BILH in Burlington & Peabody Mass are fantastic. Burlington is better for the Emergency Room. The doctors & nurses are amazing. I have had good experiences with My Lahey doctors!!! read more

Unless you are a masochist, please save yourself hours (literally) of frustration and find a doctor elsewhere. This office is not worth it if you are thinking that the location is convenient, they are accepting new patients and/or accept your insurance. Allow me to summarize my almost 3 hrs of aggravation for an appointment that never happened: because I have two specialists at Beth Israel (the hospital itself), it is much easier to have a BI-affiliated primary care doc. My PCP changed her practice and is no longer affiliated, so add in Covid issues of finding a doctor accepting new patients and my options were limited. Tufts (my insurer) confirmed for me that two doctors here were accepting new patients, so I called to make an appointment. I was on hold for 22 minutes before my conversation with a snippy and bored-sounding girl started. She told me I needed to fill out new patient paperwork BEFORE I could even make an appointment. She emailed this to me while I was on the phone with her, and I asked if I could make the appointment at that time and email the paperwork in 10 minutes? NO. I needed to fill it out, email it back and then call again to make an appointment. Does that make any sense to anyone?? Because BI has all records on their Patient Site, there was NOTHING that I added to these forms that could not be found in my electronic records. NOTHING. In the event I forgot to add a medication or some other detail about myself, the answer is on Patient Site. One of the many reasons for that system is that all doctors and their offices can access the info... well, almost all offices. I filled it out, called back 10 minutes later and waited on hold again. I was connected to a different snippy girl who said she didn't see my email; I told her I had sent it several minutes prior (because I had been on hold). She insisted she didn't see it, so I sent it again. She waited and again said she didn't see it, so I sent it a THIRD time.... and then she saw all three of them, and asked me why I had emailed it three times??? WTF honey? I made an appointment with Dr. Rai for two weeks from that day and was then bombarded with emails, automated phone calls and texts about my appointment. I was also informed that I needed to arrive 15 minutes early to confirm paperwork (more paperwork?), so I arrived at 9:30am for my 9:45 appointment. While waiting in line to check-in, I looked at my phone and noticed two missed calls (I had been driving for the last 15 minutes to get there); listened to my voicemail and learned that my appointment was cancelled BUT they had rescheduled me for that afternoon. Whatever happened to ASKING if the time they are rescheduling me to actually works for me AND how did they not know until 9:15 that the doctor wouldn't actually be there for my appt at 9:45??? Surely someone knew before 9:15. It was then my turn to check in (and ironically had received another text just then telling me to check-in online!) so I said I was there to check-in for my appointment I had only just learned was cancelled. I said I couldn't come that afternoon and rescheduled it according to MY schedule for the following week, and while driving home I fumed about how I had wasted time on a holiday (not to mention all of the time waiting on hold just to make this crappy appointment). I decided I would wait and cancel the appointment at the last minute, but when the automated calls and texts started I knew I needed to put an end to that and cancel right away. I called, waited on hold (no surprise there) and said I needed to cancel my appointment. The girl actually asked me WHY I needed to cancel, I said I just needed to cancel. She said she "needed to put a reason", and while I wanted to tell her that it was because the entire experience with that office was a freaking nightmare (and to read the reviews online) I simply said "it's a long story, but I am not coming". Save yourself the aggravation of this place and find another doctor or just go without, your blood pressure will thank you. read more

PCP Rai has been away for the past months for "vacation" and we were just told that he's going to pursue new opportunities somewhere else starting August, and as one of his patients, I was instructed to find a new PCP as soon as possible and the office gave me trouble refilling my medications and said I should establish a new care somewhere else for the meds. Which is very unreasonable. It is extremely challenging to establish new primary care around the Boston area, and throwing a list of providers to patients and ask them to contact themselves is a very useless and irresponsible behavior - they should either hire a new PCP to replace him at the current location (literally been months since he's MIA) and take over all the patients, or at least have other MDs (not an NP) accept his patients temporarily until they get a new person. The lady who's been responding to Mychart message also said I should contact my previous doctors for medication refill, when my PCP at this location has literally been the same person prescribing my medication. Lack of medical and pharmacy knowledge in their staff is just a thing. I am very upset with the way they have handled this and would not recommend BILH primary care Washington Square. read more

