We’ve all been there. It’s the weekend, and your child has an alarming fever, or comes home clutching their arm after a fall, or you wake up to a strange rash.
Knowing where to go for the right level of care is key for the health of you and your family.
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Hill Physicians Offers Five Levels of Quality Care
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Every patient who signs up with Hill Physicians Medical Group is connected with a primary care doctor. It’s important to schedule an annual visit with your primary care physician so they get to know you, learn about your concerns and goals, help manage your medications, get you caught up on vaccinations and schedule your annual wellness screenings.
It Starts with Primary Care
“It’s really the starting point for providing personal care for everybody,” said Dr. Gaspar. “Medicine is not one-size-fits-all. Our doctors recognize your unique needs and work with you to find the best solutions.”
Once you’ve established care with your primary care physician, you may be able to schedule telehealth calls with them. Ask your doctor for details.
Your primary care physician offers appointments near where you live or work.
Do you need a Specialist?
Perhaps you have an illness or ailments that require a specialist’s care. Your primary care physician can refer you to myriad medical experts in our vast Hill Physicians Network.
Need a dermatologist? Someone to help you with pain? A gynecologist? An expert in eyes, ears, nose or throat? Whether you are dealing with heart health, cancer, back pain or broken bones, Hill Physicians experts are ready to assist.
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Virtual Solution is a Real Solution
A good choice for many Hill Physicians members is Virtual Care. If your primary doctor cannot see you in a timely fashion, and waiting just isn’t an option, Hill Physicians Virtual Care program is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., with many same-day doctor appointments.
Most insurance plans are accepted for this service, which puts a Hill Physicians doctor within digital reach. It’s ideal for issues such as cold, fever, flu and COVID.
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“This is perfect because, even though it’s not your primary care physician, it’s a trusted Hill Physicians doctor,” said Carrie Marsh, Vice President of Clinical Services. “And if your primary care physician uses HillChart electronic medical record, they will receive
an update.”
Access is easy. Submit your request on www.HillPhysicians.com, under the “Book an appointment” tab. Enter your information and then follow instructions. You’ll receive a secure appointment link for your video visit. You don’t have to download an application to access virtual care video visits.
If It’s Really Urgent…
Urgent Care is also a great option when you need immediate help, but your situation is not life-threatening. Hill Physicians partners with nearly 100 urgent care centers, from the Bay Area to the Greater Sacramento Region, as far south as Turlock, and as far north as Grass Valley.
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You’ll find a comprehensive list HERE. Our Urgent Care partner facilities offer a different array of services, with most having X-rays and labs onsite. While most take walk-ins, it’s always a good idea to schedule before you go, when possible.
Urgent Care facilities can address all the things virtual care can address, such as colds, flu and viruses, but also offer help with some broken bones, particularly minor fractures in extremities such as fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. (More severe fractures may require an Emergency Room visit.)
Emergency Rooms – For the Most Critical Cases
Emergency Rooms are intended for individuals suffering life-threatening conditions or serious medical issues that require immediate medical care.
“Too often individuals with non-emergent or minor conditions seek care in the Emergency Department when they could have been safely and effectively treated in a primary care office or urgent care,” said Dr. Gaspar.
Emergency Department staff are trained to “triage” cases – that is, to assess and determine which are most critical. The most critical go to the head of the line, while others with less urgent issues wait for extended periods of time before they can see a doctor.
When should you go to an Emergency Room? If you’re struggling to breathe, experiencing chest pain, or think you may have suffered a stroke, don’t wait – call 9-1-1 and get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. The emergency room is also the destination for patients with critical injuries, extreme allergic reactions, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, head injuries, high fevers and severe burns.
If you believe your symptoms are critical, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have them checked out. Hill Physicians partners with 30 hospitals in Northern California. But remember, if you need emergency services, by law you are entitled to receive help from any hospital, regardless of your insurance, membership, ability to pay, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability or age.
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Case Managers in your back pocket
Hill Physicians patients have access to case managers, pharmacists, social workers, health navigators and health educators who can offer guidance and expertise, especially for those who are dealing with multiple conditions, serious illnesses or hospitalizations.
Our team gives our patients the support they need, when they need it. They partner to help individuals better understand their health and create a care plan that aligns with their goals. Our team is very knowledgeable and skilled at connecting patients to local services and resources.
Carrie Marsh, MSN, RN
Vice President of Clinical Services
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Case managers are available to help with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease or depression. They can connect you to your health plan services, such as smoking cessation and prenatal care programs.
Health navigators make sure you stay on top of your health screenings. They can help you schedule appointments, request colon cancer screening kits and work with your doctor on preventive health and wellness needs.
If you feel like you would benefit from the assistance of a case manager, ask your primary care doctor for a referral or call
1-855-726-4764.
Hill Physicians: So Many Extras!
In addition to excellent, top-quality doctors and care managers, Hill Physicians patients enjoy a wide selection of exceptional, added services:
Pharmacy Consultations
Patients can receive a personal, private, no-cost consultation with a pharmacist to help them understand new medications, manage complicated regimens and save money.
