programs are offered at Atrius Health?
Many of the Atrius Health practices offer special programs to prevent illness and to manage chronic disease and other health issues. Prevention includes health education and promotion, active outreach to ensure patients receive recommended screenings, and clinical programs in areas such as genetics, behavioral health, nutrition, and pharmacy. Patients also benefit from unique services such as a complex chronic care program for patients with both diabetes and congestive heart failure and an intensive home-based program for patients with limited mobility.

Are the medical groups in Atrius Health involved with teaching or research?
Atrius Health physicians and staff participate actively in teaching, with affiliations at Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine, among others. The groups also engage in leading clinical research.

With which hospitals is Atrius Health affiliated?
Atrius Health physicians are on staff at Boston's leading academic medical centers and community hospitals including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Beverly Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital Boston, Emerson Hospital, Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, Harrington Memorial Hospital, HealthAlliance Hospital, Hubbard Regional Hospital, Lahey Clinic, Lowell General Hospital, Marlborough Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, MetroWest Medical Center, Milford Regional Medical Center, Mount Auburn Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, North Shore Medical Center, Quincy Medical Center, South Shore Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center, and UMass Memorial Health Care. Please contact the practice location of interest to learn about the specific hospitals to which that site refers patients.

Which insurance plans are accepted by Atrius Health?
Our doctors and other providers accept most major health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and Tufts Medicare Preferred. Our physicians and other providers are listed in the provider directories of many health insurance plans and you can also call your health insurance provider directly to confirm. For more complete information, please call the main number at the practice location of interest, or you may find more complete lists on the web at:

Do I have to be a "member" of Atrius Health to see its physicians or utilize its services?
As noted above, the medical groups of Atrius Health accept most major insurance plans and no special membership is required to be cared for by our physicians and other providers.

How do I find an Atrius Health doctor or other medical professional?
To find the practice locations nearest you, use our Find a Practice search tool. Each Atrius Health medical group has an on-line provider directory at the links below: