California Inland Empire · Optum doctors, MyChart, insurance and urgent-care guidance
Use Former Pinnacle Medical Group Services Without Opening the Wrong Portal
Pinnacle Medical Group now operates as Optum in California’s Inland Empire. The organization has provided primary care in Riverside and San Bernardino counties since 1998, with doctors in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.
This guide explains the complete patient journey: how to confirm the right organization, find a doctor, schedule care, use MyChart, verify insurance, check referrals, pay a bill, request records and get nurse advice when the physician office is closed.
Name-change alert: Pinnacle Medical Group is now Optum. Old referrals, insurance cards, medical records and web bookmarks may still use the Pinnacle name even though current scheduling and patient tools carry Optum branding.
Call 911 for an emergency. Do not wait for a MyChart response or nurse-line callback for severe chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, major trauma or another potentially life-threatening condition.
Current name
Optum, formerly Pinnacle Medical Group.
Service area
Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Primary care
Family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.
24/7 nurse advice
Patient support
Which Optum or former Pinnacle service should you use?
PRIMARY CARE OFFICE
Routine or ongoing medical need
Schedule with your primary-care doctor for preventive visits, chronic-condition management, medication follow-up, common illnesses and referrals.
Best for: annual exams, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, medication management and non-emergency symptoms.
URGENT CARE OR NURSE LINE
Problem needing prompt advice
Use the 24-hour nurse line to discuss symptoms and choose the safest next step. Use in-network urgent care for non-life-threatening illness or injury that cannot wait.
Best for: minor injury, fever, sore throat, urinary symptoms, rash, ear pain and uncomplicated acute illness.
911 OR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Potentially life-threatening condition
Emergency care is appropriate when delay could threaten life, an organ, a limb or permanent function.
Use immediately for: chest pain, severe breathing problems, stroke signs, major bleeding, fainting or serious trauma.
Fast decision rule: Use your doctor for planned care, the nurse line or urgent care for a prompt non-emergency problem, and 911 when the condition could be life-threatening.
Which Pinnacle Medical Group does this guide cover?
Several unrelated medical practices use the name Pinnacle Medical Group. This page covers the California Inland Empire organization now operating as Optum.
You are probably in the correct guide when
- Your doctor is in Riverside or San Bernardino County.
- Your old paperwork says Pinnacle Medical Group.
- Your current appointment notice says Optum.
- Your care involves Inland Empire family medicine, internal medicine or pediatrics.
- Your portal is the Optum California MyChart for Inland Empire patients.
You may need another Pinnacle practice when
- Your office is in Nevada or New Mexico.
- Your portal uses Healow or a different practice code.
- Your physician is in Florida or another state.
- Your billing statement does not mention Optum or California.
- The phone number and location do not match your appointment notice.
Portal safety check: Compare the state, medical-group name, physician and appointment location before entering your birth date, medical details or payment information.
How to find a former Pinnacle Medical Group doctor
Open the current provider finder
Use the former Pinnacle provider directory or Optum California care finder.
Start with specialty and ZIP code
Choose family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics or another required service and enter the ZIP code where you want care.
Filter by language when needed
The legacy provider finder includes language filters such as Arabic, English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish and Tagalog.
Check new-patient status
A provider appearing in the directory may have limited appointment availability or may not be accepting new patients.
Verify the exact location
Confirm the street address, suite, office phone and county. Some providers see patients at more than one location.
Verify insurance separately
The provider search is informational and does not guarantee that the physician is in network for your specific plan.
Ask about hospital and specialist networks
HMO patients should confirm which hospital and specialist network is connected with the selected primary-care doctor.
Save the direct office number
The treating office is usually the fastest contact for appointments, prescriptions and medical questions.
New-patient call script
“I am trying to establish care with an Optum doctor who was formerly part of Pinnacle Medical Group. Are you accepting new patients with [complete insurance plan and network]? Which provider is available, what is the exact office address, and do I need to select that doctor as my PCP before the visit?”
