Welcome to Medical Services
The Medical Department provides excellent comprehensive medical care that is accessible, and well-coordinated. We look forward to working with you to achieve your wellness goals. Our medical home provides high quality care, through a team-based effort consisting of qualified staff partnering with the patient as an active member of the team. The team includes family physicians, mid-level providers, specialist, registered nurses, and medical receptionist. Our health information staff is included in this team approach to further assist in continuity of care.
Access
All patients are encouraged to call for an appointment in order to see the provider of their choice. Some special procedures are available only by appointment. One of our Medical Receptionists can assist you in selecting a date, time and provider.
Our Medical Receptionists are available to take calls and schedule your appointments Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Wednesdays. Every Wednesday morning, phones will be open at 8:30 a.m. The third Wednesday of each month we are closed in the morning and phone lines will be open at 1:00 p.m.
If you are unable to keep your appointment, it is very important for you to call and cancel your visit at least 24 hours in advance, or as soon as possible. This will enable us to schedule another patient in your place and prevent a disruption in scheduling your provider’s time.
Comprehensive Services
The Medical Department offers a full range of family health services, at all stages of life:
Patients are required to cover the costs of any fees associated with their medical care. It is the patient’s responsibility to be aware of what services their insurance company covers. Please contact your insurance provider for details.
Same-Day Appointments
If you would like to be seen by a provider, but are unable to make a future appointment, SAME-DAY appointments are available Monday through Friday. We will do our best to accommodate your needs. A Triage Nurse is available to review your case and provide an immediate recommendation. Priority will be given to those with urgent medical needs. If the Triage Nurse refers you to the hospital, please contact Purchased/Referred Care Services within seventy-two (72) hours if you go to the emergency room. Please refer to the Purchased/Referred Care Services section of this Handbook. REMEMBER, it is the patient’s responsibility to call and leave a message for Purchased/Referred Care Services at 521-4634 or 521-4639. It is important for you to review these procedures with family members and friends living near you.
Life threatening emergencies (i.e. suspected heart attack, stroke, severe injuries, etc.), please call 911.
After Hours/On-Call/Non-Emergency Support
A SCIHP provider is available for telephone consultation when the clinic is closed. The on-call provider will advise you according to the nature of your illness or medical condition. It may be necessary for you to go to the emergency room** at Sutter Medical Center or another facility (Only if outside SCIHP’s immediate service area) at the time of your call. To contact the on-call physician, call 521-4500 to speak with the answering service.
** Purchased/Referred Care Services: It is the patient’s responsibility to call and leave a message for Purchased/Referred Care Services at 521-4634 or 521-4639 within seventy-two (72) hours of going to the emergency room.
Coordination and Continuity of Care
The medical department takes pride in assisting patients in their care in and out of the hospital, emergency room, skilled nursing facility, our local hospitals, contracted specialist and other services. Coordination of care is enhanced by care teams managing panels of patients to encourage efficient and timely information flow. We also provide limited transportation services to eligible members to assist in this care.
Quality of Care
The medical department participates in a quality improvement program to ensure a high standard of care. Additionally, we are accredited through AAAHC.
Reproductive Rights for Minors
In accordance with the California State law, minors (people between the ages of 12-18 years old) have the right to obtain birth control services, prenatal care, and sexually transmitted infection/HIV services without parental notification or permission. These services are available through the California Family P.A.C.T. program.