Patients & Visitors
Find helpful information to make your visit to Hoag as smooth as possible, so you can get back to enjoying life to its fullest.
Patients & Visitors
- Quick Links
- Patient Info & Forms
- Serving the Community
- Insurance Accepted
- Online Bill Pay
- Appointments & Care Team
- Utilization Management
Hoag Clinic Utilization Management
Utilization management is the review of requested health care services for medical necessity, appropriateness and coverage under a member’s health plan. Hoag Clinic performs these reviews when the health plan has delegated that responsibility to Hoag Clinic.
Patients, members and providers can use the resources below to learn about Hoag Clinic’s authorization process, services requiring prior authorization and care guidelines.
Prior Authorization
Some services require approval before they are provided. Requirements depend on the service, health plan and organization responsible for the review.
Patients and members: Your care team or health plan can help you understand which authorization requirements apply to your care.
Providers: Refer to the policies below for Hoag Clinic’s authorization process and the procedure codes requiring prior authorization.
Care Guidelines
Hoag provides access to MCG care guidelines through its existing care-guidelines resource. The guidelines are proprietary to MCG and can be viewed online but cannot be copied or printed.
UM Determination (Authorizations) UM 5A
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Explains how Hoag Clinic receives and reviews authorization requests, makes determinations and provides notifications when these functions are delegated to Hoag Clinic.
Prior Authorization Required – Hoag Clinic
type: asset-hyperlink id: 279E8MZT2D0wJrIlyNR9zg
Lists procedure and service codes requiring prior authorization by Hoag Clinic. This reference is intended primarily for providers.
Find helpful information to make your visit to Hoag as smooth as possible, so you can get back to enjoying life to the fullest.
Additional information and resources for patients and visitors
Patient Health Records
Access your medical records online through MyChart or request copies of your medical records.
Patient Portal
With Hoag Connect MyChart® you have convenient online access to your health records at any time.
Recognized Clinical Excellence
Hoag Hospital is nationally ranked in one specialty and highest-ranked in Orange County for 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report.
Accreditation and Licensure
Hospitals that achieve accreditation and licensure are required to submit to formalized, comprehensive evaluations by on-site surveyors who assess compliance with health, quality and safety standards and regulations. These surveys are conducted regularly and involve participation from the entire hospital organization.
Billing Information
We bill Medicare and your secondary insurance following receipt of Medicare’s payment. Once your secondary insurance has been billed, you will receive periodic statements advising you of the balance due. You will also receive bills for physicians, hospital out-patient and Medicare Part B services.
Magnet Designation
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital Irvine are both Magnet® designated facilities. The Magnet Recognition Program® was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize health care organizations that provide nursing excellence, and is regarded as one of the top nursing designations in the country.
Patient Forms
In order to prepare for your first visit, we recommend you download and complete the Patient Forms:
Patient Handbooks
Patient Handbook Click here to view the Hoag Medical Group Patient Handbook.
Patient Portal Click here to view the Hoag Medical Group Patient Portal Handbook.
Patient Resources Virtual Physical Therapy Services
Patient Portal
Hoag Connect MyChart® Convenient online access to your health records at any time.
Hoag Medical Group (HMG) is pleased to announce we are now offering you access to your HMG and Hoag Urgent Care medical records through Hoag Connect MyChart.
Hoag Connect MyChart is easy to download and gives you access to:
View test results.
Communicate with your provider.
Request prescription refills and manage your appointments—all from the convenience of your laptop or mobile device.
Pay your bills online.
Access your family’s records and link accounts. You can check appointments, vaccination records, manage your child’s care and more. Please note, you must be at least 12 years old to use Hoag Connect MyChart.
Connect with other MyChart accounts, including your Hoag Hospital account and accounts from other health systems, to provide a complete picture of your health.
If you have been seen by a HMG or Hoag Urgent Care provider, you can create a new Hoag Connect MyChart account. Screenings and visits from the last three years—including labs and imaging from our previous patient portal—will be transferred to your new account.
Your health information and privacy are protected
Only you, your provider and your health care team are permitted to view the information sent through MyChart. We use the latest security practices and safeguards to protect your health care information. MyChart is password-protected and delivered via an encrypted connection. To learn more about privacy, visit the Hoag Privacy Policy.
If you are a current HMG or Hoag Urgent Care patient using Follow My Health, you will need to activate Hoag Connect MyChart to continue to receive access to your ongoing medical records and to communicate with your provider. If your primary care physician is with a different organization, please continue to access your non-Hoag related records through their existing systems/portals. You may still receive the option to activate a Hoag Connect MyChart account if you’ve been seen at a Hoag Medical Group or Hoag Urgent Care facility in the past.
