May 28, 2020
As required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Acton Medical Associates is pleased to declare that we meet all safety requirements in order to reopen Phase 1 services and procedures to the public.
Please click here to view the document and criteria set in place by the DPH.
Our teams have been working carefully and quickly to provide the highest level of safety to patients and our staff. Please contact us if you have any questions, (978) 635-8700.
May 4, 2020
On May 4, Acton Medical’s Dr. Scott Paparello, Adult Medicine and Infectious Diseases Specialist, sat down with Westford Cable Access Television to talk about COVID-19. Over a Zoom interview, they discussed the virus’ origination, COVID toes, and vaccine questions, as well as what it means to test for antibodies.
In addition to working in Adult Medicine at Acton Medical, Dr. Paparello is also the Infection Control consultant to Emerson Hospital. In this interview, he shares an update on the status at the hospital, and what it means to be an Infectious Diseases Specialist.
Click here to watch the video and read Westford CAT’s corresponding news article. We hope this information is helpful, and are dedicated to continuing to provide valuable COVID-19 support to our patients and the community.
May 1, 2020
Acton Medical’s COVID-19 Task Force created a quick reference to provide some helpful answers to frequently asked questions we’ve been receiving about COVID-19 diagnoses, and testing of antibodies.
Pediatrics, (978) 635-8914
Adult Medicine, (978) 635-8700
April 29, 2020
COVID-19 has presented the world with a new way of living. The effects of the virus require us all to be prepared to quickly adapt our lifestyles to protect each other and the community.
Acton Medical’s COVID-19 Task Force works to ensure that we keep our staff and patients safe while continuing to offer exceptional healthcare services that meet all patients’ needs. In addition to launching telehealth over the past weeks, we are now in a transition phase with an aim to provide more services for in-person, non-COVID-19 patient needs.
Beginning May 4, 2020, we’ll re-open our Harvard location. Harvard and Littleton sites are now Symptom Free, and we have a new location opening in Hudson this fall!
Click here to learn more.
Our dedication to providing high quality healthcare for all patients remains stronger than ever.
We’re here for you! Please call us should any needs arise.
Pediatrics, (978) 635-8914
Adult Medicine, (978) 635-8700
April 17, 2020
There’s been a lot of misinformation published about COVID-19 testing sites. It’s important to have access to the correct information.
Yesterday, Mass.gov updated their list of MA COVID-19 Testing Sites. It’s a helpful resource to have on-hand.
Use the link below to access the list if;
Click here to access the most recent list of MA COVID-19 Testing Sites.
April 14, 2020
Acton Medical is pleased to have adapted our workflow processes to ensure we are available by telehealth, not only for COVID-19 but, also for NON-CORONAVIRUS healthcare services.
In addition to COVID-19 support, providers are open for telehealth visits for services such as sleep concerns, skin conditions, acne, headaches, mental health, allergies, and more.
Our dedication to providing high quality healthcare for all patient needs remains stronger than ever.
Click here for details from Pediatrics.
Click here for more information from Adult Medicine.
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April 8, 2020
We’re pleased to share some thoughts and advice on the use of masks and gloves, from Dr. Scott Paparello, D.O., Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases.
“I think people in general are being fairly diligent in practicing social distancing. Staying apart from each other, though difficult, is still the best way to prevent getting, or giving, the coronavirus.
People may be spread the virus before having any symptoms, and some may have the infection without developing any symptoms at all.
The recommendation for universal wearing of masks in public may seem a bit confusing. The main goal of wearing a mask when in public is to prevent the mask wearer from inadvertently spreading the virus to others.
However, it does also protect the mask wearer to some degree by blocking some droplets, and as a reminder to not touch your face with your hands. The main mode of transmission is still likely droplets, which settle on surfaces and then are touched and brought to the mouth or eyes.
Therefore, meticulous hand hygiene is the most effective method of preventing infection. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Some people like to wear gloves when out in public, this is not unreasonable. But, it’s important for people to make sure they do not touch their face with gloves, which can have the virus. A dirty glove is not a safe precaution. Hands should be washed thoroughly once gloves have been removed as well.”
–Dr. Scott Paparello, D.O., Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases
April 7, 2020
The community really continues to surround Acton Medical with an abundance of heartwarming support over these difficult weeks.
With this post, we are sharing the first of many THANK YOU messages to the local organizations and residents who have so graciously donated personal protective equipment to help keep our staff and patients safe.
– Dear Feng and the family and friends of Boston Metrowest Bible Church Donghai, THANK YOU for your generous donation of over 1,400 masks, as well as coveralls, face shields, and more!
