Frequently Asked Questions
About our affiliation with Alta Bates Medical Group
We are pleased to announce that Brown & Toland Physicians and Alta Bates Medical Group (ABMG) will become one company on August 1, 2011.
Together, our organizations will be better able to offer patients more services and provide independent physicians the support they need to keep the focus where it belongs…on keeping people healthy.
Here are some answers to questions you may have about the affiliation between our two medical groups.
Q: Will I still be able to see my doctor?
A: Yes. You may continue to see your current physician after the affiliation takes effect August 1.
Q: Will my health insurance plan and coverage remain the same after the two groups join together?
A: Yes. Your health insurance plan and coverage will remain the same.
Q: Will my health insurance ID card be the same?
A: Yes. You may still use the same ID card.
Q: Will I be able to see Alta Bates Medical Group doctors?
A: The affiliation brings together the administrative functions of the two organizations. Brown & Toland Physicians and Alta Bates Medical Group will continue to operate as separate physician networks. As a Brown & Toland member, you still have the choice of 850 primary care and specialist physicians in our comprehensive network. If your physician determines that care is not available within your network, then you may see a specialist outside of the network.
Q: Will my doctor be able to refer me to hospitals in the East Bay?
A: Brown & Toland members should still use hospitals within the Brown & Toland network unless your doctor determines otherwise. These hospitals include California Pacific Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center – St. Luke’s Campus, Chinese Hospital, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Saint Francis Hospital, and Seton Medical Center.
Q: Will my network of lab and other ancillary services change as a result of this affiliation?
A: No. You will continue to have access to the same laboratory and ancillary services.
Q: Can I become an Alta Bates Medical Group member?
A: Yes. Members of either Alta Bates Medical Group or Brown & Toland Physicians may change medical groups at any time of year by calling their health plan.
Q: Why are the groups joining together?
A: Both Alta Bates Medical Group and Brown & Toland Physicians have long histories of providing quality care in their communities. Working together, both groups can share best practices and provide even better care for members and additional services for physicians.
Q: My doctor is part of Brown & Toland and Alta Bates Medical Group. Can he or she refer me to specialists in both networks?
A: No. Members must see either Alta Bates Medical Group or Brown & Toland physicians.
Q: Who may I call if I have more questions?
A: Customer Service representatives are available to answer your call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Please call Customer Service at 800.225.5637 or 415.972.6002. You also may e-mail customerservice@btmg.com