How to schedule the correct appointment
Choose the correct visit type
Explain whether you need a new-patient visit, annual preventive exam, chronic-care follow-up, sick visit, pediatric visit or medication review.
Confirm that the doctor is your assigned PCP
Many HMO plans require the selected Optum doctor and medical group to appear on the insurance account before non-emergency care.
Verify the insurance network
Read the complete plan, product and network name from the insurance card.
Ask about referral requirements
Specialty care, imaging, therapy, procedures and medical equipment may require a referral or prior authorization.
Schedule by office or MyChart
Call the direct office when you need a new provider, a visit type is unavailable online or the symptoms require staff review.
Complete MyChart eCheck-in
Verify your address, insurance, allergies, medicines and forms before arriving.
Save every location detail
Record the provider, building, suite, arrival time and parking instructions.
Cancel through the correct office
Use MyChart or call as early as possible when you cannot attend.
Appointment call script
“I need a [new-patient, preventive, follow-up or sick] appointment with [provider]. My insurance is [complete plan and network]. Is this provider assigned as my PCP, is the location in network, and do I need a referral, authorization or previous medical records?”
What to bring to an Optum appointment
Government-issued photo identification
Current primary and secondary insurance cards
Referral or authorization when required
Medication names, doses and schedules
Medication, food and contrast allergies
Previous physician and specialist records
Recent laboratory and imaging reports
Home blood-pressure or glucose readings
Pharmacy name, address and phone
Copay or expected patient payment
Completed questionnaires in MyChart
Questions written in priority order
What happens during MyChart eCheck-in?
Verify personal details
Review your address, phone, email and emergency contact.
Update insurance
Confirm the current plan and replace expired insurance-card images.
Review medical details
Update allergies, medicines, health problems and questionnaires.
First-visit transition tip: Patients may be asked to sign updated consent, payment-authorization and privacy forms even when they previously completed similar Pinnacle Medical Group paperwork.
Former Pinnacle Medical Group services explained
| Care type | What it commonly covers | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Family medicine | Primary care for children, adults and older patients, depending on the doctor. | Age range, new-patient availability and insurance network. |
| Internal medicine | Adult preventive care, chronic conditions, medication management and complex health concerns. | Whether the physician is assigned as your PCP. |
| Pediatrics | Well-child visits, childhood illness, immunizations and developmental care. | Proxy access, vaccine records and age eligibility. |
| Preventive care | Screenings, annual exams, immunizations and health-risk review. | Whether the appointment is preventive or problem-focused for billing purposes. |
| Chronic-care management | Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma and other long-term conditions. | Which home readings and previous results to bring. |
| Specialty referrals | Connection with an in-network specialist after primary-care evaluation. | Referral status, authorization and approved specialist location. |
| Virtual care | Selected follow-ups, medication discussions and uncomplicated concerns. | Whether an examination, laboratory test or in-person vital signs are required. |
| Urgent care | Prompt treatment of non-life-threatening illness or minor injury. | Health-plan network, current hours and whether the condition needs emergency care. |
Primary-care advantage: Your PCP can review the full health picture, decide whether specialty care is needed and direct the referral into the correct insurance and medical-group network.
How to use the 24/7 Optum nurse advice line
Optum clinic nurse advice
TTY 711
Available 24 hours a day for Optum clinic patients.
What the nurse can help with
- Review symptoms
- Discuss home-care steps
- Explain warning signs
- Recommend office, urgent or emergency care
Have the patient’s age and date of birth ready
Explain when symptoms started
List medicines and allergies
Provide temperature or home readings
Explain medical conditions and recent procedures
Write down the nurse’s recommended next step
Nurse-line call script
“I am an Optum patient formerly with Pinnacle Medical Group. The patient is [age] and has had [symptoms] since [time]. The symptoms are [improving/worsening]. Current medicines and conditions include [details]. Should we use home care, contact the physician, visit urgent care or seek emergency treatment?”
Do not delay emergency treatment to call the nurse line. Call 911 immediately for serious breathing trouble, chest pain, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, seizure, unconsciousness or another life-threatening condition.