– Kaiping, a local resident, along with her friends and family have given over 250 masks, as well as goggles and gloves. THANK YOU!
– THANK YOU to local residents, Tim and Len Kaminski, who gave more than 20 masks, and gloves!
– Emily Loebs, another neighbor, donated fabric face masks which she made by hand. THANK YOU, Emily!
There are many more donors to mention in the coming days, and we are still accepting PPE donations. Please email PatientRelations@actonmedical.com.
A HUGE thank you to everyone, our teams feel uplifted by your support. As always, we are prepared and here for your healthcare needs.
April 6, 2020
On Sunday, April 5, our hearts were overwhelmed by families who came to write Thank Yous and notes of encouragement in chalk on the walkways at our Acton office. They arrived at separate times, keeping a safe distance, to draw pictures and leave supportive messages for our teams.
“This makes me so happy, thank you!” — Dr. Deborah Kovacs, Adult Medicine and Medical Director
Please know that Acton Medical remains prepared and ready to meet the healthcare needs of you and your family.
March 31, 2020
Appointments Only – Must be Referred by Acton Medical Physician
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Acton Medical Associates is now testing patients, by appointment only, for COVID-19. Testing is conducted in our Testing Tent located in the patient parking lot at our Acton office. We are pleased to be able to offer this service to our patients and help protect the community.
Patients are only being tested after having a telehealth or in-person visit with their Acton Medical provider, and being recommended for a test by that doctor.
Once recommended for testing, our COVID-19 Testing Team will call the patient to schedule the appointment. Tests are setup within 24 hours of the patient’s telehealth or in-person visit and referral for testing.
Please note that patients with mild symptoms do not require testing and are being advised to self-quarantine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, lists the COVID-19 symptoms that may indicate a person should seek medical care, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Acton Medical is following strict criteria in order to identify patients for coronavirus testing.
During a telehealth or in-person visit, patients will be checked for specific, severe symptoms that indicate a test is needed. If that criteria is not met, even though some symptoms may be exhibited, then we’re unable to recommend testing.
COVID-19 testing at Acton Medical is conducted in our Testing Tent between 1 and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
Again, testing is by appointment only.
Patients who have an appointment to be tested are asked to drive to the tent in our patient parking lot and pull into a designated parking spot by the tent.
These spots are identified by yellow Designated for Tent Testing parking signs.
When arriving for testing, an Acton Medical team member will greet patients at their vehicle and ask for appointment information. After the appointment is confirmed, patients are directed to enter the tent and one of our providers will meet with the patient and perform the test.
Even if a COVID-19 test comes back negative, we recommend self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the sickness that led to testing. Although patients may not have COVID-19, it’s important to support social distancing to protect loved ones and the community.Â
Acton Medical supports the CDC’s advisement on what to do when sick, those instructions can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html.
As always, we are here for any issues that may arise and wish you and your families good health and wellness.
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To provide efficient medical service, we cannot accept walk-in patients for any services.
Our staff will be seen wearing masks, gloves, and/or gowns. This is a precautionary measure and does not mean they have an illness, or believe you have an illness. We’re practicing an abundance of caution for everyone’s safety.
For symptoms that require emergency care, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
March 30, 2020
Many parents may be trying to keep a full schedule for kids at home during COVID-19. Acton Medical would like to help.
Some of our pediatricians put together just a few of their tips and suggested resources for parents and kids while home during social distancing.
– Dr. Simon offers advice on talking to kids about COVID-19
– Learn about a weekly online singalong Dr. Darling enjoys with her son
– Dr. J. shares tips for taking things offline
Click here to view our first edition of At Home Tips. We hope they’re helpful and look forward to providing more for you soon.
March, 30, 2020
Meal planning can be challenging any time, never mind while navigating family care through an international health crisis.
To help with food preparedness, Acton Medical’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Liz Berman, shares Meal Planning During Social Distancing tips in the brief video below.
Showing examples from her own pantry, Liz focuses on making the best use of what’s already on-hand, including those items you may have forgotten about in your cupboards.
The goal is to plan weekly, healthy meals, without over-stocking food and leaving empty grocery shelves for those in need.
Meal planning can be challenging any time, never mind while navigating family care through an international health crisis. — Healthy Meal Planning During Social Distancing — Acton Medical’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Liz Berman, shares Meal Planning During Social Distancing tips in this brief video. Showing examples from her own pantry, Liz focuses on making the best use of what’s already on-hand, including those items you may have forgotten about in your cupboards. The goal is to plan weekly, healthy meals, without over-stocking food and leaving empty grocery shelves for those in need.
