Northern New Jersey patient guide · Updated for 2026
Find the Right Valley Doctor, Portal, Walk-In Center and Test Location
Valley Medical Group is the physician network within Valley Health System. Its providers offer pediatric, primary, specialty, surgical, walk-in and virtual care throughout northern New Jersey.
This guide explains the complete patient journey: how to choose the right level of care, find a provider, use the Athena portal, prepare for an appointment, access walk-in treatment, verify insurance, pay the correct bill and obtain records or diagnostic images.
VMG
PORTAL
FIND A
DOCTOR
WALK-IN
CARE
LAB &
IMAGING
Emergency warning: Call 911 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness or difficulty speaking, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, a severe injury or another potentially life-threatening condition. Do not wait for a portal reply or travel to routine walk-in care.
Confirm the correct Valley organization. Valley Medical Group physician care, The Valley Hospital, the Family Care Center, diagnostic imaging and the Fertility Center may use different portals, bills and record-request processes.
Physician portal
AthenaHealth for VMG visits, messages and bills.
Walk-in network
Seven centers treating adults and children age two and older.
Start with the correct care level
Which Valley Medical Group care option should you use?
PRIMARY OR SPECIALTY OFFICE
Routine, preventive or ongoing care
Contact a regular Valley Medical Group provider for annual visits, long-term conditions, medication monitoring, specialist consultations, referrals and test follow-up.
Best for: preventive care, diabetes, blood pressure, chronic symptoms, prescription management and planned specialist treatment.
WALK-IN CARE
Prompt care for a minor illness or injury
Valley’s seven walk-in centers treat adults and children from age two for non-life-threatening illnesses, minor injuries and selected fractures.
Best for: flu, fever, sore throat, infection, cuts, minor burns, sprains, strains and sports injuries.
911 OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Serious or potentially life-threatening problem
The Valley Hospital Emergency Department provides 24-hour emergency treatment for adults and children.
Use immediately for: chest pain, severe breathing trouble, stroke signs, serious trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or unconsciousness.
Fast decision rule: Use your regular provider when the issue can wait, a walk-in center when a minor problem needs prompt outpatient care, and emergency services when delay could be dangerous.
Avoid the wrong bill or portal
Valley Medical Group and The Valley Hospital are connected—but not interchangeable
Valley Medical Group
- Primary, pediatric and specialty physician visits
- Walk-in care centers
- VMG Athena patient portal
- Physician and professional-service bills
- VMG account representatives at 201-291-6049
The Valley Hospital
- Hospital admissions and emergency services
- Hospital-based surgery and procedures
- Separate Valley Hospital patient portal
- Hospital and facility bills
- Hospital Patient Financial Services at 201-291-6080
Why two bills may arrive: A Valley Medical Group physician may provide professional care while The Valley Hospital or another facility bills separately for the room, equipment, laboratory, imaging, surgery or supplies.
Provider search workflow
How to find the right Valley Medical Group doctor
Choose primary care or a specialty
Start with family practice, internal medicine or pediatrics when you do not know which specialist is appropriate.
Search by location and appointment type
Consider whether you need an office visit, online appointment, ongoing primary care or walk-in treatment.
Check online scheduling availability
Selected Valley Medical Group providers allow direct online booking through the official physician directory.
Confirm new-patient status
A provider may appear in the directory but have limited appointment availability or accept only selected patient groups.
Verify the exact insurance product
Give the office the insurer, product, network and plan type printed on the card.
Ask about referrals and prior authorization
Specialty visits, tests and procedures may require approval even when the provider participates in the plan.
Save the complete address
Valley operates many physician and outpatient locations. Record the street, suite, building and telephone number.
New-patient call script
“I would like to schedule with [provider or specialty]. My insurance is [full product and network]. Is the provider accepting new patients at this location? Do I need a referral or authorization, and what records or forms should I bring?”
Office and virtual visits
How to schedule a Valley Medical Group appointment
Identify the reason for care
State whether the visit is preventive, a new symptom, medication follow-up, specialist consultation, procedure follow-up or second opinion.
