Frequently Asked Questions
As a Caterpillar employee or retiree, can my family and I come to Methodist?
Yes, if you choose the new Health Alliance HMO. Under the Health Alliance plan, you can come to Methodist for hospitalization and outpatient services. Under either Caterpillar health plan, you can choose a Methodist Medical Group physician for your doctor, and you can use Methodist MedPointe walk-in clinics.
The HMO has a co-pay for physician office visits. How does that work?
Under the Health Alliance HMO, you have a $20 co-pay for visits to your primary care physician, and NO deductible. That means that a routine doctor's office visit is $20. Period. You don't have to meet a big deductible first. And you don't have to pay the full cost up front, then wait for partial reimbursement. In exchange for visiting Methodist Medical Group doctors and other providers in the HMO network, Health Alliance is able to keep your out-of-pocket costs to a minimum. See the Health Alliance Benefit Summary or the Health Plan Comparison Chart for more information.
How do I choose a Primary Care Physician?
Call 877-64-MY DOC or chat with us online at MyMethodist.net/4cat. We'll help you choose a Methodist Medical Group doctor close to you. We can also schedule your first appointment for you! To see the complete Health Alliance HMO network, go to www.healthalliance.org.
What if my child needs hospital care?
Methodist has an experienced pediatric department, with specially trained staff including a pediatric hospitalist - a specialist who will oversee your child's care. Methodist also has a Level II nursery capable of caring for most newborns.
What if I need medical care after hours?
Convenient Methodist MedPointe hours include evenings and weekends. You can also call Methodist First Call at 672-4545 for physician-approved medical advice from nurses, Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Of course the Methodist Emergency Department is always open for your serious medical emergencies.
Is the Methodist ER only for major emergencies?
Our ER has a Fast Track option for your minor illnesses and injuries. And Methodist's physician-staffed triage means you're screened by a doctor when you come to the waiting area so you get treated sooner, to get home faster.
Aren't all hospitals alike?
No! There can be measurable differences between hospitals. For example, Methodist has some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in the nation! We also rank above average for quality and safety and put this measurable, objective data on our website for you to review. It's your assurance that Methodist consistently delivers the highest quality care and compassion for you and your family.
I already have a cardiologist. Can he treat me at Methodist?
Most of the area's leading primary care and specialty physicians see patients at Methodist. So if you're already seeing a specialist, in most cases, you won't have to change doctors when you come to Methodist. To see all the doctors in the Health Alliance HMO network, go to www.healthalliance.org.
How do I transfer my medical records to my MMG doctor?
If you're new to Methodist Medical Group, just fill out a medical release form, and we'll contact your former doctor to arrange the transfer for you. Forms are available at any MMG physician office or online at MyMethodist.net/4cat.