Question 1

Why should I choose MemorialCare for primary care?

Accepted Answer

Whether you’re healthy and simply need an annual check-up, you’re looking to start a family or you’re managing a chronic condition, we are here for you. When you choose MemorialCare Medical Group (MCMG) or Greater Newport Physicians MemorialCare (GNPM), you have access to a fully-integrated health system that includes leading hospitals, a dedicated children’s hospital, more than 300 primary care physicians, 24/7 virtual urgent care, and many outpatient, community-based imaging, surgery, and dialysis centers throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. With our expert team of health care professionals, comprehensive services and convenient locations, we are able to provide the best in quality care.

Question 2

What should I expect from my primary care provider?

Accepted Answer

Regular checkups, preventive screenings, prescribing medicine, care when you’re sick, chronic condition management, and more.

Question 3

What are the different types of primary care providers?

Accepted Answer

There are three different types of primary care providers: Family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors, and pediatricians.

Family Medicine Physicians
The American Academy of Family Physicians define family physicians as uniquely trained to care for you as a whole person. In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses, your family physician provides routine health screenings and counseling on lifestyle changes in an effort to prevent illnesses before they develop.

Internal Medicine Physicians
The American College of Physicians | Internal Medicine define internal medicine physicians as caring for only adult patients, Internal Medicine physicians specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses. At least three of their seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training are dedicated to learning how to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases that affect adults.

Pediatricians
Pediatricians are here to help your child grow up happy and healthy. By providing routine wellness checks, they help guide your child to a healthy adulthood and provide the peace of mind every parent needs. From routine bumps and bruises to developmental and social challenges, pediatricians are dedicated to your child every step of the way.

Question 4

Can I choose my own primary care provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may call our Navigation Center 24/7 at (877) 696-3622 or use the Find a Provider tool on our website to research and select your new primary care physician (PCP). Once you have selected a doctor, call or visit your health insurance company's website to notify them of your new PCP.

Question 5

Does MemorialCare offer virtual primary care visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Schedule a virtual visit with a provider using our myChart Open Scheduling feature. Once scheduled, a BEGIN VISIT button will appear on your myChart homepage. If your desired appointment isn’t available through myChart, call our Navigation Center for an earlier appointment time: (877) 696-3622.

Question 6

How do I make an appointment with a primary care physician (PCP)?

Accepted Answer

You may call our Navigation Center 24/7 at (877) 696-3622 or log into myChart to schedule your visit.

Question 7

Does MemorialCare accept all types of health insurance?

Accepted Answer

MemorialCare accepts most major HMO, PPO and EPO health plans, as well as Medicare, private indemnity and supplemental insurance plans. Visit your health insurance carrier’s website or call the number found on the back of your health insurance card to ensure your provider is in MemorialCare’s network.

Question 8

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Applicable copayments and fees for services not covered by insurance are collected at the time of visit. We accept cash, personal check, and credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa). We offer expanded payment options via myChart payment system including bank accounts/e-checks, Apple Pay (iOS only) and Google Pay.

Question 9

What paperwork or documents do I need to bring to my first primary care appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring a list of all your prescription medications and the dose, medicated creams, eye/ear drops, over-the-counter drugs, supplements (including CBD products), and vitamins you are currently taking. You should bring your insurance card, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see, your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them, and the name and phone number of the pharmacy you use. Download our home medication list template.

Question 10

How often should I make an appointment with my primary care doctor?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor at least once a year. Your doctor will discuss further appointments as needed after a full health assessment.

MemorialCare Medical Group - Long Beach (East Spring St.)

Days and Hours of Operation

Services Include:

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Primary Care

Women's Care

Ruthann Devera, MD

Bianca M Rivas, MD

Ariel L Murtagh, MD

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Events

Connect to Healthy Living - Stroke Seminar (In-Person)