Choose office or telemedicine
VMG offers virtual appointments using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Suitability depends on the provider and medical concern.
Book online or call
Use online scheduling when offered or call 1-800-VALLEY 1 for help locating and booking a provider.
Confirm insurance and referral status
Ask whether your exact plan is accepted and whether any insurer approval must be completed before arrival.
Confirm preparation instructions
Ask about fasting, medication changes, prior testing, records, forms and arrival time.
Save the direct office telephone number
Medical questions, prescription problems and appointment changes are usually handled fastest by the treating office.
Virtual-visit preparation: Use a charged device, reliable internet, a working camera and microphone, a private room and any requested home readings such as temperature, blood pressure or glucose.
Prevent check-in delays
What to bring to a Valley Medical Group appointment
Government-issued photo identification
Current primary and secondary insurance cards
Required referral or authorization
Completed patient registration packet
Specialty-specific medical history form
Medication names, doses and schedules
Allergies and serious reactions
Recent outside records and test results
Actual imaging files when requested
Preferred pharmacy name and location
Expected copay or patient payment
Written questions in priority order
What is included in the registration packet?
Patient registration
Identity, address, contact, insurance and responsible-party details.
General consent
Permission for examination and appropriate treatment.
Patient responsibilities
Understanding of office, payment and communication expectations.
Medication-history consent
Consent related to electronic prescribing and medication information.
Use the correct intake form: Valley publishes separate forms for cardiology, dermatology, electrophysiology, gastroenterology, primary care, mammography, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, pain management, pediatrics, podiatry and sleep or pulmonary medicine.
AthenaHealth physician portal
What the Valley Medical Group patient portal can do
H
Medical history
Review health information made available through the Valley Medical Group record.
V
Visit summaries
Review summaries and instructions from eligible Valley Medical Group appointments.
M
Secure messages
Send routine, non-emergency messages to Valley Medical Group providers.
Rx
Prescription review
Review available medication and prescription information.
$
Physician bill payment
Review and pay eligible Valley Medical Group charges.
P
Patient access
Manage routine outpatient information without calling several departments.
Portal response time: Valley asks patients to allow up to two business days for a Valley Medical Group portal reply. Call the treating office when the concern cannot safely wait.
No account yet? Valley instructs patients to contact their physician office for help establishing access.
Use the correct patient system
Which Valley portal should you open?
Valley portals are separated by type of care
| Portal |
Use it for |
Do not use it for |
| Valley Medical Group Athena portal |
VMG outpatient history, visit summaries, provider messages, prescriptions and physician bills. |
Hospital-only admissions, hospital facility billing or obtaining original diagnostic images. |
| The Valley Hospital portal |
Hospital laboratory results, diagnostic reports, inpatient medications and hospital-service appointments. |
Routine VMG physician messaging and physician-office payments. |
| Diagnostic Imaging portal |
Viewing, downloading and sharing actual imaging studies. |
General appointment messaging or paying physician bills. |
| Fertility Center eIVF |
Managing care received through The Valley Hospital Fertility Center. |
Unrelated Valley Medical Group visits. |
Result-location tip: The written imaging report and the actual image files may be stored in different systems. Ask the ordering office what the receiving physician needs.
Portal troubleshooting
What to check when the VMG portal is not solving the problem
The login page looks unfamiliar
Confirm that the page is the AthenaHealth portal linked directly from Valley Medical Group’s official website.
You do not have an account
Contact the physician office so staff can confirm your identity and portal access.
A hospital result is missing
Check The Valley Hospital portal because hospital-generated information may not appear in the VMG portal.
You need an actual MRI or CT image
Use Valley’s diagnostic image portal rather than relying on a written result in the physician portal.
A message has no response
Allow up to two business days. Call the treating office when the issue is time-sensitive.
The bill belongs to the hospital
Use the hospital payment process, not the Valley Medical Group physician portal.
