Confidentiality
Will my information and consultation be kept confidential and private?
Confidentiality is critical in a health care setting and health care providers are held to strict patient confidentiality rules. All patient medical information is maintained in the strictest confidence and is not accessible to PG&E. The health centers are operated by a third-party company, Premise Health. To review or obtain a copy of Premise Health’s Privacy statement, click here. As a reminder, your health information is also protected by a federal law called “HIPAA” (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
Who has access to my electronic medical records?
Your electronic medical records are kept securely online, managed through the secure Premise Health website. The records are maintained on Premise Health’s completely separate secure network outside of the PG&E network. Only your physician and the Premise Health care team have access to ensure you receive an integrated program of care that is tailored to your individual needs, lifestyle and health goals. Your visit history is easily accessible for the PG&E Health Care clinic staff, so you will not have to repeat your medical history to different providers on the health care team.
Summary of Material Modifications (January 2017)
This 2017 PG&E Health Center guide is for active Management and Administrative & Technical (A&T) coworkers and for active coworkers represented by the IBEW, ESC and SEIU. It is designed, in part, to make you aware of important changes that have been made to The Pacific Gas and Electric Company Health Care Plan for Active Employees (the “Health Care Plan”). Additional information about the Plans is contained in the document entitled The Pacific Gas and Electric Company Health Care Plan for Active Employees. The Summary of Benefits Handbook and any summaries of material modifications (SMMs), including benefit communications designated as SMMs, collectively constitute the respective official plan documents.
The Employee Benefit Committee of PG&E Corporation is the Plan Administrator of the Plans and has the discretionary authority to interpret and construe the terms of the official plan documents, to resolve any conflicts or discrepancies between the documents that comprise the official plan documents, and to establish rules that are necessary for the administration of the Plans.
Unless otherwise noted, references to PG&E in this booklet mean Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PG&E Corporation and their affiliates, referred to collectively as “Participating Employers.”
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has the right to amend or terminate the Plans at any time and for any reason, subject to notice provisions if such notice is required under applicable collective bargaining agreements. Generally, an amendment to or termination of the Plans will apply prospectively and will not affect your rights and obligations under the Plans prospectively.
See PG&E’s Health Plan Nondiscrimination Notice here.
PG&E Health Center, General Information
Who can use the PG&E Health Center?
The PG&E Health Centers are open to all active HAP-eligible PG&E coworkers, and active hiring hall coworkers. Coworkers on long-term disability are not eligible for clinic-provided health services. Dependents and contractors are not eligible.
I’m an intern. Can I use a health center?
PG&E Interns are not able to use the clinic, as it is offered only for eligible coworkers. However, interns are eligible for occupational health services only.
How can I make an appointment?
You may phone the center or walk in during regular operating hours to make an appointment in person.
You may also make an appointment electronically using the Patient Portal online at My Premise Health via your computer or tablet. The Patient Portal is a secure website where you can electronically make appointments, complete clinic forms, secure message your provider, and more. You will first need to create your portal account by following the prompts after going to the website. Creating your own account maintains and assures that your information stays private.
Note: Lab visits, allergy injections and 24/7 Nurse Care Line referral or follow-up care require a call to the specific center for scheduling.
What do I do if I encounter a technical problem with the Patient Portal?
For technical support, email mypremisehealthsupport@premisehealth.com, and the staff will be able to assist you or get additional support if needed.
What is a holistic approach to health?
The PG&E Health Centers take a holistic whole-person approach to health care. This involves shared decision making by considering an individual’s physical, emotional, and social health. A holistic approach to health care also means taking preventive measures, not just waiting until you are ill to talk about your health.
Do the PG&E Health Centers offer preventive screenings?
The centers offer basic preventive measures screenings and discussion to help you determine whether or not there are things you can be doing now to help you through your personal health journey. In addition, the staff at the centers can help you determine and coordinate screenings most appropriate for your age and medical history.
What are the advantages to using a PG&E Health Center?