Posted by Acton Medical Pediatrics on Sunday, March 29, 2020
March 27, 2020
A quick guide to care and support from Acton Medical Pediatrics.Â
Over the past weeks, we’ve shared a lot of information about Acton Medical’s care and service during COVID-19. The most important being that we are prepared and here for you should any needs arise.
To further help keep you informed, we’ve identified the top 10 questions pediatrics patients need to know about our support during this unprecedented health crisis.
Click here to view our Top 10 FAQs for Pediatrics.
We’re committed to continuing to share At Home tips from our providers, behavioral health team, nurses, and nutritionists, to help patients and parents during social distancing.
“Please let us know if you have any questions about this information, we understand it may be overwhelming. Our goal is to minimize the chances of the virus spreading, keep everyone healthy, and support social distancing.”
– Dr. Chris Cooper, Pediatrics
As always, we wish everyone good health and wellness, and happiness.
March 26, 2020
Can you guess the Pediatricians in these photos?Â
Today we share with you some fun photos of our Pediatricians wearing Personal Protective Equipment, PPE.
— As a precautionary measure, all staff in our offices will be wearing a mask. —
Our Medical Assistants, Check-in and Check-out staff, Doctors, Administration team and others will all be observed wearing masks at all times while in our offices.
Please know that this precaution doesn’t mean that our staff has an illness or suspects that you have an illness.
Can you guess who I am?
Some of our Pediatrics team shared these photos to help patients feel more comfortable before coming in for their visits.
Can you guess the provider in each photograph?
We will continue to share At Home tips from our providers, nurses, and nutritionists, to help patients and parents during social distancing.
Tips will be posted here and on our Pediatrics Facebook page, @ActonMedicalPediatrics.
We wish everyone good health and are here for you should any issues arise.
THE HEALTH OF ALL VISITORS AND STAFF IS ACTON MEDICAL’S PRIMARY CONCERN. WE ARE PRACTICING AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.
March 24, 2020
A quick guide to care and support from Acton Medical.Â
Over the past week, we’ve shared a few posts with important information about Acton Medical’s support for patients and the community during COVID-19 over the past week.
To further help keep you informed, we’ve gathered the Top 10 things adult medicine patients need to know about our support during this unprecedented health crisis.
Stay tuned for specific Pediatrics highlights this week too!
Click here to view the Top 10 list from Adult Medicine.Â
Additionally, we will continue to share At Home tips from our providers, nurses, and nutritionists, to help patients and parents during social distancing.
Tips will be posted here and on our Pediatrics Facebook page, @ActonMedicalPediatrics.
We wish everyone good health and are here for you should any issues arise.
March 23, 2020
CDC tips published on March 16, 2020
Acton Medical is dedicated to providing up-to-date COVID-19 information to continue to help educate the community, prevent the spread of illness, and support social distancing.
On March 16, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control updated their advice on what to do if you are sick.
Click here to read the CDC’s tips, including information on monitoring symptoms and how and when to discontinue home isolation.
As always, our priority is the good health and safety of our patients, staff, and the community, and to ensure you are well informed. Acton Medical is here and prepared for any issues that may arise.
March 20, 2020
Dear Patients,
First and foremost, we hope everyone is doing well. Acton Medical is prepared and here to help patients should any needs arise.
Click below to read full details.
As you may know, Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on March 10, 2020 due to the coronavirus.
To further mitigate risks to the community and support social distancing, Governor Baker also ordered the Group Insurance Commission, all commercial insurers, Medicaid, and the General Insurance Commission to cover Telehealth visits with in-network providers.
The Governor’s new order requires that those insurance companies provide policy holders with equal coverage for in-network telehealth visits as in-network face-to-face appointments. It’s important to note that the Governor’s declaration includes a mandate to waive all patients’ financial responsibility for these visits.
Acton Medical is proud to launch this new service, telehealth is currently being provided to patients instead of some in-person appointments.
 March 17, 2020Â
Acton Medical’s COVID-19 task force met early yesterday morning to continue to ensure we provide high-quality medical service to all patients during this uncommonly busy time due to coronavirus.
On March 13, we shared a few changes we’ve made to our process and have implemented additional measures as of today, March 17, 2020.
– We are pleased to announce that we will soon be implementing Tele-Health visits and plan to announce the official launch in the coming week.
– To most efficiently serve our patients and the community, we are unable to accept walk-in appointments at any of our locations.
– We also ask that patients only bring one person with them to their appointment, to help prevent the possible spread of illness and support social distancing.
