Frequently Asked Questions
About our affiliation with Brown & Toland Physicians
We are pleased to announce that Alta Bates Medical Group (ABMG) and Brown & Toland Physicians became 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.
Read the press release [click]. Meanwhile, 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 under the new affiliation which took effect August 1.
Q: Will my health insurance plan and coverage remain the same after the affiliation between ABMG and Brown & Toland?
A: Yes, your health 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: Can I see a specialist from Brown & Toland after August 1?
A: The affiliation brings together the administrative functions of the two organizations. Alta Bates Medical Group and Brown & Toland Physicians will continue to operate as separate physician networks. As an Alta Bates member, you will still have the choice of 600 primary care and specialist physicians in the comprehensive ABMG 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 San Francisco?
A: As an Alta Bates Medical Group member, you should use hospitals in your network unless your physician determines otherwise. Hospitals in the ABMG network include Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oakland, and a number of urgent care facilities.
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: 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. Can he or she refer me to specialists in both networks?
A: No. Members must select either ABMG or Brown & Toland for their healthcare services.
Q: I have more questions. Who can I call?
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 866.681.0737 or email customercare@altabatesmd.com.