How to find an in-network urgent care clinic
Use the nurse line when uncertain
A nurse can help decide whether the problem is suitable for urgent care.
Search the current Optum directory
Set your California location and choose urgent care.
Confirm insurance network
A nearby urgent-care center may not be connected with your medical group or health plan.
Call before traveling
Verify current hours, patient age limits, X-ray availability, laboratory testing and appointment requirements.
Bring the correct records
Carry identification, insurance, medication information and your PCP’s name.
Arrange follow-up
Ask the urgent-care clinic to send the visit summary and test results to your primary-care physician.
Often appropriate for urgent care
- Cold, flu or sore-throat symptoms
- Minor sprains or uncomplicated injuries
- Ear pain or urinary symptoms
- Minor cuts or skin problems
- Non-severe vomiting or diarrhea
Use emergency care instead
- Persistent chest pressure or pain
- Severe shortness of breath
- Possible stroke
- Major bleeding or trauma
- Loss of consciousness or seizure
How to register for Optum MyChart
Open the California Inland Empire MyChart
Confirm that the login page identifies the correct Optum California system.
Select Sign Up Now
Use an activation code when one was provided by the clinic.
Use online identity verification when available
Choose the online sign-up process when you do not have an activation code.
Ask clinic staff for an activation link
Reception staff can help patients register in person, even without a separate medical appointment.
Create your own account
Each adult patient should have an individual MyChart account rather than sharing a spouse’s login.
Review communication settings
Choose whether to receive portal, email or text notifications.
Add proxy access correctly
Use the Friends and Family or proxy process for a child, spouse or adult who authorizes access.
Save the support number
Call 1-855-873-2376 when password recovery or portal navigation does not solve the problem.
Portal availability
MyChart is free to activate and is available through a web browser and the MyChart smartphone app.
What you can do inside Optum MyChart
Appointments
Schedule available visit types, review upcoming appointments and manage eligible visits.
eCheck-in
Verify demographics, insurance, allergies, medications, questionnaires and payments.
Test results
Review laboratory and other released results, often as soon as they become available.
Visit notes
Open Visits and select the available note or After Visit Summary.
Prescription refills
Request routine renewals and confirm the correct medication and pharmacy.
Secure messages
Send non-urgent questions to the provider or care team.
Billing
Review statements, pay eligible balances and send billing questions.
Video visits
Complete eCheck-in, test the camera and microphone, and select Begin Visit.
Proxy access
Manage health information for an authorized child or adult family member.
Result timing: Many results appear within one to seven days. Some may be released immediately, while a clinician may delay a result when direct discussion is appropriate.
MyChart is for non-urgent matters. Optum generally aims to respond to portal messages within two business days or 48 to 72 hours. Call the clinic for time-sensitive concerns and 911 for emergencies.
What to do when MyChart does not work
The portal shows the wrong region
Confirm that you opened the California Inland Empire portal rather than an Optum portal for another state or county.
Your old Pinnacle login fails
The medical group moved to Optum MyChart. Create or activate a MyChart account instead of repeatedly using an old portal.
An appointment is missing
Call the office and confirm the legal name, date of birth and MyChart account attached to the appointment.
A recent test is missing
Ask the ordering office whether the result is pending, complete, reviewed or awaiting release.
You forgot the password
Use the Forgot Password link before creating a duplicate account.
Your phone or email changed
Update Account Settings or ask clinic staff to correct the information associated with the medical record.
You need a child’s record
Request proxy access. Parents and guardians may have limited access when a child is age 12 through 17 because of privacy laws.
You cannot schedule the required visit
Not every provider or appointment type is available online. Call the physician office.
Proxy-access rule: Full proxy access is generally available for children through age 11. Access becomes more limited from ages 12 through 17 because certain adolescent information is protected.
Insurance accepted by former Pinnacle Medical Group
Optum California contracts with many HMO, PPO, EPO, Covered California, Medi-Cal, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, supplement and special-needs plans. Availability differs by county, office and provider.