You need an appointment today
Call the office, use walk-in care or use emergency services according to symptom severity.
The problem may be an emergency
Call 911 instead of sending another message.
Seven northern New Jersey centers
Valley Medical Group walk-in care locations and hours
Valley’s walk-in centers treat adults and children age two and older for non-life-threatening conditions. Several locations also provide ongoing primary care.
Walk-in care centers and direct phone numbers
| Center |
Phone |
What to confirm before travel |
| Dumont Primary & Walk-In Care |
201-387-7055 |
Current hours, wait status and whether the required X-ray or service is available. |
| Montvale Primary & Walk-In Care |
201-930-1700 |
Do not confuse this center with the separate Kinderkamack-Montvale office. |
| Kinderkamack Primary & Walk-In Care |
201-746-6880 |
Street address and selected location before navigation. |
| Riverdale Primary & Walk-In Care |
973-835-7290 |
Insurance, operating hours and service availability. |
| Teaneck Primary & Walk-In Care |
201-836-7664 |
Current queue and whether primary-care scheduling is also available. |
| Waldwick Primary & Walk-In Care |
201-447-3603 |
Holiday schedule and last patient acceptance time. |
| Wayne Primary & Walk-In Care |
973-709-0099 |
Correct Valley location and current walk-in availability. |
Weekdays
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weekends
Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Selected holidays
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Conditions treated
Minor cuts and burns
Sprains and strains
Selected fractures and X-rays
Sports injuries
Flu and fever
Sore throats and infections
Minor non-life-threatening emergencies
Same-day outpatient care
Not an emergency department: Valley specifically instructs patients with chest pain or a severe injury to call 911.
Urgent care at home: Valley and DispatchHealth provide on-demand home treatment for selected illnesses and injuries. Call
201-882-7527 to check eligibility and availability.
Primary, specialty and surgical care
Valley Medical Group services explained simply
Major service groups and preparation questions
| Care group |
Examples |
What to confirm |
| Primary and family care |
Family practice, internal medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, primary care and travel medicine. |
Patient age, new-patient availability, office and insurance. |
| Heart and lung care |
Cardiology, electrophysiology, heart care, pulmonary medicine and sleep medicine. |
Referral, medication instructions and previous testing. |
| Women’s and reproductive care |
Gynecology, obstetrics, midwifery, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology and fertility care. |
Correct portal, pregnancy information, previous records and hospital relationship. |
| Cancer and breast care |
Oncology, breast health, genetics, surgery and palliative care. |
Pathology, outside imaging, treatment location and which team coordinates care. |
| Digestive and surgical care |
Gastroenterology, general surgery, colon and rectal surgery, endocrine surgery and weight-loss surgery. |
Preparation, transportation, authorization and possible facility charges. |
| Skin, eyes and feet |
Dermatology, ophthalmology, optical services and podiatry. |
Medical versus vision coverage, dilation, procedure costs and correct location. |
| Complex medical care |
Endocrinology, rheumatology, pain management, rehabilitation, allergy and immunology. |
Referral, laboratory records and imaging requirements. |
| Hospital-connected care |
Hospitalists, house physicians, surgery, emergency referrals and same-day services. |
Whether the appointment or procedure creates separate hospital and physician bills. |
Major Valley campuses
Important Valley Health System locations patients commonly confuse
Major Valley campuses and their primary role
| Location |
Address |
Patient-use note |
| The Valley Hospital |
4 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652 |
Hospital admissions, emergency care, inpatient treatment and hospital-based procedures. |
| Ridgewood Campus |
223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 |
Outpatient services including laboratory and multiple imaging procedures. |
| Montvale Campus |
400 Market Street, Montvale, NJ 07645 |
Large outpatient campus with imaging and other scheduled services. |
| Luckow Pavilion |
1 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652 |
Cancer care, fertility services, selected imaging, same-day services and pharmacy access. |
| Center for Health and Wellness |
1400 MacArthur Boulevard, Mahwah, NJ 07430 |
Wellness, laboratory and selected diagnostic imaging services. |
| Medical Arts Pavilion |
140 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 |
Outpatient and developmental or specialty services; verify the exact office and suite. |
Local navigation tip: Several Valley buildings are in Paramus but have different entrances, parking areas and check-in desks. Use the complete address from the appointment confirmation—not only “Valley Paramus.”
