Optum provides care that is all encompassing. That includes answering questions you may have about our practice. Here are the things we are most commonly asked.
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- How do I select a physician?
- Which health plans are accepted?
- How will I be billed?
- Is Optum a participating Medicare provider?
- How do I schedule an appointment?
- How should I prepare for my upcoming visit?
- How are my medical records kept?
- When is the best time to reach my physician for questions?
- Will I get to see my primary care physician at every visit?
- What if I am not feeling well and need to see a physician immediately?
- What should I do in an emergency?
- What if I want to see a specialist?
- What is the policy on pets and service animals in facilities?
- What is being done to keep patients safe when they visit an Optum practice?
- What is an Advanced Practice Clinician?
If you don’t see what you’re looking for below, contact us and we’ll help you find the information you need.
How do I select a physician?
We recommend that all patients select a primary care physician (PCP) at Optum. PCPs include internists, pediatricians, family practitioners and obstetricians / gynecologists (OBGYN). Your PCP is generally the first person you see for a regular physical exam or for a health problem. They will become familiar with your medical history, and will help you maintain health and wellness. They will also coordinate care with other physicians as needed.
At Optum, there are a number of primary care physicians to choose from. Ideally, you should take time to choose a primary care physician that is most compatible with you.
To find a primary care physician near you, visit our Providers page.
Contact us if you have any questions
If you are a member of a managed care plan, please call them to let them know whom you have selected as your PCP.
Which health plans are accepted?
We provide care for patients with traditional health insurance, managed care plans, Medicare and for patients who self pay. Contact Us to find out which plans our physicians participate in or visit our Insurances page.
How will I be billed?
Managed care co-payments and payments for non-covered services are expected when services are provided unless other arrangements have been made. If you are to be billed, you will receive a monthly billing statement that lists all charges incurred since your last statement. Payments received from you or your insurance company and any balance due will be indicated. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
If you wish, we can submit charges directly to your primary insurance company. If you have a managed care plan, you will only receive a statement if you have an outstanding co-payment or if you have received services not covered by your plan.
Contact Us if you have any questions about your statements.
Is Optum a participating Medicare provider?
Yes. Contact Us if you have questions regarding Medicare coverage for treatments and services. For more information, you may wish to contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Or, click here to visit their website: www.medicare.gov.
How do I schedule an appointment?
While we are one connected network, the way you schedule your appointment may be different depending on the location of your appointment. Visit our Providers page to check your location’s policy. To find a provider near you and their contact information, visit our Providers page.
When you come for your appointment, please bring your current insurance card and a list of any current medications and allergies.
Avoid cancellation fees
We understand plans change, and letting us know when they do helps us accommodate other patients and keep things running smoothly. That’s why Optum requires a 24-hour cancellation notice for all scheduled appointments. A fee will be charged if notice is not given, or it’s less than 24 hours in advance. So, make sure to look out for any email reminders so you can stay on track.
No fee will be charged for missed appointments caused by inclement weather and national emergencies (e.g. COVID-19).
Contact us if you have any questions.
How should I prepare for my upcoming visit?
We want to help you focus on getting the best care when you arrive at any of our Optum practices. Review our policies for check-in, late arrival and more.
Preparing for your upcoming visit ›
How are my medical records kept?
We establish one medical record for each of our patients that includes all pertinent details about your care including records and test results. This record is available to all Optum physicians at all times, resulting in greater continuity of care. All medical records are completely confidential and not used outside of our group without your permission. If you would like to access your medical records, you can request them through our online portal.
When is the best time to reach my physician for questions?
Most physicians have regularly scheduled periods in which they return patient calls. When you see your physician, ask about the best time to call. You can also ask the nurses in your physician’s department.
Will I get to see my primary care physician at every visit?
To make sure you have continuity and a deeper understanding of your care, you will meet with your primary care physician at almost every visit. If for some reason your primary care physician is not available, another experienced Optum physician in the same department will see you.
What if I am not feeling well and need to see a physician immediately?
Unless it is a “911” emergency, it is best to call your physician’s office directly to try and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 911 immediately in a life-threatening emergency such as a major accident or a sudden and severe illness. If you go to an emergency room, tell the physician treating you the name and number of your Optum physician. Once you are admitted, we’ll do everything possible to help coordinate your treatment and help to meet your immediate needs.
What if I want to see a specialist?
If you have traditional insurance, you may make an appointment directly with a specialist. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your primary care physician (internist, pediatrician, or OB/GYN) first. Health maintenance organization (HMO) or managed care insurance plans generally require you to consult your primary care physician to obtain a referral before seeing a specialist.
What is the policy on pets and service animals in facilities?
Pets are not allowed in Optum facilities. Service animals trained to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities are permitted.
What is being done to keep patients safe when they visit an Optum practice?
To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, Optum has implemented policies regarding the number of people permitted within offices, social distancing and the wearing of masks. Read the full safe visitor policy ›