For more information, visit www.hoagconnect.org.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create a Hoag Connect MyChart account.
Preparing for your Visit
We want you to get the most out of your HMG visit. See below for tips to maximize your time with your physician and the types of visits available to you.
First Time Visits
First time visits are always pre-scheduled to provide the appropriate time and attention required. If it is your first time visiting the doctor, once your appointment has been scheduled, we recommend you follow the below steps:
Go to Patient Forms to download and complete the new patient paperwork.
Transfer your medical records from your existing doctor to Hoag Medical Group and bring the records to your first appointment. This can be done by completing the Authorization to Release Medical Information Patients must be the one to initiate a medical records transfer.
First Appointment Checklist
To make your appointment successful, we recommend you arrive 30 minutes before your exam appointment and bring your:
Mailing address, cell/text contact number, and primary email address
Completed paperwork
Insurance Card
Photo ID
Current medications (preferably in Pharmacy containers)
Medical records and lab results
Immunization records (for children and adults)
List of questions to ask the doctor
Additionally, be prepared to discuss your top health concerns, priorities and preferences. During the exam it is also the time to explain or disclose anything significantly unique about you or your health. Candid disclosures can often lead to the physician having the best understanding of your health to determine the appropriate treatments.
Types of Adult Exams/Visits
New Patient/Initial Visit The new patient visit addresses and establishes care with your chosen primary care physician. Instructions and required forms are explained in the prior sections; First Time Visit and First Time Appointment Checklist. The visit may last approximately 45 minutes. Plan to be at the office approximately one hour.
Annual Wellness Visit (for Medicare patients) Annual visit to set preventative goals to improve your health. This visit does not include review of ongoing conditions. Chronic disease management is addressed in routine visits. This visit may last approximately 45 minutes or less. Plan to be at the office approximately one hour.
Physical Exam Annual visit that includes a physical exam and assessment of current health status. This visit may last approximately 45 minutes or less. Plan to be at the office approximately one hour.
Same Day or Sick Visit Same day visits include current illness or injury. Visits may last approximately 30 minutes or less depending on condition.
Follow Up Visit This visit addresses conditions and follow up on diagnostic results, and review of current treatment plans.
Back Office Visit Immunization, medication administration, weight checks, blood pressure checks, and other routine procedures as ordered by your physician. Visits last approximately 15 minutes.
Video Visit Video visits can be scheduled if you are an established Hoag Medical Group patient of any age. Video visits can be scheduled for most visit types. Exceptions are those requiring an in-person test or assessment, exams required for the completion of forms or well-child checks. Access to a smart device or computer with camera and internet/data is required. Hoag has taken precautions, as your trusted provider, to maximize the safety and cyber security of our patients. Our Zoom license is HIPAA compliant, which safeguards your medical information.
Free Young Adult Mental Health Support Services
Hoag ASPIRE and Young Adults Mental Health programs provide free support services that offer coping strategies to help assist teens and young adults in crisis.
Insurance Accepted
Hoag Medical Group accepts most HMO, PPO and Medicare insurance plans.
Please note the listing of provider networks and/or products is provided for reference purposes only. Hoag Medical Group’s participation is subject to change at the sole discretion of the health plan. Please contact the health plan directly to confirm the status of Hoag Medical Group’s current participation in a particular provider network or product which may or may not be listed here. Insurance accepted may vary for certain physicians as noted on the physician’s profile.
Additionally, Hoag Medical Group accepts cash pay patients.
For assistance with your insurance questions and to ensure you understand your options for accessing Hoag, please contact Hoag Medical Group’s Personal Service team at 877-464-2778.
Hoag Medical Group does not participate in medical discount cards (cash pay) or consumer card programs such as Care Entrée’, Care IQ, Galaxy work, Integrated Health Plan, MedicalConnect1, etc. that may be offered by these or any other networks.
Health Exchange/Covered California Hoag Medical Group accepts the following Covered California plans:
Blue Shield HMO TRIO and PPO Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans
Visit the Covered California website at www.coveredca.com to apply and ensure your access to Hoag Medical Group.
Note that the PPO or other plan products or provider networks listed apply only to our medical groups above. Our Hoag Physician Partner specialists may also participate in other plan products or provider networks which may include those listed. Please consult your physician to verify which PPO or other plan products or networks your physician participates in.
