Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What do you call this practice model?

Q: Why do I want this model with a fee?

Q: What is the annual membership fee?

Q: Do I need to continue my healthcare insurance?

Q: How can I contact Dr. Daly?

Q: If I need emergency room or hospital care, where should I go?

Q: What do you call this practice model?

A: Many physicians across the country have already changed to similar structures, because they can serve patients' needs more effectively. Common names include Patient-Centered, Consumer-based, Retainer-based or Concierge. There are several such practices in the Boston area, involving physicians affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and others.

Q: Why do I want this model with a fee?

A: Because you get the care you need, when you need it, on time, with no waiting and no rushing. Bring a list of your questions, as I’m happy to discuss each. You can contact me 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. I personally provide nutrition and lifestyle counseling, and frequently prescribe enlightening self-help literature, exercise programs, meditation, counseling, stress management, yoga and participation in groups when appropriate. In addition to conventional therapies, I have studied and experienced complementary and alternative healing modalities you might seek, and am happy to discuss them when appropriate.

You win, because you receive the service and medical care you need. And I can focus on serving you properly, undistracted by other people's demands. We share a direct and relaxed relationship of mutual respect. I believe these are the services everyone wants -- but they are not covered by conventional insurance.

Q: What is the annual membership fee?

A: Please click on the Memberships link on the left side of this page.

Q: Do I need to continue my healthcare insurance?

A: Healthcare in this country continues to be controlled by large for-profit corporations and government regulations. You do need to maintain your healthcare insurance to cover tests, specialists and hospitalizations. Typical office visits and hospital charges are billed to your health insurer under the name of William C. Daly M.D. LLC.

Some people who use medical services infrequently have been choosing "high deductible” or "catastrophic coverage" plans, as your monthly savings in insurance premiums are often greater than the out-of-pocket expenses likely to be incurred. Insurance carriers tend to change their plans and rates frequently with no notice to physicians, so we honestly don't know which companies to recommend.

I am very sorry that insurance companies and government mandate that you remain responsible for the copayments and deductibles defined by the insurance company you choose. They dictate that the membership fee may only pay for services and amenities outside of your insurance plan, and if I violate their laws they can terminate my contract.

Q: How can I contact Dr. Daly?

A: During office hours you will get the quickest service through the office phone – 978-470-0001. While I am with patients I obviously cannot converse with cell phone callers, so my Administrative Assistant will have me return your call ASAP. (Office hours are 8:30 AM - 5 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, but note that we do schedule office visits on other days by appointment.) After hours you can reach me by cell phone and you receive that number upon joining the practice. Since I am always "on-call" please use my cell phone only for urgent issues, and leave non-urgent messages on the office voicemail.
E-mail any time with non-urgent concerns and I'll respond within 24 hours. Never use e-mail for emergencies. Please put everything in the body of the e-mail – for security reasons we never open attached files.

If I'm on vacation or ill I make arrangements for a covering physician to provide medical care for you. We always notify you of such occurrences by e-mail (or postal service if you don't have e-mail available).

Q: If I need emergency room or hospital care, where should I go?

A: LOCAL HOSPITALS: If you need emergency room or hospital services, I recommend Lawrence General Hospital, where I will gladly provide your inpatient medical care.

Holy Family Hospital has hired Hospitalist physicians to provide inpatient medical care. If you choose Holy Family Hospital and need hospital admission, you will be assigned to their Hospitalist physician during your inpatient stay per their policies. I will be happy to talk with that doctor at any time, but I will not be able to control your daily care.

BOSTON AND OTHER HOSPITALS: You can continue to use the hospitals of your choice (as long as they participate with your insurance plan). Since I am not on the medical staffs of those hospitals, they will not allow me to function as your attending physician during your hospitalization. But I will be happy to discuss your care with your inpatient attending physician at any time during your hospital stay. Similarly, you may continue to use any specialists you like (again providing they participate with your insurance plan) and I work with them to coordinate your care.