Current VMG participation list
Insurance accepted by Valley Medical Group
Most Valley Medical Group providers participate with the following plans. Acceptance can vary by provider, product, network and service, so verify the exact plan before care.
Commercial plans
Aetna, AmeriHealth, Brighton Health Plan/MagnaCare, Centivo, Cigna/Great West, Claritev/Multiplan/PHCS and CHN.
Blue and regional plans
Braven Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, QualCare and Community Care Network.
Medicare products
Medicare, Railroad Medicare, Humana Medicare, Cigna Medicare, Oxford Medicare and UnitedHealthcare Medicare products.
Government and employer
Tricare, VA Community Care Network, WTC Health Plan, Empire Plan and Mount Sinai Employee Health System.
Aetna exception: The current VMG list excludes Aetna Better Health. Confirm any Aetna Medicaid or managed-care product directly with the office.
Hospital insurance may differ. Valley specifically states that The Valley Hospital’s accepted plans are different from the plans accepted by Valley Medical Group.
Read the full plan name
Include HMO, PPO, Medicare, employer, tier or network wording.
Call the VMG office
Ask whether the provider and location participate in the exact product.
Call the insurer
Confirm the provider, facility and planned service using the member-services number.
Check referral and authorization rules
Network participation alone does not guarantee payment.
Verify labs, imaging and facilities separately
The physician, hospital, laboratory and imaging location can have different contracts.
Insurance verification script
“My plan is [complete product and network], member ID [number]. I am seeing [provider] at [exact location] for [visit, test or procedure]. Is the provider and service location in network? Do I need a referral or authorization, and could there be separate hospital, laboratory or imaging charges?”
Pay the correct Valley organization
Valley Medical Group billing and payment workflow
Identify the billing organization
Look for Valley Medical Group, The Valley Hospital, Valley Home Care or another facility name.
Check the service date and provider
Confirm that the statement matches an appointment, test or procedure you received.
Compare the insurance explanation
Review the submitted charge, allowed amount, insurance payment, adjustment and patient responsibility.
Use the VMG portal for physician bills
The Athena portal can be used to pay eligible Valley Medical Group charges.
Use QuickPay only with valid statement information
Patients without a VMG portal login can follow the QuickPay option from Valley’s official billing page.
Call before paying a mismatched amount
Contact the correct account representative when the statement does not match the insurance explanation.
Billing-question call script
“I am calling about the statement for service date [date]. The bill is from [organization], and my insurance explanation shows [amount or denial]. Please explain the charge, adjustment and patient responsibility and tell me whether I am calling the correct billing department.”
Surprise-billing protection: Valley explains that patients are generally protected from balance billing for emergency care and certain out-of-network services received at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center.
Prescription required
Valley outpatient laboratory locations and hours
Appointments are strongly encouraged, although Valley tries to accommodate walk-ins. Every patient must bring a completed laboratory prescription or requisition from a physician.
Outpatient laboratory locations
| Laboratory |
Address |
Hours |
Important detail |
| Ridgewood Campus Outpatient Lab |
223 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood |
Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. |
First floor; specialized tests such as glucose-tolerance testing are available at this main laboratory. |
| 1200 Outpatient Laboratory |
1200 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 105 West, Ridgewood |
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Valet and reserved laboratory parking are available; special-handling tests are not performed here. |
| Mahwah Wellness Center Lab |
1400 MacArthur Boulevard, Second Floor, Mahwah |
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Special-handling tests are not performed at this location. |
Last-patient rule: The listed laboratories stop accepting patients 15 minutes before closing.
Confirm the prescription is complete
Bring the signed order or requisition. A portal message alone may not replace the required laboratory document.