The many advantages include the following:
- Flexible scheduling: health centers offer same-day and next-day appointments (during normal operating days/hours) for patients with urgent medical needs.
- Convenient locations: health centers are conveniently located at certain PG&E worksites.
- Secure medical records: Your medical records are securely managed on a private electronic medical record system, accessible only by Premise Health medical staff. You’ll also have access to their secure online patient portal for access to your medical records. You will also be able to send secure emails to the health care team, request appointments and medication refills.
Do I have to use a PG&E Health Center?
No. Use of a PG&E Health Center is completely voluntary and confidential.
If I use a PG&E Health Center, does that mean I should stop seeing my current primary care physician?
The physician you visit is completely your choice. As a Kaiser member, there are certain referrals for services and testing that only your Kaiser provider can make.
Will my physician outside of a PG&E Health Center have access to my electronic medical records?
Only the care team at a PG&E Health Center will have access to your electronic medical records at the health center. However, the PG&E Health Center uses the Epic Electronic Health Record, which includes a technology called CareEverywhere. This allows your doctor, if they use the same system, to access your records. If you would like to opt-out of CareEverywhere, simply let the health center know and they can remove this functionality for you.
If your doctor does not use the Epic Electronic Health Record, you can request that your medical records be shared with outside providers by completing a Release of Medical Records form that is available at the PG&E Health Center.
Do the PG&E Health Centers offer urgent care services?
Yes, PG&E Health Centers offer same-day/next-day and urgent care services during operating hours Monday through Friday.
Do PG&E Health Centers offer virtual video visits?
Yes, PG&E Health Centers offer convenient, confidential, and trusted video visit options for primary care, wellness and condition management coaching and if/as appropriate, for physical therapy. The cost is the same as an in-person visit. Visit MyPremiseHealth.com, download the My Premise Health app, or call one of the health centers to schedule a virtual visit:
- (650) 598-7227 San Carlos
- (559) 263-7555 Fresno
- (510) 473-8700 Oakland
What happens after hours when the Health Centers are not open and I need care?
If your concern is an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you need care after hours for non-emergencies, you can call the Anthem Nurse Advice Line at 1-866-867-1651 or the Kaiser 24-Hour Health Advice Line at 1-866-454-8855. You may also secure message your health center provider who will be able to respond as soon as possible when the clinic re-opens.
If I have a work-related injury, can I go to a PG&E Health Center for care?
For work-related injuries or illnesses, you first need to call the 24/7 Nurse Care Line at 1-888-449-7787 to report the injury and be triaged for care and notify your supervisor. You may be given self-care advice or referred to a PG&E Health Center for treatment. You cannot make an appointment for a work-related injury or discomfort through the Patient Portal, you must call the clinic directly.
Will there be a Pharmacy?
No. There are no pharmacies at the PG&E Health Centers. If you are an Anthem member, prescriptions are sent electronically or “e-prescribed” to your local or mail-order pharmacy. You may request refills of the prescriptions you had ordered from the PG&E Health Center through the Patient Portal. Prescriptions cannot be ordered for Kaiser members.
Are there translation services?
Premise Health has a telephonic translation service that is available for patients that require translation assistance.
Can I get my biometric health screening at a health center?
Yes, but you will need to print out and bring Quest’s physician form to the health center.
Can Kaiser members use the chiropractic or acupuncture services?
Kaiser members are able to use chiropractic and acupuncture services with full cost payable at the time of service. The actual cost will vary depending on the specific procedures conducted.
Can Kaiser members use the physical therapy services?
Kaiser members are able to use physical therapy with full cost payable at the time of service. The actual cost will vary depending on the specific procedures conducted. Note, however, that a physician referral is required, but Kaiser physician referrals are not eligible for this service.
Will I be able to use my Optum Financial or Kaiser Visa health payment card (Health Account or Flexible Spending Account funds) for clinic payments?
Yes, PG&E Health Centers are able to accept payment with any credit/debit card or a Optum Financial card. The only exception is Kaiser Visa health payment cards, as these cards can only be used at Kaiser pharmacies.
