ABOUT US
Our History | Staff | Telephone | Prescription Refills | Fees | Confidentiality
OUR HISTORY
Our practice was founded in 1954 by the late Dr. Setrag A. Zacarian and has expanded to become one of the largest dermatology practices in New England. As advances in science, technology, and the practice of medicine occur, we are continually striving to provide state-of-the-art skin care. By combining our many years of experience in the practice of dermatology, we sincerely believe we are able to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive, cost effective care available. One of the many advantages to patients and physicians in being in a group practice is the ability to discuss and consult with one another about challenging patient care problems. Physicians work with certified physician assistants and medical assistants as a team. In addition, we are fortunate to be supported by highly dedicated and experienced office staff who all work together for the common good of our patients.
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STAFF
All of the physicians, physician assistants, and clinical staff are Board Certified and/or licensed in their respective disciplines.
Physicians:
Emeriti:
- Joseph M. Corcoran, M.D.
- Setrag A. Zacarian, M.D. (1921-1998)
Physician Assistants:
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed health practitioners who work with and assist physicians in providing patient care. They are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants after passing an examination developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners and are awarded the certificate "Physician Assistant-Certified" or "PA-C". Each physician assistant is under the supervision of a physician who along with a medical assistant work as a team to provide optimum patient care.
 Phototherapy:
Phototherapy Technicians Sally Hawkins and Sandy Thomas have been providing phototherapy treatments since 1987 and 1994, respectively. Each have received both on the job training and formal education through the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Estheticians:
New England Dermatology & Laser Center offers Skin Care and Esthetics Services including Mini-Facials, Skin Analysis and Skin Typing, Beta Chemical Peels, Glytone Glycolic Acid Peels, Hair Laser, Comedone Extraction, Milia Removal, and Patient Education about Hand Dermititis and Rosacea. Makeup Services include Camouflage Makeup and Color Application using the Jane Iredale and DermaBlend Cosmetic Lines. Skin Care Services include Skin Assessment and Education. We offer the Glytone and MD Forte Skin Care Product Lines. Our Skin Care and Esthetics Staff has been trained by the Physicians in Chemical Peels, Laser Hair Removal and Dry Skin Care Education.
 Michelle Lakin, Licensed Esthetician
A graduate of Chameleon's School of Esthetics, July 2002. Michelle has been with New England Dermatology & Laser Center since March of 2003. She specializes in Esthetic services and make-up application using camouflage makeup to conceal skin conditions and scars. She has completed specialty training in the Jane Iredale Cosmetics product line.
 Laurie R. Circosta, Licensed Esthetician
Laurie is a 1998 graduate of the Chameleons School of Esthetics. She comes to New England Dermatology and Laser Center after a 14 year career in the Salon/Spa industry. Laurie specializes in skin care services and education as well as make up application using camouflage techniques to conceal skin conditions and scarring. She has completed additional training on anti-aging therapies as well as the effects of photoaging at The Dermal Institute of New York and has taken additional training in the various aspects of skin care in Florida and Sydney, Australia.
 Mina Bahrehmand, Licensed Esthetician
A graduate of New England Center for Esthetic Education and Westfield State College, Mina’s background includes cosmetic manager and free lance makeup artist. Mina specializes in makeup education and application as well as camouflage techniques to conceal skin conditions and scars. She is knowledgeable and trained in the Jane Iredale mineral cosmetic line and has received additional training in manual lymphatic drainage of the face and neck.
Administrators:
 Shannon Page, Clinical Operations Manager
Shannon joined New England Dermatology and Laser Center in Februrary, 2006. She is a graduate of Springfield College [B.S. in Health and Human Service] and Springfield Technicial Community College [A.S. in Medical Assisting]. Shannon has spent the last 14 years working in different aspects of health care including teaching medical assistant students at Holyoke Community College and managing multi-physician group practices. She brings with her a wealth of clinical and administrative experience in health care.