I have never encountered such disrespectful treatment in my life. My doctor asked me to visit the 2nd FL laboratory to provide a stool sample within the next day or two. The laboratory was about to close when I arrived, thus I was provided tools to produce the sample at home and bring it back the next morning. Despite my efforts, constipation hindered my goal to collect my sample at home that night. As I had to undergo an ultrasound near the clinic the following morning, I decided to produce the sample on-site the next day. (Considering that my doctor said "within the next day or two", I believed it was okay to produce the sample the next morning.) Returning the sample to the lab, I could see that the staff is unhappy. The laboratory is a tiny room. Right in front of me (about 4~5 feet distance) and in front of other staff and patient, the staff said to her colleague, "I asked her to collect the sample yesterday. Some people just don't know how to follow instructions. This is why people should go get an education, so they can learn how to follow directions." I was taken aback by her disrespectful behavior, but I refrained from responding because there were other patients present, and I didn't want to make a scene. As she picked up my sample, she noticed that I had forgotten to record the date of collection on the label - A complete oversight on my part, for which I am sincerely sorry. Exiting the lab and making my way down the hallway, I could hear the staff continue to express her negative opinions about me. Even after I had walked through the 2nd-floor hallway and reached the stairs and elevator, I could hear her continuously commenting loudly, "She just needs to place the stool in the tube. How difficult can that be?" I understand the frustration is partially my fault as I forgot to record the date. However, I have never encountered such disrespectful treatment in my life. Does a patient deserve public shaming like this when the delay in producing a sample is due to a medical reason? The staff's comment in public that I should go get an education is bizarre too. It's unpleasant to be sick, but when compared to disrespect and indignity, sickness is easier to endure. I love Beth Israel, but I do not recommend this clinic. read more

I have seen Dr. Fern Starr for many years and she has been extremely punctual in all tests and in recurring evaluation of my issues. Never has she hesitated to assign me to a specialist. I feel fortunate in having her as my PC, and will go for more annual today to see her. Thank you Washington Sq. Group. read more

I left this practice as soon as I could. Making an appointment was a labyrinth of long holds and confusion. They sometimes didn't answer the phone for 5-15 minutes. There was no way to email my doctor. If I had a message for her, I had to play a long game of telephone through her staff. When I needed an urgent appointment, they told me I couldnt see anyone until a month out. But when I went to Urgent care instead, they followed up as per the law and were able to see me the next day. If they had just said so, they could have saved everyone the expense of the Urgent Care visit. Fern Star, MD was just as harried and confused by beauracracy as her staff. Before commenting on the medical issues, she always started by telling me the beauracratic limitations. Then she gave me wrong information 3 times about medical facts, each time ignoring an issue which could have been quite serious. "I don't have the time to think about this" was her common reply. At my physical, she dutifully followed a litany of questions about ears, eyes, eating and so on, but refused to talk about a medical concern I had, saying the time to do that would be at a follow-up appointment. But when I had a follow-up appointment, she said there wasn't time to talk about the issue there because the appointment was too short and the time to have a longer conversation would be at my physical. As a result, I was never able to fill in Dr Star on the issue. She was comfortable with routine things, but brushed aside anything which might be bigger. Though Dr Star did express her hope that we could learn to work together better, and the office manager tried very hard on one occasion to override the beauracracy and find an appointment slot for me, I didn't find this to be an adequate response to the problem that at this clinic, no one has time to treat anybody! A very disappointing and angering experience. This is a more minor thing, but I also didn't like the clinic-wide policy of having patients be in gowns for their entire physical. At every place I'd ever been before, I got to meet and speak with the doctor while fully clothed and only change into a gown if there was need for an examination. This always seemed respectful. At BI Washington Square, they had me change into a gown first thing. I waited in the room that way for 20 minutes before the doctor could even see me, and then had to stay that way throughout all the questioning and conversation. It was very uncomfortable, cold and denigrating. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Glen Kehlmann for over ten years now, and I have never had a bad experience, in fact, I'd say I've never had a doctor I've trusted more than I do him. I have several autoimmune diseases, and my care can often be difficult to manage. I feel fortunate to have a doctor who will run every and any test he feels is necessary, and, should he still not be able to find the answer, tells me so, and sends me to a specialist (calling for me, so I get right in). In the past I've had doctors who will just guess, and give me the wrong diagnosis, or just put me on antibiotics- but this has never been the case with Dr. Kehlmann. If he can't figure it out, he says so, and will send me to a specialist for another Dr to have a crack at it ( as was the case with my second and more rare autoimmune disease). When my husband was killed by an elderly driver in 2005, I called him from Hartford Hospital, on a Sunday. He got right back to me, and immediately called in a script to the hospital pharmacy to help keep me calm for the last day of my husband's life, and make organ donation arrangements. I've always found him to be kind, funny and professional, and would (and have!) recommend him to anyone without hesitation. He is NOT a Doctor who will just give you pain meds, or put you on antibiotics, unless you really need them. He is incredibly competent, and I always feel secure in his diagnosis and suggestions. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Kehlmann as my Primary Care Physician, and would also add that I've never once had an appointment canceled on me, and have found Dr. K's office staff to be incredibly friendly, helpful and professional. They always work as a team to get me in on short notice, and no matter how miserable I'm feeling, I tend to leave the office smiling. read more