Insurance Plans
Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Priority Select HMO
Aetna
Aetna Value Network HMO
Blue Shield
Blue Shield Net Value/Local Access
California Care (Anthem Blue Cross)
CIGNA
Great-West Healthcare
Pacificare
United Healthcare
Healthnet HMO
Aetna Open Choice
Anthem Blue Cross
Beech Street*
Blue Cross Standard
Blue Shield
Choice Care (Humana)
CIGNA
First Health/Coventry Health*
Great-West Healthcare
Interplan/HealthSmart*
MultiPlan*
Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)*
Prudent Buyer (Blue Cross)
United Healthcare
Healthnet PPO (excluding Enhanced Care PPO)
Aetna Managed Choice
Aetna Managed Choice II
Blue Cross Plus
Blue Shield
CIGNA
CIGNA Open Access Plus
PacifiCare Choice
United Healthcare
Aetna Elect Choice
PacifiCare EPO, Varies by Employer Group
Private Healthcare Systems
AARP Medicare Complete Secure Horizons Plan 2 (HMO) – Contract expires 12/31/26
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC CA – 46 (effective 01/01/2027)
Alignment Health Platinum Preferred 004 (effective 01/01/2027)
Alignment Health Honor Plus 060 (01/01/2027)
Anthem Medicare Preferred Standard (PPO, HMO)
Scan Classic (HMO) Scan Balance (HMO SNP), Scan Heart First etc. – Contract expires 12/31/2026
Aetna Medicare PPO
Alignment Health PPO
Anthem Medicare PPO
Blue Shield Medicare PPO
United Healthcare Medicare PPO
Original Medicare Parts A & B
Most Medicare Supplement Insurance (MediGap) plans
Many Employer Group plans (Call the phone number on the back of your insurance I.D. card to verify if Hoag is your network hospital.)
Blue Shield of California PPO (Southern California)
Blue Shield PPO Bronze Plans on Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchange
Blue Shield of California Trio HMO (exclusive to Orange County
A grandfathered plan is an individual health insurance policy that was purchased — on or before March 22, 2010. Grandfathered plans provide the same access to the facilities and physicians you have grown accustomed to.If you’ve had an Anthem Blue Cross or Blue Shield individual policy since March 22, 2010, you may be able to keep your current benefits through “grandfathering.” Please call the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card to see if you qualify.
Online Bill Pay
To pay your bill online, please visit www.hoagconnect.org/MyChart/Authentication/Login.
If you have any question, please email PFS@hoag.org or call 949-274-9876
CMS Open Payments Notice
For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here:
https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov
The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.
Schedule an Appointment FAQ
At the Hoag Medical Group website, you can currently schedule appointments online with our primary care physicians, including family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics as well as sports medicine. Click on the links below for more information:
For other Hoag physicians, including specialists, you can schedule appointments by calling the phone number provided on their profile page. Our Find a Doctor page gives you the option to search by doctor name and specialty.
When scheduling an appointment on the Hoag Medical Group website, select from the following visit types based on your needs. It’s important to tell us the primary reason for your visit so we can prepare and follow protocols to best assist you. The visit type options include:
New Patient Visit: This type of appointment is for your first visit to establish care with your new physician. It is designed to include a thorough review of your past medical history.
Annual Well Visit: An Annual Well Visit enables you to make a separate appointment with your physician for a general health evaluation and to discuss health concerns without presenting a specific serious problem. Examples of Annual Well Visit might include a physical, a well woman exam or an Annual Medicare Wellness Visit.
Office Visit: An Office Visit enables you to make an appointment with your physician for evaluation if you have a new, specific health concern.
Urgent Sick Visit – These are same day visits typically covering a current illness or injury. Visit time varies depending on the condition.
Find your physician and schedule the appropriate visit type based on your needs. You can start your search here.
Important: Online scheduling is not intended for emergencies. Please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Whether you recently moved to Orange County or you’re in search of a new physician, scheduling online with a Hoag Medical Group primary care physician is simple.
Scheduling with a guest account. You can book online directly through our website using a guest account. During this process you need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, phone number and email address. If your details are already on file with Hoag, we will match this to your record. Please provide your insurance details and a note on the reason for your visit.
Scheduling with a Hoag Connect MyChart account. If you already have a Hoag Connect MyChart account, you can schedule online without the need to re-enter your personal information and insurance details. You can learn more about Hoag Connect MyChart here. Please add a note explaining the reason for your visit.
We look forward to supporting your journey as a new patient. Start your search here.
Deciding whether to go to urgent care or primary care physician depends on the nature and severity of your medical issue. Below are some guidelines to help you make the decision whether to go to your Hoag primary care physician or an urgent care provider:
Primary Care
Routine Check-Ups: For annual physical exams, vaccinations, and preventive care, your primary care doctor is the best choice.
Chronic Conditions: For ongoing management of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and depression, you should see your primary care physician regularly.
Long-Term Care: If you have a complex or long-term medical issue that requires ongoing care and monitoring, your primary care doctor will provide continuity of care.