A company name is not enough. “Blue Shield,” “Anthem” or “UnitedHealthcare” can include several networks. Give the office the full plan and network printed on the card.
| Coverage category | Examples listed | Inland Empire patient check |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial HMO | Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net and UnitedHealthcare. | Confirm the medical group and PCP assignment. |
| PPO and EPO | Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Claritev, Cigna, Health Net, HealthSmart, Tricare, TriWest and UnitedHealthcare. | Verify the doctor, location and out-of-network cost. |
| Covered California | Ambetter from Health Net and selected Blue Shield HMO and PPO products. | Marketplace networks can be narrower than employer plans. |
| Medi-Cal | IEHP and selected Molina or other county-limited products. | Confirm current PCP assignment and county eligibility. |
| Original Medicare | Original Medicare and compatible supplement plans. | Verify that the individual physician accepts the coverage. |
| Medicare Advantage HMO | Alignment, Anthem, Blue Shield, Central Health Plan, Health Net, Humana, SCAN, UnitedHealthcare and selected WellCare products. | Confirm PCP, medical group, referral rules and county. |
| Inland Empire dual coverage | IEHP Dual Choice and selected Medicare-Medi-Cal products. | Confirm the provider is assigned under both benefits. |
| Special-needs plans | Selected Health Net, SCAN and UnitedHealthcare chronic or dual-eligible plans. | Eligibility depends on medical or dual-coverage criteria. |
HMO and PPO rules in simple terms
HMO patients
- Select a primary-care doctor and medical group.
- Use doctors and hospitals inside that network.
- Obtain referrals when required.
- Confirm that Optum is shown on the insurance account.
PPO patients
- Usually have a broader provider network.
- May not need a primary-care referral.
- Can face higher costs outside the network.
- Should still verify the individual physician and facility.
Insurance-verification call script
“My plan is [complete product and network], member ID [number]. I want to see [provider] at [exact location] for [service]. Is the provider and facility in network, is Optum assigned as my medical group, and do I need a referral or prior authorization?”
How to track a Pinnacle or Optum referral
Primary-care evaluation
Your PCP documents the condition and decides which specialist or service is appropriate.
Referral entry
The office sends the referral into the medical-group and insurance workflow.
Authorization review
The plan or medical group checks eligibility, medical necessity and network requirements when authorization is needed.
Specialist assignment
The approved specialist, facility, service and authorization period are identified.
Appointment scheduling
The specialist may contact you, or you may be instructed to call after approval.
Results return to primary care
Ask how the specialist’s report and treatment plan will reach your PCP.
The specialist has not called
Ask the PCP office whether the referral was submitted, approved, redirected or still under review.
The specialist says no authorization exists
Confirm the approved provider, location, service code and authorization number with patient support.
The approved specialist is too far away
Ask whether another in-network specialist is available. Distance alone may not automatically change approval.
The authorization expired
Contact the referring office before scheduling or receiving the service.
Referral-status script
“My PCP [name] referred me for [specialty or service] on [date]. Can you confirm whether the referral was received, whether authorization is required, the approved provider and location, the authorization number, and its expiration date?”
Patient-support shortcut: Optum California patient support can help patients check a specialist referral at 1-877-267-8861.
How to review and pay a former Pinnacle Medical Group bill
Identify the care region
Confirm that the bill relates to a San Bernardino or Riverside County visit.
Match the patient and service date
Check the patient name, provider, location and date before entering payment information.
Compare insurance processing
Review the insurer’s explanation of benefits. It is not itself a bill.
Check payments and adjustments
Confirm the insurer payment, contractual reduction, prior payment and remaining responsibility.
Use the correct California bill-pay option
Select the payment route for San Bernardino and Riverside County visits.
Save proof of payment
Keep the confirmation number, screenshot or receipt until the account shows a zero balance.
Accepted payment types
Optum lists automatic bill pay, checks, Visa, American Express, Discover and Mastercard.
Cash policy
Optum California generally does not accept cash except at urgent-care locations.
MyChart payment
Eligible statements can be reviewed and paid through MyChart.