We have closed Harvard to help provide more staff in Acton and Littleton and more efficiently serve our patients. Littleton has also been established as a clean site. For the health and safety of all patients; no patient, visitor, or employee will be permitted entrance to our Littleton office if they have a cough, fever, or respiratory illness.
Patients who have an appointment but are experiencing any symptoms of illness cannot be seen in Harvard or Littleton.
Our teams are calling patients prior to scheduled appointments to screen for any cough, fever, or respiratory illnesses and to arrange the appointment in our Acton location or over the phone.
As a reminder, Drs. Edwin Knights, Ingrid Gorman, and Ann Quinn are taking all appointments in our Harvard location.
Per the March 13 announcement on our website, we have created dedicated clean rooms for our non-sick patients in our Acton location.
We also have separate, dedicated waiting rooms in Acton for those with symptoms of illness.
If you do not have an appointment and have urgent care needs, please call our Triage Nurse team before coming to any Acton Medical location, (978) 635-8700.
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 March 13, 2020Â
Acton Medical’s COVID-19 task force continues to meet regularly. We are actively working on and implementing dedicated clean rooms in our Acton location for our non-sick patients and separated, dedicated waiting rooms for those with emergency symptoms. We are highly committed to the care, health, and safety of all patients, our staff, and the community.
Effective immediately, the following providers will be taking all appointments in our Harvard, MA location:
Emergency Needs
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
Must Have an Appointment Prior to Arrival
We are unable to permit anyone into the practice without an appointment.
Adult Medicine Routine and Follow-up Visits
For the protection of our patients, staff, and the community, we are working to direct previously scheduled, routine and follow-up appointments to our satellite offices in Harvard and Littleton, MA.
EXCEPTION: Diabetes and laboratory visits will continue to occur in our Acton location.
Acton Appointments: Reminder, All Guests Must Enter Through Main EntranceÂ
Due to the unprecedented increase in patient appointments, please limit the number of guests or family members accompanying patients to as few as possible to minimize contact and ensure comfortable waiting areas for all patients in need.
Health and Safety
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MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, DOCTORS OR OTHER STAFF IN THE BUILDING COULD BE OBSERVED WEARING A MASK, GOWN, GLOVES, AND/OR A FACE SHIELD.
THIS PRECAUTION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PROVIDER HAS AN ILLNESS OR SUSPECTS THAT YOU HAVE AN ILLNESS. THE HEALTH OF ALL VISITORS AND STAFF IS ACTON MEDICAL’S PRIMARY CONCERN. WE ARE PRACTICING AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.
March 10, 2020
Acton Medical Associates is actively working on and implementing plans to address the risk of COVID-19 to our patients and the community.
We have established a coronavirus Task Force that meets regularly and includes our Medical Director, Infectious Disease Specialist, Adult Medicine and Pediatrics Chairs, Director of Nursing, and other members of our Medical and Administration teams.
Additional staff has been added to our satellite offices in Littleton and Harvard to accommodate any over-flow needs that may occur. Our Triage Nurse team has been expanded to include Nurse Practitioners to further assist patients who call-in with respiratory symptoms.
Patients who traveled to China or Italy within the last 14 days should call before visiting the practice, (978) 635-8700.
All patients visiting Acton Medical will be asked if they have a cough or fever.
Those with a cough, fever, or respiratory illness will immediately receive a mask and be moved to an exam room as soon as possible instead of remaining in the waiting room.
We request that all patients with a cough, fever, or respiratory illness wear a mask at all times while visiting any Acton Medical location. It is our priority to provide a safe environment for patients coming in for routine visits.
Our Infection Disease Specialist, Dr. Paparello, advises:
  “Washing hands is by far the most important way to avoid any illness, including the new coronavirus. COVID-19 only spreads down a few feet when someone coughs, unlike other infections like TB, measles, which are spread more airborne, and can infect a lot more people in a larger area.”
Learn more about coronavirus from www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
We’ll share additional important information on our website as needed.
February 24, 2020
Acton Medical is currently looking for pediatric and internal medicine Triage Nurses to join our team.
Serving our local communities for 65 years, we are independently owned and operated and offer multiple convenient locations in Massachusetts including Acton, Littleton, and Harvard.
We are opening a new location in 2020!
Click here to access our Careers Portal and then search for Triage Nurse to review the positions.
Come grow with us! We look forward to meeting you.
Acton Medical held a Wellness SMART Goal-Setting Workshop on Saturday January, 11. The session, complimentary for patients and their families, was hosted by Liz Berman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, and Brooke Markt, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
It focused on setting specific and attainable wellness goals that make a big difference, such as reducing added sugar or deep breathing for stress and anxiety.
