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FAQ

FAQs - Answers to your questions

What insurances do you accept?

San Bernardino Medical Group accepts most major insurance plans (HMOs, PPOs & Medicare). Click for a list of: (see below)

HMOs Accepted 

Commercial HMO’s

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Health Net
  • PacifiCare, a United Healthcare Company

Medicare Advantage HMO's

  • Aetna Medicare Advantage
  • Health Net Seniority
  • Inter Valley Health Plan
  • Secure Horizons by United Healthcare
  • SCAN

PPOs Accepted 

PPO Insurance Plans

  • Aetna Preferred
  • Aetna Managed Choice
  • Blue Shield
  • Health Net POS
  • Inter Plan
  • PacificCare POS
  • Tri-Care Prime/Extra
  • Medicare Assignment
  • Medicare/Medi-Cal

Networks Accepted

Networks

  • Beech St
  • First Health
  • Multiplan
  • PHCS
  • Prudent Buyer

San Bernardino Medical Group can see patients with PPO plans however, if the doctor is not contracted with the patients health plan they will be billed for charges over and above their copayment (insurance will process out of network).  Patients should call their insurance company and give them our Tax ID# (95-3088615) to verify if the doctor is within their network of contracted providers.

What do I do in an emergency?

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Some examples of emergencies are:

  • Chest discomfort
  • Severe pain
  • Active bleeding, including rectal bleeding
  • Extreme shortness of breath
  • Disorientation
  • Fainting or dizziness
  • High fever, particularly in children
  • Any Same Day Automobile accident
  • Head injury that involves loss of consciousness
  • Foreign object in eye
  • Ingestion of poison **
  • Unusual weakness
  • Suicidal Ideation 
  • Visual disturbances, new onset - Example:  Flashing lights, partial vision, sudden blurring or pain

If you need urgent care and are not having an emergency, please seek immediate care at San Bernardino Medical Group.

What if I need urgent care, even after regular office hours?

San Bernardino Medical Group has an Extended Care Clinic open every day of the year (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas).

How do I transfer my medical records?

If you are a new patient to San Bernardino Medical Group or if you are transferring your records outside San Bernardino Medical Group, you will need to complete a medical records release form to have your chart transferred.

How do I switch primary care physicians?

You may contact the Patient Relations department to arrange a transfer from one San Bernardino Medical Group primary care physician to another. You can view profiles of all of our physicians who are available here.

If you are on an HMO plan and switching from another medical group or to a physician at a different San Bernardino Medical Group facility, please call your insurance's member services number to notify them of the change. If you are an HMO member assigned to a primary care doctor outside of San Bernardino Medical Group, you are not eligible to use our services.

How do I get a copy of my medical records for myself?

You may request a copy of your medical records (including X-rays, test results, etc.) at any time for your personal records. If you request a copy of your medical information for your own records, you will need to sign a medical records release form and send it to the Medical Records department.

How do I refill my prescription?

When you need a medication refilled, call your pharmacy to make the request.  Once you have contacted the pharmacy, they will contact the refill clerk at San Bernardino Medical Group.  The clerk will place your request into the system for your physician’s approval.  The pharmacy will then be contacted with the approval.  If your request is denied, your doctor or nurse will notify you.  Please allow 3-4 working days for the refill procedure.  Do not wait until you are completely out of medication to request a refill.  Some medication requests will require a prior authorization from your insurance company or may require a visit to your doctor’s office.  For mail order prescription programs, please follow the instructions provided by the insurance carrier.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

Yes, specialists at San Bernardino Medical Group require referrals from your primary care physician for most insurances. Your primary care physician coordinates your care and receives specialty care reports. You do not need to complete any paperwork.

How do I get my lab results?

Laboratory results are sent to the doctor who requested your laboratory test. Often, you will receive a call from the nurse or paperwork in the mail. If not, you may call your doctors nurse and request results.

Where can I have my lab work drawn?

All lab work must be done at the laboratory in our San Bernardino office location.  The laboratory hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.  The laboratory is closed weekends and all major holidays.

How do I get my Disability Paperwork & Family Medical Leave Act paperwork completed?

The Business Office will take care of having your disability and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork completed. Please drop off your forms with your portion completed to the Business Office. The department will make sure your physician completes your documents. Please allow 7-10 working days for completion of forms. San Bernardino Medical Group will mail the documents for you and will notify you when this has been done. Blank state disability forms are available at the Business Office. If you have questions, call the Business Office at 909-883-8611, Ext. 2508.

What is a DO?

The DO is trained to evaluate the person in a holistic way. The goal of the DO is not simply to treat problems as they arise, but as well to prevent problems by evaluating the total health and health risks of the person. This evaluation may include not only looking at quantifiable risk factors for disease but also evaluation of the person in terms of their home life, their stress level and their work life. As well, disease is evaluated in terms of how it affects the entire body, not simply a few parts of the body.

Additionally, the DO is trained specifically in understanding the muscular and skeletal system and how this may relate to disease or pain management. Sometimes a DO will practice manipulation of the spine, similar to the work done by chiropractors, in addition to other more traditional medical treatments.