My doctor, Dr. Glenn Kehlmann, is an excellent PCP. While I'm personally in excellent health, Dr. Kehlmann makes me feel comfortable, takes time to listen, answer my questions, and is very willing to see me for an annual physical. The first time I saw him he ordered the usual tests for a new patient and based off my family history ordered lipid panels and even checked my vitamin D levels. He's thorough and professional, yet also willing to joke with you and give you frank advice. I've also found the staff at the Washington Square Group to be courteous and professional in all interactions I've ever had with them. Reading other reviews, I can understand scheduling may be frustrating at times. In my experience though as a 30-year old man, I've yet to find a medical practice where this is NOT the case. Also, perhaps this is because of my partner, who is a physician herself, BUT patients really need to realize that there are people out there in the world who are even sicker than they themselves are, and that doctors are NOT actually a dime a dozen. Physicians and the nursing staff that answer practice phones must triage patient visit requests and prioritize their limited time such that they can do the most good for the sickest patients. One rude phone exchange does not make for a bad practice or poor physician. Perhaps the problem is actually your expectation that your PCP's office should treat you like your nail salon? read more

I went there twice for my annual chek-up, Dr. Glenn Kehlmann rushed through the appointment, and never got back to me with my blood test results. Now, after not going there for a few years because of COVID, I tried to schedule my appointment. They kicked me out of the practice because I have not been there in a while, refusing to take me one as a new patient. really annoyed by this lack of professionalism read more

I went to visit Dr. Fern Starr to get a blood desk and have her manage a prescription for me when I moved to this area. She pushed me into getting a flu shot despite having no interest and being ill. I left paying my co-pay and thinking everything was all set. I went to pick up the prescription the next day and when I got home saw that she had given me a 28 day prescription for the wrong medicine with dangerously inaccurate instructions on them (to take a stimulant before bed). The medication is a class A prescription that I can only get filled every 30 days so I am stuck with 28 pills I can't use and no medication. I called to voice my frustration and inquire about when the blood test would be available and was told there was no request on file but that they would have a new prescription ready for me. I have called repeatedly and no one has gotten back to me about the blood test. I went to pick up the replacement prescription today (after waiting thirty days) and it was wrong AGAIN. So I have now paid twice for a medication I can't use with no acceptable alternatives. I don't understand how a doctor can be so careless about prescribing medication that the FDA feels should be so severely restricted. She should not be practicing medicine and you should avoid her at all costs. read more

I and my husband have been under the care and advocacy of Dr Rees for 32 years; I also grew up surrounded by doctors and nurses. The care that Dr. Rees and his group deliver has been nothing less than outstanding. Dr Rees is so smart and has an amazing ability to find the needle in a hay stack in his diagnosis. He is so well regarded by the medical community and has forged such strong partnerships that he refers to the top notch specialty physicians. read more

***Update: after they cancelled my appointment, they rescheduled me for one month later (this afternoon). They just called to cancel today's appointment, once again, after confirming it. If this were Curb Your Enthusiasm, I would ask for two appointments worth of co-pays, since that is what they would charge me. read more

I am a patient of this so called medical group. I have chronic pancreatitis. I called their office over the New Years holiday, as I was having considerable pain. I had to call the answering service twice, as the doctor on call did not return my call the first time. His name is Dr. Glenn Kehlmann. When he did call back, he was extremely abrupt/rude, and treated me as a child. He told me he did not fill pain medication over the weekends, and I should monitor my medications more carefully. I do not take pain medication on a daily basis, so his remarks to me were somewhat ignorant. He advised me he was going into the office the following day, and would review my medical chart, and then phone in the RX to my pharmacy. I received no call from him the following day, nor did he phone an RX into my pharmacy. I found this doctor to be rude, uncaring, and extremely unprofessional. I would suggest anyone reading this review to strongly find another medical practice to go to. There are too many other practices that are of a more professional and caring nature. If I could give this practice no stars, I would. My primary care physician is Dr. Arun Mukherjee. I have found him to be more caring and professional. I will continue using him, however, Dr. Glenn Kehlmann is totally useless. He needs to take several courses in customer service. He may be a physician of sorts, however, his bedside manner and integrity FAIL the course. Maybe he should look into seeing a psychiatrist or therapist? read more

