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Dignity Health Medical Network - Central California

Here to keep you and your family happy and healthy.

Serving Kern County since 1991

 Dignity Health Medical Network - Central California (DHMN-CC) was formed as GEMCare, an Independent Practice Association (IPA) with 10 primary care physicians and three specialists. These physicians came together and saw a need for another health care option in Kern County. Forming a new group enabled physicians to contract with the major health plans in California.

Today, DHMN-CC has over 150 primary care physicians and more than 300 specialists it services members in Bakersfield, CA and the outlying communities of Delano, Lake Isabella, Taft and Tehachapi. Membership has grown from 50 members in November of 1992 to over 40,000 members.

Dignity Health management services

Dignity Health Management Services Organization (DHMSO), part of CommonSpirit Health, is a leading health care management company that helps providers and payers deliver better clinical outcomes through innovative tools and technology and offers high-quality, full-service administrative and clinical support services to organizations responsible for providing medical services through health plan agreements or health benefit programs. DHMSO provides these services to hospitals, independent physician networks, medical groups, and employers.

 

Physician directories – Central California (formerly GEMCare)

Physician directories: IMG Tulare

List is subject to change. Participation in some health plan products is limited.

Your partner in health and wellness

At Dignity Health Medical Network - Central California, we are dedicated to providing daily excellence for all your health care needs. We believe an important part of that excellence is truly listening, helping to ensure that you understand your medical situation so that you can make informed decisions. Whatever stage of life you’re in, we strive to help you make the most of it.

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Health care decision-making process defined

We believe in making quality medical decisions in a fair manner.

  • Utilization Management decision-making is based only on the appropriateness of care and service and the existence of coverage

  • The organization does not specifically reward practitioners or other individuals for issuing denials of coverage

  • Financial incentives for Utilization Management decision-makers do not encourage decisions that result in underutilization.

    The criteria, guidelines, and benefits used to make utilization determinations are available upon request by calling (661) 716-7100, (800) 414-5860, or faxing to (661)716-9200. If calling after hours, please leave a voice mail message.  We will return your call the next business day.

  • Hello Healthy podcast

    Hello Healthy podcast is an audio series presented by Dignity Health. The series features health-related topics from our experts at:

    • Mercy & Memorial Hospitals (Bakersfield)

    • Mercy Medical Center (Merced)

    • St. Joseph's Medical Center (Stockton)


    Search by health topic or physician name to find informative and interesting episodes.

     

    Listen now
  • COVID-19 resources

    Our priority at Dignity Health Medical Network remains the safety and well-being of our members and the communities in which we live. Certain behavior changes can help prevent the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Take a look at our list of simple actions you can use to protect yourself and others.

    Get more info

Our hospital network

Central California locations

Frequently asked questions

A primary care physician (PCP) is a doctor you select under your health insurance plan to be your personal physician. A PCP can be specialized in family practice, general practice, or pediatrics. The relationship you have with your PCP is very important because he/she is responsible for managing all aspects of your care. Your PCP is responsible for referring you to specialty physicians.

When you choose a primary care physician, you also choose his/her medical group. A medical group is formed when primary care physicians come together to contract with health plans and serve the community. These physicians have contracted with specialist physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers to form a network.

 

In case of an emergency situation, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.  If your situation is not emergent and your primary care physician’s office is open, call the physician’s office directly for advice. Otherwise, visit one of our contracted urgent care centers.

You may change your PCP by calling DHMN Customer Service at 716-7100 and/or calling the toll-free number listed on your health plan ID card.

You may contact DHMN Customer Service at 716-7100 or contact your health plan. It is your responsibility to know your benefits.

It is extremely important that the information on your card be correct. If you note any errors, contact your health plan immediately to correct the information. Remember to make sure your physician has a copy of your ID card.

The care you need is just a phone call away.

Have a question about insurance? Want to know about wellness events happening around town? Give us a call at (661) 716-7100, and someone from our office will be able to assist you.