MemorialCare Medical Group
MemorialCare Medical Group is an open network, which means you can see any primary care physician or physician assistant in any of our offices. We do, however, recommend that you select one physician or physician assistant as your primary provider. This gives you the benefit of having one provider who knows you and your medical history, and who can coordinate all aspects of your health care needs.
Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to diagnose and treat medical problems including conducting physical exams, ordering and interpreting tests, providing preventive health information, assisting in surgical procedures and prescribing medications. MemorialCare Medical Group physician assistants are supervised by a physician.
You can request to be seen by a physician assistant when making your appointment. You may also be seen by one depending on the availability of physicians, and the nature of the illness or condition.
The goal of the referral process is to ensure patients are provided an appropriate level of care and:
When in doubt, check with the Referral Coordinator at your MemorialCare Medical Group office.
You will be referred to a physician specialist or other health care provider when you need care that your primary care physician cannot provide.
If you are a HMO patient, many referrals to a specialist can be authorized directly by your primary care physician during your office visit.
If you are a PPO patient, contact your insurance plan to verify that services such as referral to a specialist, a surgical procedure or diagnostic testing are covered by your health plan. Inquire which primary care physicians, specialists and places of service are considered preferred providers to reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
We have an extensive referral network that includes qualified professionals in almost every specialty. The specialists with whom we contract are carefully chosen and work closely with your physician to provide the care you need.
If you are interested in a particular specialist, please discuss this with your MemorialCare Medical Group physician. There are many factors involved in the decision of which specialist you will be referred to, including the specialist's hospital admitting privileges, area of expertise, schedule, and patient preference.
We have staff available eight hours a day during normal business hours to answer your questions regarding our utilization management process or the criteria we use when making our decision, or any questions you may have regarding a referral. Just call your doctor’s office and ask to speak with one of our Referral Coordinators. Our Business Center receptionist will accept collect calls when the call relates specifically to a utilization management issue.
MemorialCare Medical Group physicians and health care professionals make utilization management decisions based on the appropriateness of care and services for patients' medical needs and existence of coverage. MemorialCare Medical Group's compensation system is designed to reward physicians for their personal hard work and the quality of services they provide. We do not reward any individual for denying coverage or service, now do we use financial incentives to encourage inappropriate utilization.
You may submit your request for a referral by leaving a message with your provider or through our secure web based patient portal. Depending on the type of referral, your provider may require you to schedule a visit.
A sign language interpreter may be arranged should you need one during your office visit. Kindly give us a 72 hour advance notice. For telephone communication, patients may utilize California Relay Voice Line (TDD/TTY). Please call 1-800-735-2929 or 1-800-735-2922.
Through MemorialCare Medical Group's well woman services, you can access an OB/GYN from our list of contracted providers for your annual Pap Smear without a referral. Please contact the patient service representative at your MemorialCare Medical Group office for a list of designated providers.
However, if your results come back abnormal and you need to be seen again, you will need to see your primary care physician for follow up care. If you need additional care in which your primary care physician cannot provide, he or she will refer you to an OB/GYN.
For a condition needing prompt attention, you can access one of the Urgent Care Centers.Urgent Care Locations & Hours
If you need medical attention after the Urgent Care Centers close, call your MemorialCare Medical Group office and the phones will ring to the Advice Nurse Line on duty. A registered nurse will work with you to answer questions and assess your immediate medical needs. A MemorialCare Medical Group physician is always available to the Advice Nurse Line for situations requiring a physician's expertise.
Urgent care is defined as an injury or condition needing prompt medical attention, but not life-threatening.Urgent Care Locations & Hours
You should seek emergency care at the closest hospital emergency room if you experience an injury or condition that could permanently endanger your health if not immediately treated. Call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Notify your primary care physician as soon as possible.
We have a team of physicians dedicated solely to caring for patients while they are in the hospital. The team is responsible for directing the care of our patients, including arranging specialty care consultations, ordering diagnostic tests and keeping the primary care physician updated on important developments and plans for care after discharge.
The fastest way to refill your prescription is to call your pharmacy directly. Most Prescriptions can be refilled within three business days if you call your pharmacy with your prescription number and the name and phone number of your physician.
But don't wait until your prescription runs out. Plan and call before you reach the end of your medication.
Most health plans have provisions for illness and injuries that occur away from home. Contact your health plan for more information.
Once you return home, contact your primary care physician to let him or her know what happened. He or she can help you determine if follow-up care is necessary.
MemorialCare Medical Group physicians are committed to partnering with you in maintaining good health. As a patient, you have the right to:
MemorialCare Medical Group physicians are committed to partnering with you in maintaining your good health. As a patient, you have a responsibility to:
We offer a variety of education classes including screenings and one-on-one education, both within MemorialCare Medical Group and in cooperation with our partner hospitals. Many programs are free-of-charge and are designed to help you take charge of all aspects of your health. For health education information, call (714) 665-1701.
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