 Matthew Tougias, Financial Operations Manager
Matt joined New England Dermatology and Laser Center in May, 2005. He graduated from Bentley College and has his Bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance with an Associates degree in Accounting. Matt has continued his education by taking various business courses over the years. Before working in the medical field, he has had accounting/finance positions in the food, defense, and waste industries.
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TELEPHONE
You may wish to call the office between visits regarding special problems. We have instructed our assistants to handle all incoming telephone calls. This allows the physician to attend his/her patients with a minimum of interruptions. Members of the office staff are trained to answer many of your questions, but will not do so without first checking with your physician/PA. Your medical record may need to be reviewed before your call can be returned. Please inform the receptionist if you consider your problem an emergency. While urgent messages will be answered accordingly, non-urgent calls will be returned as soon as possible. If you have an urgent problem after office hours, please call the Springfield office (413) 733-9600 and our 24-hour answering service will take your call and notify your physician/PA or the physician/PA on call.
A note about medically-related E-mails:
In this era of increasing electronic communication, we still feel that an e-mail is no substitute for face-to-face, personal interaction between a physician/PA and patient. Therefore, we do not answer questions regarding specific medical conditions or treatments by e-mail correspondence. Thank you for understanding.
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PRESCRIPTION REFILLS
Requests for medication refills are best made during REGULAR OFFICE HOURS and should be directed to the Springfield office. Please have the prescription name and number, as well as your pharmacy telephone number, available when you call. IT IS A GENERAL OFFICE POLICY NOT TO REFILL PRESCRIPTIONS ON WEEKENDS AND NOT TO FILL PRESCRIPTIONS THAT ARE OVER ONE YEAR OLD. It may not be appropriate to refill certain medications over the telephone without first being seen by your physician. Sometimes, newer therapies, which could benefit you, have become available since your last visit.
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FEES
There is no "standard" office visit fee to cover all patient visits. In fact, there is a range of charges based upon certain well-defined criteria, which follow American Medical Association guidelines. Initial office visit fees tend to be higher than those for follow-up visits as additional administrative effort is required to establish a new patient file. Fees vary and are based upon the number and complexity of the presenting problems, extent of the physical exam performed, and the degree of decision making regarding diagnosis and treatment. Charges are not solely determined by the amount of time spent with the physician and may not be the same at each visit. If you have questions about your charges, please ask for an explanation.
Billing
It is our office policy to require payment at the time of your office visit. Similarly, payment in full is expected at the time of your visit for cosmetic consultations and procedures. You will be given a receipt that you may submit directly to your insurance company for reimbursement if your policy so provides.
Managed Care
We are providers for many managed care plans, but you will need to check with our office to be certain that we participate in your particular plan. Additionally, if your plan requires you to obtain an authorization from your primary care physician prior to seeing a specialist, you must bring it with you, or our office must have received it, in order to be seen. If your visit has not been authorized, you have the option of rescheduling or signing a waiver making you financial responsibility. This is your decision. Please remember that the specialist physician is only authorized to treat you for the specific reason you were referred and for a specific number of visits over a specified period of time. If you have additional problems, these also need to be
authorized by your primary care physician.
Insurance Forms
We are happy to assist in the processing of your insurance forms. Any charges not covered remain your responsibility. If there is a hardship, you may ask to arrange for a payment plan. Questions regarding your bill may be discussed with our business office (413) 788-0532, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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CONFIDENTIALITY/PRIVACY
We consider your association with us a confidential and personal matter. We do not release any medical information to insurance companies, employers, attorneys, courts, or anyone else without your written consent.
Doctor-Patient Relations
Doctor-patient relations are based on mutual understanding. Do not hesitate to ask questions if something is not clear to you. Our office and medical equipment have been planned with much thought and care to provide quality medical service in a pleasant, efficient, and friendly atmosphere. If you have any suggestions or complaints regarding our services or fees, please tell us so that we may better serve you.
New England Dermatology & Laser Center has been providing skin care to the Greater Springfield Community since 1954. We honor and value the confidence you have placed in us over these years and we thank you very much.
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