For over 30 years I was a patient here. It was a wonderful place. Dr Rees was an amazing doctor and the doctor he brought in to replace him when he retired, Dr Murphy, was also good and kind. I used to drive in over an hour just to visit. Unfortunately, I recently had such a terrible experience with a Dr Johanna Klein there that I am thinking about switching practices. I take Adderall and have for years for ADD. And you can only get a 30 day prescription and have to go in to get it every 30 days. A big pain. But I deal. And have for years and years. And the office is always super helpful and easy about what is a huge time waste each month. Anyway, unfortunately, my prescription ran out while Doctor Murphy was on vacation. And because I hadn't had my physical for this year yet, Dr Johanna Klein refused to refill my prescription - even with a stop gap number of pills till my dr returned the next week. I explained how I had taken it for years, was, as my monthly record clearly showed, never an abuser of the medication, and had to go away on a business trip the next week. On top of this she was rude and completely unhelpful. She suggested "mailing me" a list of other doctors I could go to get my prescription filled. Total officious nonsense. Terrible terrible service. And obviously no concept of a GP practice being a relationship. So , I have to say to stay away - at least from Dr. Klein!! read more

I've only been a patient here for a few years, but the Washington Square Group has managed to do a lot wrong in those few short years. First they billed me for my yearly physical. I sent back the form with my insurance information. They sent me another bill. I finally had to talk to someone and the bills stopped coming. Then they somehow didn't process one of my referrals AFTER I'd already gone to my dermatologist and was charged for that. It took numerous calls to the office to straighten this out. Then, the most recent incident and therefore freshest in my mind, I get a call from said dermatologist's office telling me the Washington Square Group office told them I could no longer see my dermatologist because he's not affiliated with Beth Israel. What?? First, this makes no sense, and second, I've been seeing the same dermatologist for years, why should anything change now? I call the office and explain the situation, and I think I'm being pretty clear: I have an appointment with my derm and the office says they're having trouble processing my referral, she mentioned something about him not being affiliated with Beth Israel. (pause) Well what do you want then? Excuse me, I don't need the attitude, I need you to either give me a referral or to tell me why you won't. In the end everything was fine and, as is par for the course with Washington Square Group, they just made things twice as difficult as they needed to be for everyone involved (including themselves). They routinely make mistakes and are then incredibly rude when you try to fix them. For these and other reasons, I'm changing PCPs. read more

One star because my doctor is great. No stars for the extremely rude staff. Requested an appointment and they put me out a month in advance. Called to get it moved up and they told me to just go to urgent care instead. Completely offended by the phone staff and will change facilities. read more

I'm happy to say that I've had an entirely different experience with Washington Square Group in general and Dr. Kehlmann in particular. I've been his patient for nearly 20 years, and he's consistently been both professional and delightful. (BTW, I found him from a friend who was employed by one of the largest medical insurance companies in the state. Everyone at this company saw Dr. Kehlmann given his high quality of care.) What I appreciate about Dr. Kehlmann is that he is practical in his approach: he orders tests as necessary without overlooking what could be a major issue. I trust him entirely. A few years ago, I was in need of emergency care over the Thanksgiving weekend. My call was answered quickly, instructions were clear, and medication was prescribed. Also, I've never had an issue with the team. And sure the waiting room could use better magazines. But I'm there for quality medical care--not brain candy. I take medical care very seriously. I would not tolerate for a moment a doctor who was not responsive, caring, or involved. And because Dr. Kehlmann is all those things as well as a well-experienced practitioner, I have remained his patient for years. read more

I've been very happy with the Washington Sq group. Dr. Kehlmann has really been there for me and taken the time to listen to any medical issues. Also, if something is really wrong, he makes time in his day to see me. This is very important as there are times something will happen and I'll be freaking out. I need a doctor whom I know I can rely on, whom I know is intelligent and competent. Dr K. is that man, and I would recommend him to anybody. read more

I liked Dr. Klein, but couldn't get an appointment to see her. I mean I couldn't, as in, I couldn't get these people on the phone. I called 6 times, at varying hours (first thing, mid day, end of day, etc.) and I'm totally convinced they don't answer their phones at all. Was on hold 5 minutes or longer each time. I finally sent a request via patient site, no response either. I have made an appointment elsewhere. I really hope the physicians read yelp because they need more or better staff. You're losing patients because of it. read more

