Get to know Edinger Medical Group
Frequently Asked Questions
What is internal medicine?
Internal medicine is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in adults. We serve as primary care physicians—the ones to contact first for any medical concerns.
In addition to caring for routine problems such as ear infections, colds, rashes, headaches, etc., in the office, we also have the expertise to deal with complicated illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. Simply stated, we provide comprehensive care for adults in the office and in the hospital.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes. If you have an HMO plan, please make sure Edinger Medical Group or one of our physicians is listed as your primary care physician (PCP). If you have questions about our accepted health plans, please call 714.965.2500.
Do you provide referrals?
Yes. Please allow 48 to 72 hours for referrals to specialists to be processed.
All referrals must be authorized by the physician, and you may be required to come in for an appointment before a referral is issued.
If you are seen by a specialist without a referral, your insurance company may not cover the cost of the visit, and you may be responsible for the entire cost. Referrals may not be done retroactively. It is your responsibility to call several days ahead to obtain the referral and NOT on the day of the visit.
How do I order prescription refills?
We request that patients bring in a list of all their medications at the initial office visit. This enables us to be sure medications are correct, helps with dosage adjustments, and allows us to provide refills when needed. If you do run out of medication between visits, please call your pharmacy to have refill requests electronically sent to our office. Please allow up to 48 hours for refills to be approved. Refills are done during normal business hours, Monday to Friday.
No controlled medications will be filled over the phone. You must schedule an office visit to have these medicines refilled.
How do I schedule an appointment?
New patients can call 714.965.2500 to schedule appointments and verify insurance coverage. Existing patients can use our convenient patient portal to schedule appointments or schedule by phone.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We do not accept walk-ins, but we do offer same-day appointments that are subject to availability.
What insurance plans do you accept?
Commercial Insurance Plans
- HMO
- PPO
Medicare Advantage HMO Plans
- AARP — UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Blue Shield
- Humana
- SCAN
We are NOT contracted with Original Medicare, Supplement Plans & Medicare Advantage PPOs; however, patients with these plans are eligible to enroll in Elevate (our concierge program) at $125/month.
Do you offer same-day appointments for urgent concerns?
Same-day appointments are subject to availability; please also consult our after-hours urgent care information.
If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, or are just feeling very ill, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do you offer telehealth or virtual visits?
EMG offers televideo visits for patients who are unable to travel or need to receive care at home.
What if I need emergency care?
If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, or are just feeling very ill, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For other urgent matters, please call 714.965.2500 to reach the physician on call (we have 24-hour, 7-day-a-week physician coverage) or click here for instructions on how to access our after-hours urgent care services provided by MemorialCare. These alternatives should not be used for routine medication refills or general health questions that can wait until the next business day.
What if I have a question regarding a utilization management process or issue?
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 question you may have regarding a referral. Just call our Navigation Center at 800.553.6537. We will accept collect calls when the call relates specifically to a utilization management issue. Members with hearing or speech impairments, please dial 711 for California Relay TTD/TTY assistance. Our multilingual representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
Edinger Medical Group’s 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. Edinger 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, nor do we use financial incentives to encourage inappropriate utilization.
The materials provided to you are guidelines used by this plan to authorize, modify, or deny care for persons with similar illnesses or conditions. Specific care and treatment may vary depending on individual need and the benefits covered under your contract.
Health Plan UM Criteria Link
MemorialCare Medical Foundation utilizes the Care Guidelines to determine medical necessity for the plans that we manage. The Guidelines are the protected intellectual property of MCG. MemorialCare Medical Foundation is not able to distribute them without the permission of MCG. MCG has provided a tool that allows MemorialCare Medical Foundation members and prospective members to view relevant MCG guidelines, however you will not be able to print them.
Follow the instructions below to access the MCG Guidelines:
Step 1: Access guidelines here, read the disclaimer, and accept the terms and conditions.
Step 2: Complete the User information form.
Step 3: Complete the verification process to continue.
Step 4: Click on the arrow icon.
Step 5: Click on the guidelines you wish to view.
Questions Regarding Our Patient Portal
My password has been reset, but I am still not able to log into my account. What do I do?
Make sure to wait up to 15 minutes before logging back in. If this doesn’t work, feel free to reach out to our Patient Portal Hotline.
Patient Portal Hotline
(714) 965-2529
Monday – Friday
8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Can I change my own password to something that I will remember?
Yes. Once you log into your portal with the temporary password that we initially provided, you can go to the “My Account” tab, where you can find a “Reset Password” option. There, you can change your password and security questions.
Why am I not receiving emails from MyEMGChart?
Verify with our staff that we have the correct and most up to date email address in our system. If that is not the issue, make sure to enable us as a safe sender and make sure to check your junk/spam mail.
Can I log into my portal account for the first time using the HEALOW app?
No, you must first create a portal account on a desktop or mobile platform.
What if I forgot my username or password?
There are two options for forgotten usernames or passwords:
Option 1
As long as you have an updated cell phone number listed with EMG and your phone accepts text messages, you can do a mobile sign-on. To access this, go to the portal’s login page, select “Using a Mobile Phone,” enter your first and last name as well as your DOB, and enter your cell phone number. You will receive a verification code to enter; this will log you directly into your portal account.
Option 2
If you go to the login page and select “Trouble Logging In,” you will be redirected to a screen that allows you to select the information you need. There, you will be prompted to answer your security question before receiving an email to reset your password.
Can I upload my own records to MyEMGChart?
Unfortunately, at this time, you cannot upload your own records to the Portal. These records would not be viewable in your portal account because they would only show up as images. You may fax them or bring them into the office to have them placed in your chart as part of your medical history.
When can I expect a reply to my messages?
Please do not send urgent requests through the portal. If you require immediate assistance or information, please call the office. Messages are reviewed by the physicians and staff during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Have a question or concern that was not addressed here? Reach out to us.