Check fasting instructions
Do not fast unless the ordering clinician or laboratory instructions require it.
Verify laboratory insurance
Valley publishes separate insurance guides for general laboratory and pathology services.
Choose the correct lab for special handling
Call
201-447-8250, option 2, when the test has unusual collection or processing requirements.
Ask who will explain the result
Laboratory staff collect and process specimens; the ordering clinician interprets the result and decides next steps.
Central scheduling: 201-447-8200
Valley diagnostic imaging services and locations
Valley provides outpatient imaging throughout Bergen County, with appointments available seven days a week, including evenings and selected same-day appointments.
Major imaging tests and locations
| Imaging test |
Locations listed |
Scheduling note |
| X-ray |
Ridgewood, Montvale, Mahwah, Luckow Pavilion and The Valley Hospital. |
Fluoroscopy is available only at The Valley Hospital. |
| Mammography |
Ridgewood, Montvale, Mahwah and Luckow Pavilion. |
Diagnostic mammography is available only at Luckow Pavilion. |
| Ultrasound |
Ridgewood, Montvale and Mahwah. |
Selected ultrasound appointments can be booked online. |
| Vascular ultrasound |
Ridgewood, Montvale and Mahwah. |
Used to evaluate blood flow and vascular disease. |
| CT scan |
Ridgewood, Montvale and Mahwah. |
Call 201-447-8200 to schedule and obtain preparation instructions. |
| PET or PET/CT |
Ridgewood Campus. |
Telephone scheduling is required. |
| MRI |
Ridgewood, Montvale, Mahwah and Luckow Pavilion. |
Specialized MRI includes cardiac, breast and MRI-guided breast biopsy services. |
| Bone density |
Ridgewood and Montvale. |
Online scheduling is available. |
Questions to ask before the test
Has the imaging order been received?
Does insurance require authorization?
Do I need fasting or fluid preparation?
Will contrast be used?
Is kidney-function bloodwork required?
Should medication be adjusted?
Could sedation affect driving?
Which portal will show the report or images?
Location may change by test: Some imaging procedures requiring anesthesia or additional hospital support take place at The Valley Hospital in Paramus. Scheduling staff will provide the final location.
Records and image transfer
How to request Valley Medical Group medical records
Check the correct portal first
A visit summary, result or medication list may already be available without a formal request.
Use Valley’s online request tool
The system verifies identity using a photograph of the patient’s driver’s license taken through a webcam or smartphone.
Select the correct Valley entity
Choose Valley Medical Group rather than The Valley Hospital or Valley Home Care when requesting physician-office records.
Use a clear date range
Request only the dates and document types needed when a focused request will solve the problem.
Name the receiving person or organization
Provide a complete physician name, secure fax, mailing address or approved electronic destination.
Specify reports versus images
A written radiology report and actual CT, MRI, PET, X-ray or ultrasound images are different records.
Keep a copy of the request
Record the submission date, requested information and intended recipient.
Diagnostic image sharing
InteleShare access
View, download and share available diagnostic images electronically.
Direct provider transfer
Valley can directly transfer images to several large health systems without a patient carrying a CD.
CD or secure email
Images can also be provided on a CD or shared through InteleShare by email.
Possible copy fee: Valley states that a fee may apply for copies unless records are being sent directly to another physician for continuing care.
Images cannot be faxed. Diagnostic image files require specialized viewing software. Send the written report by fax only when that is what the receiving office requests.
After the appointment
Results, refills, referrals and follow-up troubleshooting
You are waiting for a test result
Check the correct portal, then call the ordering office when the expected timeframe has passed.
A result is marked abnormal
Do not diagnose yourself from a portal flag. Ask the ordering clinician what it means in your medical context.
You need a prescription refill
Request it before the medication runs out and confirm the drug, strength, directions and pharmacy.
The refill request is denied
Ask whether monitoring, a follow-up visit, prior authorization or a new prescription is required.
