Torrance Hospital Independent Physicians Association is a multi-specialty physician network owned by Torrance Memorial Medical Center. It features over 350 primary care and specialist physicians including the doctors at Catalina Island Medical Center. Many local employers such as the City of Avalon, Edison and the Santa Catalina Island Company provide insurance coverage that contract with THIPA healthcare services for employees. Insured patients with health plans that are contracted with THIPA are now able to choose a Medical Center primary physician, make an appointment at the Medical Group office and take advantage of the hospital’s outpatient services for laboratory, diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans) and physical therapy as needed. There are no extra fees for enrollees having their medical tests or therapy done at the Medical Center if they have THIPA providers in their plan. The insurance referral coverage in Avalon is identical to Torrance Memorial Medical Center’s. Salvador Pedroza, medical assistant and referral coordinator for the Medical Group Office at the Medical Center submits authorization forms for patient procedures requested by the primary physician as well as those needing specialty care with mainland providers. “Most referrals take two-to-four days for approval, but an urgent referral can be expedited if needed,” Pedroza said. Avalon residents can avoid the lost time and expense of going overtown for many procedures that can be conveniently handled at the Medical Center, with complete coverage and confidence for the insured patient. Patients on Catalina Island who have insurance plans with THIPA physician providers now have access to high quality personalized care close to home. Electronic medical records can be accessed through the hospital’s online “Patient Portal” giving patients and their families a simple way to forward test results and other information from the Medical Center to Torrance Memorial specialists. Using CIMC saves a patient time away from work and home, eliminates the extra expenses of travel and saves individuals from the hassle of having to make multiple trips to the mainland for outpatient medical or therapy services. If specialist physician services are needed, a CIMC primary physician can offer a referral to one of many mainland healthcare providers within the THIPA network. If patients have a question about their insurance eligibility they may call the hospital at (310) 510-0700. To make an appointment at the Medical Group Office, call 310 510-0096. The Medical Center is committed to provide quality healthcare to each individual and to improve the overall health of our community.
