Information For New Patients
Welcome to Outer Cape Health Services!
We are grateful for your choosing us as your healthcare provider.
The mission of Outer Cape Health Services is to provide a full range of healthcare and supportive social services that promote the health and well-being of those living in and visiting the Lower and Outer Cape. This includes you!
To become a new patient of Outer Cape Health Services, please follow these steps:
1. Complete our New Patient Admissions Packet. Read and complete a new patient admissions packet, available at all OCHS sites, and available at the bottom of this page as a PDF packet. To complete the PDF forms by typing, download and save the PDF to your computer, and type in the fillable fields. You may also print the form and complete by hand. IMPORTANT: Please use black ink on the forms to ensure readability when scanned.
2. Return your competed registration forms by mail or fax to:
Mail:
ATTN: OCHS Medical Records
P.O. Box 598
Harwich Port, MA 02646
Fax: (508) 487-6298
3. Apply for insurance if needed. We offer insurance enrollment and transition support through our Healthy Connections Program.
Please Note: Due to high volume, new patient packets may take several weeks to acknowledge. If you have an urgent health need, please call or indicate on your new patient packet your specific needs. In urgent circumstances, we can book an appointment before you see your new primary care provider as it may be several weeks to months due to provider availability and great demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I schedule an appointment before I complete the New Patient Admissions Packet?
We are unable to schedule an appointment until we receive the completed New Patient Admissions packet. - I already have a primary care doctor. Can I keep my current doctor and register for your other services at OCHS?
Patients who receive primary care elsewhere may still register at OCHS for women’s health and optometry services. Currently, for behavioral health and medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, patients must also register to receive primary care at OCHS. - I need to see a specialist. Can I get a referral before my new patient appointment?
In most cases, your care team at OCHS will want to see you for a new patient appointment to get to know you and your health status and current needs before we refer you to a specialist. - I need refills on my medication. Can my new primary care provider refill them once I register to be a patient?
Outer Cape Health Services cannot refill medications until you have been seen by your new provider. We advise asking your previous provider to write a prescription that will cover you at least until your new patient appointment at OCHS. If you are unable to get refills from your previous provider, please indicate this on your OCHS health history form. Please also check with your insurance company to confirm coverage with OCHS and the newly-assigned provider.
If you are currently prescribed a controlled substance, please be advised that because controlled medications can be dangerous and addictive, and carry legal risks, Outer Cape Health Services has the following policy regarding controlled substances: If you believe you will require a refill of a new opiate prescription, please be aware that OCHS providers will not prescribe that type of medication at your first visit. Also, please be aware that OCHS providers will generally not prescribe or authorize the refill of opioids for chronic, non-cancer pain and will work with you to evaluate and manage your pain safely and sensibly.
We look forward to seeing you for your first visit. Thank you for choosing Outer Cape Health for your care!
NOTE: Please use black ink on the forms to ensure readability when scanned.
New Patient Packet Contents:
New Patient Packet (Full packet)
Formulário de Cadastro de Pacientes (em português)