A specialist has not contacted you
Confirm that the referral was sent, received and authorized by insurance.
The laboratory has no prescription
Contact the ordering office and confirm where the completed requisition was sent.
Imaging cannot find the order
Call the ordering office and confirm the exact Valley imaging location.
Your symptoms are worsening
Call the treating office, use walk-in care when appropriate or seek emergency help for serious warning signs.
Result follow-up script
“I completed [test] on [date], ordered by [provider]. Can you confirm whether it is complete, which portal should show it, whether the clinician reviewed it and how I will receive the interpretation and next-step instructions?”
Northern New Jersey patient shortcuts
Local tips that can prevent a wasted trip or repeat call
01
Separate VMG and hospital bills
The physician and facility may bill independently.
02
Use the correct portal
VMG, hospital, imaging and fertility records use different systems.
03
Wait two business days for portal replies
Call sooner when the medical concern cannot safely wait.
04
Save your walk-in spot
Check the current queue and center details before driving.
05
Do not confuse Montvale centers
Montvale and Kinderkamack-Montvale are separate walk-in locations.
06
Bring the laboratory prescription
Walk-in availability does not remove the physician-order requirement.
07
Arrive before the lab cutoff
The listed laboratories stop accepting patients 15 minutes before closing.
08
Ask for images and reports separately
A specialist may require both the written report and actual image files.
09
Verify insurance twice
Check with both the Valley office and the insurance company.
Main hospital and regional map
The Valley Hospital and Valley Health Plaza map
The Valley Hospital
4 Valley Health Plaza
Paramus, NJ 07652
Main phone: 201-447-8000
This is not automatically your Valley Medical Group office. Physician practices and outpatient services operate throughout Bergen and Passaic County communities. Use the address shown in your appointment confirmation.
Patient questions answered
Valley Medical Group frequently asked questions
Which Valley Medical Group does this guide cover?
This guide covers Valley Medical Group within Valley Health System in northern New Jersey.
What is the appointment phone number?
Call 1-800-VALLEY 1, or 1-800-825-5391.
Can I schedule a virtual appointment?
Yes. Selected Valley Medical Group providers offer telemedicine appointments for new and existing patients when the medical concern is suitable for online care.
Which portal does Valley Medical Group use?
VMG uses an AthenaHealth portal for outpatient medical history, visit summaries, secure messages, prescription information and physician bills.
How long should I wait for a portal reply?
Valley asks patients to allow up to two business days.
Does Valley offer walk-in care?
Yes. Seven VMG walk-in centers serve Dumont, Montvale, Kinderkamack-Montvale, Riverdale, Teaneck, Waldwick and Wayne.
Can children use walk-in care?
Valley treats children age two and older as well as adults.
What are the general walk-in hours?
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Confirm the selected center before travel.
When should I call 911?
Call 911 for chest pain, severe breathing trouble, stroke signs, uncontrolled bleeding, unconsciousness or a severe injury.
What is the VMG billing number?
Call 201-291-6049, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Are VMG and hospital bills combined?
Not necessarily. Physician services and hospital or facility services may generate separate bills.
Does Valley Medical Group accept Medicare?
Yes. The current VMG list includes Medicare, Railroad Medicare and selected Medicare products from several insurers.
Does every Aetna plan participate?
No. The current VMG insurance list specifically excludes Aetna Better Health.
Can I walk into a Valley laboratory?
Valley tries to accommodate walk-ins, but appointments are strongly encouraged and a physician prescription is required.
How do I schedule imaging?
Call 201-447-8200. Selected imaging procedures can also be booked online.
How do I request VMG medical records?
Use Valley’s online medical-record request tool or call Valley Medical Group records at 201-270-5733.
How do I obtain actual diagnostic images?
Use Valley’s InteleShare diagnostic imaging portal to view, download or share available images.
Final live patient actions
Official Valley Medical Group tools
The main patient instructions are explained above. Use these official systems when you are ready to complete a live provider search, appointment, portal login, payment, laboratory booking or records request.