Nutritional Counseling
Need to lose weight and want some professional support? Our registered dietitians not only assist with diet plans but can help those who struggle with dietary restrictions.
Why Choose Hill Physicians this Open Enrollment?
Hill Physicians has been serving high-quality patient care for more than 40 years in Northern California. It started in Oakland in 1984 and quickly expanded throughout the East Bay.
Hill Physicians moved into the Sacramento area 35 years ago and now has 300 primary care doctors, 500-plus specialists and nearly 300 practices in its network.
The Hill Physicians headquarters is in San Ramon, with offices in Sacramento and Stockton. Hill Physicians expanded into Marin and Sonoma counties in 2024 and continues to grow.
Hill Physicians partners with many insurance plans, including Commercial HMO plans, Medicare plans and Medi-Cal plans. During Open Enrollment, first choose a health plan that partners with Hill Physicians, and then pick a primary care doctor near you. Learn more about Open Enrollment HERE.
Navigating the world of healthcare can be challenging, and Hill Physicians Medical Group is here to help you get the care you need, when you need it. For more about Hill Physicians, visit our website at www.HillPhysicians.com.
Diabetes Education
Specialized health educators provide one-on-one coaching on diet and lifestyle to help patients with diabetes achieve better health.
Health Education
Learn to overcome obstacles and establish healthy habits with a little help from our Health Educators.
Hill Physicians has more than 1,200 primary care physicians serving the needs of nearly 400,000 patients in Northern California, across 14 counties, so you have plenty of choices to select a doctor who suits you best.
We have nearly 5,000 specialists who can cover everything from head (brain surgeon) to toe (podiatrist) and many specialties in between.
Virtual Care is available to any Hill Physicians members 18 years or older with commercial coverage or Medicare. Most PPO plans are also accepted.
"Too often individuals with non-emergent or minor conditions seek care in the Emergency Department when they could have been safely and effectively treated in a primary care office or urgent care."
Interactive Quiz
The right care at the right time can make a huge difference. Hill Physicians offers various ways to help you access the care you need. Do you know where to go? Match each scenario with the best place to get the right care.
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I have a fever and a cough, and just took a COVID test and I’m positive. I’d like to be seen to see if I could get medication to curtail the symptoms.
Primary Care Physician
Specialty physician
Schedule Virtual Care
Urgent Care
Emergency Room
Hill Physicians makes it easy to schedule a Virtual Care visit through MyHIllChart or online so you can get the care you need without leaving your home or putting others at risk.
Schedule Virtual Care
I had my hip replaced a few weeks ago. I was feeling better, but now the pain has come back. Where should I go?
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Receiving expert medical advice from the specialist who performed your surgery would be the best answer.
Specialty Physician
My chest hurts, and I’m struggling to breathe.
I should go to:
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The emergency room is the best place to go if you’re experiencing chest pain or symptoms of other serious medical events such as a heart attack or stroke.
Emergency Room
I’m struggling with side effects from a recent medication. They’re not serious, but it’s something I want to get to the bottom of…
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My child fell off her bike and may have broken her wrist.
I should take her to:
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You have cough, congestion, fever, and difficulty breathing. Where should you go?
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You have cough, congestion, and low-grade fever.
Where should you go?
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Anyone who is experiencing difficulty breathing should dial 9-1-1 or head straight to the Emergency Department.
Emergency Room
Virtual Care or Urgent Care. If you are experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, you really have two good choices. You can schedule a Virtual Care appointment with a Hill Physician, or you can book an appointment at a Hill Physicians urgent care partner. Either choice will save you a long wait in the emergency room.
Schedule Virtual Care or Urgent Care
Urgent Care is your best bet. Make sure the urgent care you go to has X-ray capabilities. Often, patients can be seen more quickly than in an emergency room.
Urgent Care
Your Hill primary care physician knows your story and your health goals, making them the ideal provider of tailored care such as medication management.
Primary Care Physician
*Hint: There are two correct answers
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We want our patients to have the care they need when they need it. The ER is there for
true emergencies. For everyday needs like headaches, rashes and other minor concerns, there are quicker and more convenient options. We’re here to help you find them.
K. Gabrielle Gaspar, MD
Hill Physicians Chief Medical Officer
Get the Right Care at the Right Time
Diego Ferro, M.D., is an internal medicine specialist who sees patients in Stockton.
Dawud Lankford, M.D., is a urologist who sees patients at Urohealth Urology offices in Oakland and Walnut Creek.
Dr. Michael Rosenfield is the medical director for Hill Health in Oakland.
WHERE DO I GO IF...?
Hill Physicians' Customer Service team is ready to take your call and direct you to the right source to answer your questions.
K. Gabrielle Gaspar, MD
Hill Physicians Chief Medical Officer
The time following a hospital stay can be scary for many people. At Hill Physicians, there’s a team that guides patients in their transition from the hospital to home – connecting them with the care they need, Carrie explained.
Patients managing serious illness have unique needs. Whether it’s scheduling an infusion, radiation treatment or therapy, case managers are available with proven solutions.
Hill Physicians offers its members excellent service in care management, health navigation, education and pharmacy services.
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