What do I do in case of an Emergency?
An Emergency is a sudden illness or injury, such as a chest pain or uncontrolled bleeding. In cases of life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. 

For all other urgent care matters, there is a doctor on call at your physician's office 24 hours every day. The on-call doctor will advise you what to do next. 

After any health crisis, it is important that you call your doctor's office, within 48 hours if possible, so that your doctor can be involved in your care. 
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Where should I call?

Call your PCP/Primary Care Physican's office for:
	Medical problems Appointments  Referrals to specialists.  Our female patients can make appointments directly with one of our obstetrics/ gynecology specialists for routine care and can also self-refer to our mammogram facility. Ask your PCP which doctors are available to you.  You can reach your PCP 24 hours a day for consultation. Please save routine matters for regular business hours.
Call your health plan for:
	Prescription drug and other benefit coverage information To change your doctor or your address To order ID cards
Call Affinity Medical Group (1-888-309-2221) for:
	Assistance with billing problems  Information on classes or education resources to manage your health

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What is a "medical group"?
When you choose a primary care physician (PCP), you also choose his/her medical group. A medical group, like Affinity Medical Group, is formed when PCPs decide to work together to serve a community. These PCPs contract with specialist physicians, hospitals, health plans and other health care providers to form a network. Sometimes they are called IPAs (Independent or Individual Practice Associations). Your most important relationship is with your PCP, but when you or your doctor need administrative support, you will find a friendly team of people at Affinity Medical Group (888-309-2221), dedicated to helping you get the answers you need.
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How is Affinity Medical Group different from other medical groups?

• Close working relationships between Primary Care Physicians and local Specialists
• A wide range of health promotion programs for members
• Friendly customer service team

Affinity Medical Group works to keep you healthy and informed, and provides free health education classes and programs. Our medical group helps to maintain your access to your PCP, and provides your health care when you are sick.
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What health plans does Affinity Medical Group work with? 
How do they work together?

For a list of the health plans affiliated with our medical group, please check the Home Page. Phone numbers for the health plans are listed on the For Patients page. 

For more information on Medicare Advantage HMOs (health maintenance organizations), please call Health Net Seniority Plus (1-800-935-6565) or Secure Horizons 1-800-228-2144.

When you join one of our affiliated health plans, you can request one of our Primary Care Physicians in one of our Local Groups as your personal doctor. Affinity Medical Group makes sure you receive all the medical care outlined in your health plan.
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What is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is the doctor you select to be your personal physician. He or she can be specialized in Internal Medicine, Family Practice or Pediatrics. The relationship you have with your PCP is very important. You will work with your PCP to manage your health, and he/she will authorize visits to most specialists when necessary (except for visits to OB/GYN specialists which can be made without a referral).
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How do PCPs work with Specialist physicians?
Each Local Group has selected a number of specialist physicians to provide care to their patients. Your PCP has close working relationships with these network specialists, and will refer you to the specialist who best suits your needs. 
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What is an Authorization? How do they work?
You will need an "Authorization" from Affinity Medical Group to schedule a visit to a specialist physician. Please contact your PCP to request an authorization from Affinity Medical Group.
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What health education classes are available through my medical group?
Affinity Medical Group offers a variety of health education and health promotion classes, most of which are free and open to all Affinity members. Call 800-993-1993 for more information.
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Are my diabetic supplies or durable medical equipment covered?
Depending on your health plan, many of your medical supplies are covered under your benefits. Ask your physician to make a referral for these items. 
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What do I do if I receive a bill for medical care?
If you feel you have received a medical bill in error, you can contact our claims department and they can help straighten out the problem. Either call 888-309-2221 or send your bill to:

• Affinity Medical Group
  P.O. Box 5860, San Mateo, CA 94402

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More Information About Affinity:

Home
About Our Medical Group
For Our Patients
For Our Doctors

Contact Us at affinity@ppmsi.com