Referrals: Your primary care physician can refer you to specialists and/or order tests, if necessary, which may not be available at an urgent care center.
Vaccinations: Primary care should be the first stop for basic vaccinations such as flu shots, Covid-19 vaccines and other recommended immunizations.
Prescription Refills A primary care physician serves as your guide and helps coordinate your care during times of well-being and sickness. Whether you have an HMO or PPO health plan, a relationship with a primary care physician has many benefits for your long-term health and wellness.
Schedule an Appointment for Primary Care. Urgent Care
Acute Injuries: Go to urgent care for minor injuries like sprains, strains, minor fractures, cuts and burns that aren’t life-threatening but require immediate attention.
Common Illnesses: If you have a non-life-threatening illness such as a fever, flu, cold, ear infection or urinary tract infection (UTI) and can’t get a same-day appointment with your primary care physician, urgent care can be a good option.
Minor Procedures: Some urgent care centers can perform minor procedures like providing stitches or draining abscesses.
After-Hours Care: When you need care outside of regular office hours or on weekends when your primary care physician is unavailable.
Hoag Urgent Care provides care for patients of all ages.
Ultimately, the decision between urgent care and primary care depends on the urgency of your medical issue and the availability of your primary care physician. If you are unsure, it’s recommended that you contact your doctor’s office for guidance or the Hoag Medical Group Nurse Advice Line at 949-688-2773.
Remember that if you have a life-threatening emergency, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, signs of stroke, or any other critical condition, you should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Hoag Medical Group is committed to serving parents and children in Orange County. Our board-certified pediatricians are experienced to address the physical, social and emotional well-being of your children. We know there are many reasons to bring your child to the doctor, including:
Regular Check-ups
Cold or Illness
Injury
Vaccinations
Developmental Milestones
Behavioral and Mental health
Allergies and Asthma
There are several ways to schedule appointments online for your child:
Schedule a Pediatric Appointment. You can book an appointment online with our experienced pediatricians.
Guest Appointment. You can easily book as a guest by providing your child’s information online.
Hoag Connect MyChart. If you already have a Hoag Connect MyChart account, you can schedule online without the need to re-enter your personal information and insurance details. You can learn more about Hoag Connect MyChart here. Please add a note explaining the reason for your visit.
Urgent Care. In situations where your child requires immediate care and your pediatrician is not available for a same-day appointment, our Urgent Care locations are available to provide prompt medical attention.
Visit Urgent Care. You can visit our Urgent Care website to view wait times and to reserve your spot.
There are several ways to schedule appointments online for your family member:
Guest Account. You can easily schedule as a guest by providing information for the family member online.
Hoag Connect MyChart. Please ask the adult family member to log into MyChart and go to the Sharing Hub to grant access to you to schedule. Here is more information on using MyChart.
Urgent Care. In situations where your family member requires immediate care and your doctor is not available for a same-day appointment, our Urgent Care facility is available to provide prompt medical attention for patients of all ages.
For Hoag Medical Group primary care physicians, you can reschedule or cancel existing appointments using Hoag Connect MyChart. For other Hoag doctors, please call the physician’s office to reschedule or cancel appointments.
Care Team
Working Together for You
At Hoag Medical Group, we understand that comprehensive care involves a team effort. Each member of your care team plays a unique role, working together to provide you with a high-quality health care experience. Your well-being is our priority, and our collaborative approach ensures you receive personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive care at every step.
Whether it’s a routine check-up, managing a chronic condition or answering your questions, rest assured that our dedicated team is here, ready to support you on your journey to better health.
Welcome to our Hoag Medical Group family—we’re honored to be a part of your health journey.
Introducing your Care Team
Your physician is your primary health care provider, trained to diagnose, treat and manage your health. They lead your care team and provide you with their expertise and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your treatment plan. If you do not yet have a physician, please visit https://www.hoag.org/find-care/.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) work closely with your physician, offering experienced care and support. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications and ensure you receive personalized attention and education for your health care needs. Please visit https://hoagmedicalgroup.com/meet-your-nurse-practitioners/ to meet the nurse practitioner team.
Medical Assistants play an important role in your care by assisting with clinical tasks. They measure vital signs, prepare you for exams and provide support to both the physician and nurse practitioner during your visit.
The front office team are the friendly faces you see when you first arrive. They handle scheduling appointments, answering questions and assist with administrative tasks to ensure your visit runs smoothly.
Our Care Management team is comprised of Clinical Nurse Navigators and licensed Clinical Social Workers. With a physician referral, our team will be provided to assist with your care coordination.
The Site Manager oversees the administrative and operational aspects of the practice, ensuring everything runs efficiently. They support the team to provide you with a high-quality health care experience.
Together, We’re Here for You.
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