Compass Medical announces immediate closure, patients left pondering their healthcare futures

ROCKLAND, Mass. — Patients at Compass Medical are confused and looking for answers regarding the future of their local healthcare provider after being shut out of appointments and schedules Wednesday.

Compass Medical announced Wednesday evening that all their practices will immediately close and advised patients to access their local emergency rooms and urgent cares.

“There is no good way to share this news. We are heartbroken and truly sorry as we know the unprecedented impact on our valued patients,” the healthcare company said in a statement.

Donna Green told Boston 25 News that when she tried to verify a June 5 appointment, a worker told her that Wednesday is the company’s last day and will be closed going forward.

“So now what? Where do we go from here?” Green asked.

Green hates what seems to be happening at Compass because she loves her doctor of three years.

“I’m dealing with back issues right now, I’m going to a pain specialist,” she said. “So now what. Where do you go from here?”

Liz Eaton is one of the thousands of patients who have relied on Compass Medical and now have more questions than answers regarding their medical care.

“Our medical system’s gone mad,” Eaton told Boston 25 News. “I’ve had Dr. Allard for over twenty years. The entire staff here has been such a support to my family. When I was diagnosed with cancer, my kids were little. She had an appointment with just them.”

After spending three days in the hospital with pneumonia Maureen Duffy’s wife Carol had a follow-up appointment scheduled for 8:30 Wednesday morning. When the couple called a half hour before the appointment, they were told the office is closed.

“I don’t know if we’re going to find somebody,” Duffy said. “I mean, she needs follow-up care.”

At the Easton facility, a sign indicated Compass’ urgent care would close an hour early at 5 p.m.

By the afternoon, closure was set for 3 p.m.

Compass Medical operated six medical clinics south of Boston. For ten years, Compass partnered with Steward Medical to bring medical care to the South Shore. That association ended on a sour note last year. The companies sued each other over financial issues. Last October, a Boston jury found Compass guilty of fraud, awarding Steward $16.4 million. The attorney representing Steward in that case, Howard Copper of the firm Todd & Weld, LLP, tells Boston 25 News that settlement has since swelled, with interest, to at least $25 million. It remains unpaid.

“After a steady stream of challenges, we were ultimately forced to make the devastating decision to close all offices of Compass Medical PC,” the company said in a statement.

The Attorney General’s Office told Boston 25 News they were looking into reports as well before the company officially announced its closure.

“Our office is aware of reports that Compass Medical Group locations closed suddenly today. We are gathering information and in close communication with our partners in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, particularly the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Affected consumers and patients are encouraged to contact the AG’s office to share their concerns,” said the AG’s Office.

Those looking to contact the Attorney General’s Office can do so by clicking this link or by calling 617-727-2200.

Boston 25 News has reached out to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services but has yet to receive a response.

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