Dr. Fern Starr has been my PCP for many years. She is smart, detailed, researches meds. etc., friendly & refers me to good BIDMC Specialists for non-routine care. I trust Dr. Starr's medical judgement & recommendations. Handy to have a lab upstairs & Longwood MRI across the hall for x-rays etc. There is always some inefficient turnover in Admin. staff in this busy group practice. Otherwise, I receive high quality care from Dr. Starr. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Rees for over twenty years, he is an amazing doctor. He knows more about specialties than some specialists; is warm caring and a great listener. He is the big leagues of medical practice and also refers you to all the top people if needed. I can't recommend him enough and all his patients say the same because I've sent friends there too. I found Dr. Mukerjee offensive and unprofessional, but I think there's a reason he suddenly left. Micheal K. Rees stands for excellence. read more

Concerning Arun Mukherjee: I went in with some check up and to ask for some blood work. This guy has terrible bedside manner. Beyond his rudeness and derisive condescension, there's something at the same time bitter and sadistic about this guy--as if being a doctor was his disappointing backup plan to serial murder. If you want to feel slightly traumatized after your appointment, by all means give him a try! read more

Dr. Kehlmann's is the best medical practice I've ever been too. The doc is everything you'd want in an internist: very knowledgeable, professional and friendly, as is his staff. In this day of medical cost consciousness, he won't hesitate to order a test/procedure that he thinks you need. Also, although his sched is jammed full seeing patients, he will always see me same/next day if I'm sick or have a serious issue. He respects your time and always sees me within a few minutes of my scheduled time. Thanks for reading this review. read more

I have been going there since I was a teenager. When my primary(who started the practice) retires or is gone, I will find another group. The rest of the doctors there are ok I suspect....but I dont feel comfortable with them...or their ideas. One in particular is extremely rude. Sadly, I often get him on the phone when I get anyone on the phone(thats a drag as well). Its too bad, as the practice was always VERY good and easy to deal with. I drive a long way and pass many doctors to go to this one because my primary is worth it. Too bad he is getting old enough that he may retire soon. read more

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Glenn Kehlmann. I've been seeing him for over 25 years. I trust him so much that when my mother's physician retired, I sent her to him. She loves him and she's a tough judge. I first saw him when I was going through a medical crisis and my primary care physician was unavailable. He reacted immediately, sensitively, and effectively. I switched over to him as my PCP. A number of years ago, my father passed away from prostate cancer. Though I was younger than the normal guidelines for the PC test, we began adding the test to my yearly physical. It saved my life. Have I mentioned that he's got a terrific sense of humor? Yes, I have had my annoyances with the billing dept through the years. I think part of this is the medical system itself, to be found at any office, and part of it may be this particular office. Still, I'm willing to deal with a few admin mistakes in exchange for the best doctor I can imagine. read more

After experiencing completely awful care at Healthcare Associates at BIDMC, I decided to switch to the Washington Square Group a year ago. They have been nothing short of amazing. I see Johanna Klein for my PCP, who has been extremely friendly, competent, and treats me like I'm her only patient. The customer service has always been amazing. I live in the neighborhood, so I never have to worry about parking, but it does look like it might get tight. All in all, I wish I would have found this place sooner instead of wasting my time, energy, and money with Healthcare Associates. read more

I'm also a long-time patient of Dr. Glen Kehlmann. He's always, always, made room for me in his schedule if I need to be seen. It can sometimes take a few hours to get him to find a place to squeeze me in that day, but he comes through. And when I'm there for the visit he never acts rushed, even if he has a waiting room full of people. Highly recommended. read more

They sent me the same bill 5 times after I had paid it and I got no response from their office despite repeated attempts to clear my account. Don't go here unless you want a complete headache that they might cure, but will send you multiple bills for! read more

Not sure how Lauren's experience could be so different from my own but thought i'd offer a different perspective. I was a patient of this office for 4 years and had many visits before moving out of state last winter. Yes, the waiting room leaves a lot to be desired and sometimes the office staff isn't the best but I had the best doctor I've ever had in my life, a woman in the practice. She's incredibly smart, remembers every detail of every visit (which is really important if you have allergies, etc., esp to medication) and is very responsive. There is one younger male doctor who's good, too. An older guy who was there wasn't so great but not weird in my experience. Bring your own mags or wait in the hall but the care is well worth the unpleasant parts which are far less unpleasant than a lot of other offices! And the Dachau comment is really inappropriate & tasteless & I'm not Jewish.... read more