Liz and Brooke led engaging conversations while sharing healthy recipes and cooking them in the session, as well as practicing deep breathing exercises with the group.
Click here to download our Wellness SMART Goal-Setting booklet, which includes multiple healthy recipes.
Email PublicRelations@actonmedical.com to learn more about our free Nutrition Workshops and Expectant and New Parent Education & Support sessions.
Acton Medical Pediatrics is proud to offer our patients ear piercing
using the Studex medical ear piercing system.
Studex includes individual piercing cartridges sterilized
in advance and disposed of after every use.
Patients having their ears pierced at Acton Medical receive
care from a pediatric provider in a medical office before, during, and after the procedure.
Click here to view our ear piercing flyer with quick facts and cost. 14 carat gold earrings are included, choice of three different colors.
Please call Pediatrics with questions or to schedule an ear piercing, (978) 635-8914.
December 17, 2019
Save, download, and print our new Pediatrics Pocket Reference so you’ll always have our contact information at your fingertips.
Click here to view and download booklet.
Acton Medical Pediatrics’ mission is to provide convenient access to cost effective, high quality pediatric care and service in a friendly, caring, and respectful manner.
We’re a group of dedicated Pediatricians who united to form an independent practice with a true passion for delivering exceptional clinical care and medical service.
As a smaller practice, we’re able to develop strong personal patient relationships and provide thoughtful decision-making, while being large enough to meet most patient needs in our local offices.
Call (978) 635-8914 for an appointment or click here and fill out the form at the bottom of the page to be contacted by one of our pediatric team members. We look forward to meeting you!
December 3, 2019
We are very pleased to share that, Acton Medical Pediatrician, Dr. Mark Cohen has been selected for the 2019 Best of Acton Awards in the category of Doctors.
Congratulations Dr. Cohen!
Dr. Cohen is accepting new pediatric patients. Click here to learn more about him and contact us directly to setup an appointment.
Kindly see below for a snippet about The Acton Award Program from their website.
“Each year, in and around the Acton area, the Acton Award Program chooses only the best local businesses. We focus on companies that have demonstrated their ability to use various marketing methods to grow their business in spite of difficult economic times. The companies chosen exemplify the best of small business; often leading through customer service and community involvement.”
Dr. Sharkhatunyan joins Acton Medical with much excitement after successful completion of the residency program at Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
Working in primary care has been Dr. Sharkhatunyan’s longtime dream. She is dedicated to her patients and taking the time to listen with the goal of developing trust and a long-term bond.
Outside of work, Dr. Sharkhatunyan is an active member of the Armenian community. She enjoys time with her husband and twin boys and loves hiking and traveling. Baking is a special skill of hers and she’s well known among friends and family for her specialty culinary skills.
EDUCATION
 TRAINING
CERTIFICATION
SPECIAL INTERESTS:
It’s that time of year again, schedule your flu vaccination today.
Vaccinations are given by appointment only. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walk-in requests.
Please call 978-635-8912 to schedule an appointment or use the FollowMyHealth app and click “Schedule Appointment” at the top of the page to book your vaccination.
Louis J. Berk, M.D.Dr. Berk happily returns to his home state (and climate) of Massachusetts after 3 years in San Diego where he worked in Primary Care at Kaiser Permanente of Southern California. His clinical interests within adult primary care are preventive medicine and a holistic approach to adult medical conditions. He enjoys his time outside of clinic with his wife and baby daughter, keeping up with exercise, cooking, and hiking and camping.
Education
Training
Certification
Jasmin Darling spent the first two decades of her life in Ohio before moving to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she taught at One Planet International School. Returning to Ohio for medical school, she volunteered in a local student-run free medical clinic and enjoyed several medical mission trips to Guatemala and Honduras. Empowering all children to reach their full potential is her passion and purpose. Dr. Darling and her husband had always planned to live in the Boston area and were thrilled when she had the opportunity to train at the Floating Hospital for Children. She lives locally with her husband, son, and two dogs and enjoys spending time with her family exploring New England and traveling internationally.
EDUCATION
TRAINING
CERTIFICATION
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of the only yellow fever vaccine (YF-Vax) licensed in the United States, has announced that YF-Vax for civilian use is now totally unavailable from the manufacturer until mid-2019 because of delays in the production process. However, YF-VAX might be available at some clinics for several months, until remaining supplies at those sites are used up.
Travelers can find clinics with remaining doses of YF-VAX, by visiting the yellow fever vaccination clinic search page.
For more information, go to: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/news-announcements/yellow-fever-vaccine-access.