Accessing Care
Do I have to select one physician for all of my care?
Bristol Park 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 healthcare needs.
What is a physician assistant, and when will I see one?
Physician assistants are healthcare 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. Bristol Park 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, the nature of the illness or condition and how soon you would like an appointment.
Why must patients go through a referral process to see a specialist?
The goal of the referral process is to ensure patients are provided an appropriate level of
care and:
- Authorized quality care is offered in a timely manner.
- Authorized care matches the benefits defined by the patient's health plan.
- Services are medically necessary and are delivered at appropriate levels of care.
- Guidelines and standards of medical practice criteria set by governmental and other regulatory agencies are adhered to as appropriate.
- Utilization Criteria available upon request.
All patients, regardless of their insurance type, will need to follow certain steps to ensure payment of services. When in doubt, check with the Referral Coordinator at your Bristol Park office directly.
How do I get a referral?
You will be referred to a physician specialist or other healthcare 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 benefit plan. Inquire which primary care physicians, specialists and places of service are considered preferred providers to reduce your out-of-pocket expense.
All patients, regardless of their health plan coverage, will need to follow certain steps to ensure payment of services. When in doubt, check with the patient service representative at your Bristol Park office. We are always happy to hear from you.
How do you choose the specialists to whom you refer?
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.
Can I choose the specialist I want?
If you are interested in a particular specialist, please discuss this with your Bristol Park 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.
Can I see my OB/GYN for my annual Pap Smear?
Through Bristol Park'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 Bristol Park 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.
What if I need access to medical care after the office has closed?
For a condition needing prompt attention, you can access one of the Urgent Care Centers which are open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 9 am to 5 pm. The Urgent Care Centers are located at 11420 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 and 26991 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
If you need medical attention after the Urgent Care Centers close, call your Bristol Park 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 Bristol Park physician is always available to the Advice Nurse Line for situations requiring a physician's expertise.
When should I go to an urgent care center?
Urgent care is defined as an injury or condition needing prompt medical attention, but the injury or condition is not life-threatening. During regular office hours, consult your primary care physician for medical care.
Urgent care services are available at both the Fountain Valley and Mission Viejo - Crown Valley offices. Location information for the Urgent Care Centers can be found in the answer to the question above.
When should I go to the emergency room?
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. If you need emergency care, contact your primary care physician first to determine what treatment is required. If a delay could seriously jeopardize your health, get treatment at the nearest emergency department first and then notify your primary care physician as soon as possible.
Remember, if your injury or condition is life-threatening, call 911.
What happens if I need hospitalization?
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.
How do I refill a prescription?
You should phone in your request to your pharmacy directly. We have established a system with the pharmacies to allow the quickest refill possible. However, it is important that you don't wait until your prescription runs out before calling.
What if I need medical attention while I'm away from home?
Most health plans have provisions for illness and injuries that occur away from home. Contact a representative from your health plan for more information.
Once you return home, be sure to 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.
|
