Yes. Always inform your physician's office when you change insurance. Your insurance coverage may vary with a new policy and your physician needs to know this.
Do I need to inform my physician when I change medical groups?
Yes. Your physician may have contracts with several provider groups. Each provider group has different policies regarding referrals and has a different panel of specialists. To make sure that you are referred to the right specialists, let your physician know if you change medical groups.
Should I always show my insurance card when I visit my physician?
Yes. It is best to always present your most current insurance information at each visit.
What if I lose my insurance card?
If you lose your insurance card, call your health plan member services department and they will send you a new card.
Will my newborn baby be covered under my insurance?
Yes. Your newborn baby will be covered under your insurance for the first 30 days following birth. During that time, you must enroll your newborn as an individual so there will be no lapse in coverage.
What if I have more than one insurance policy?
Let your physician know. There are different policies regarding different insurance that you and your physician need to follow. You will not be able to coordinate benefits between your insurance policies unless your physician knows you have this option.
Can family members each select their own primary care physician?
Yes. Each family member can select a different primary care physician. For example, a woman may select a family practitioner, her husband an internist, and their children a pediatrician.
Can I change my primary care physician?
Yes. You may change your primary care physician by contacting your health plan. Call the health plan member services telephone number on your insurance card.
How do I get a referral to a specialist?
Our referral process is fast and easy. With our Direct Referral, your primary care physician (PCP) will directly refer you to our specialty physicians.
In addition, THIPA has added self-referral for certain specialties.
With our Self-referral Benefit, you don’t need to see your PCP first to get an authorization.
Using this benefit, you can call the doctors within a certain specialty for an appointment.
Click
here to see a list of participating physicians in our self-referral program.
We have a large number of specialists available, so if you are already receiving specialty care, please check with your PCP to ensure a smooth transition of care.
May I change my PCP and still have the Self-Referral Benefit?
Yes. You may change primary care doctors and still have this benefit. However, you must be a member of THIPA in order to receive the THIPA Self-Referral Benefit. Regardless of what insurance you have, as long as you are a member of THIPA, you can benefit from the THIPA Self-Referral Benefit.
What do I do if I have a medical emergency?
Your preferred emergency room is Torrance Memorial Emergency Department. The physicians there have access to many of your records and can provide you with the best care. Whenever possible, this is the emergency room (ER) you should use. If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, however, you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital or emergency room immediately. Again, please be aware that if you need care after hours, and it is not an emergency, your insurance may not cover the costs of a visit to an emergency department other than Torrance Memorial.
Where do I go if I need urgent care?
If you need Urgent Care during regular business hours, please call THIPA at 1-866-568-4472 and you will be referred to urgent care. If you need care outside of regular business hours, you can go to Torrance Memorial Medical Center, which has a fast-track urgent care center within their Emergency Department. If you are out of the area, you should go to the nearest emergency room.
3330 Lomita Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: 310-325-9110
What if I have other questions?
Please call our Member Services department toll free at 1 (866) 568-4472 if you have any other question. We also will accept your collect call at (310) 540-1070, ext 257. The Member Services hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patient Guide