Billing-question call script
“I am calling about the statement for [patient] and service date [date]. My insurance explanation shows [status or amount], while the Optum statement shows [balance]. Please explain the charge, insurer payment, adjustment and patient responsibility.”
Do not use the first Optum payment page you find. Optum has separate payment systems by state and California region. Select the option for San Bernardino and Riverside County visits or follow the instructions printed on the statement.
How to request a Good Faith Estimate
Uninsured patients and patients choosing to pay without using insurance can ask for a written estimate of expected charges before scheduled care.
Ask before scheduling when possible
Explain that you are uninsured or choosing self-pay and request a written Good Faith Estimate.
Describe the complete planned service
Include the office visit, test, procedure, injection or imaging service.
Ask about separate charges
Determine whether a laboratory, radiologist, facility, specialist or outside provider may bill separately.
Save the written estimate
Keep the provider, service, date, expected charge and any related messages.
Compare it with the final bill
Check whether the actual provider, facility and service match the estimate.
Question large differences promptly
Contact the office and patient support with the estimate and bill available.
Estimate request script
“I am [uninsured/choosing not to use insurance] for [service]. Please provide a written Good Faith Estimate that includes the expected professional, facility, laboratory and imaging charges, and tell me whether any other provider may bill separately.”
How to get or transfer Pinnacle Medical Group records
Use MyChart for available information
- Test results
- Visit summaries
- Provider notes
- Medications
- Allergies
- Immunizations
Use a formal request when you need
- A complete chart
- Older Pinnacle records
- Records sent to another organization
- Legal, disability or insurance documentation
- Records for a deceased or represented patient
Identify the treating office
Determine which clinic and provider created the requested record.
Use a focused date range
Request only the dates and document types needed when a complete chart is unnecessary.
Complete the authorization accurately
Include the legal name, date of birth, contact information, recipient and purpose.
Provide representative documents
A parent, guardian, healthcare agent or estate representative may need proof of authority.
Choose the delivery destination
Give the receiving provider’s secure fax, electronic address or mailing details.
Confirm receipt and status
Keep the submission date and ask when the receiving office should expect the records.
Optum California patient support
Support can help patients transfer or obtain medical and prescription records.
MyChart support
Use for portal access and navigation—not formal release decisions.
Older-record tip: When the care occurred before the Optum MyChart transition, tell the records staff that the chart may be stored under the former Pinnacle Medical Group name.
Results, refills and follow-up problems
You are waiting for a result
Check MyChart and call the ordering office when the expected timeframe has passed.
A result is marked abnormal
A portal flag does not explain severity by itself. Ask the provider how it relates to your history and symptoms.
You need a routine refill
Submit the request before the medicine runs out and confirm the medication, dose and pharmacy.
The pharmacy has no prescription
Ask whether the medicine requires an appointment, test, authorization or provider approval.
The specialist did not receive records
Confirm the approved specialist, secure fax and date the records were sent.
Your symptoms are worsening
Contact the physician office or nurse line. Use emergency care immediately for serious warning signs.
Your old Pinnacle history is missing
Contact records support and provide the former practice name, provider and approximate dates.
The After Visit Summary is missing
Check the Visits section after the provider finalizes the encounter.
Result follow-up script
“I completed [test] on [date] for [provider]. I was told to expect the result by [timeframe]. Can you confirm whether it is complete, reviewed and released, and explain how I will receive the interpretation and next-step instructions?”
Practical Inland Empire tips that prevent delays
Search both names
Old listings may say Pinnacle Medical Group while current systems use Optum.
Choose the correct MyChart region
Inland Empire patients should not use the Los Angeles or Orange County portal route.
Confirm the county
Insurance and payment instructions may differ between California service regions.
Verify PCP assignment early
HMO care can be delayed when the Optum doctor is not listed on the health-plan account.
Save authorization details
Record the approved specialist, service, location, number and expiration date.
Use free interpreter support
Call patient support before the appointment to request language assistance.
Call urgent care before driving
Hours, age limits, X-ray availability and insurance networks can change.
Do not duplicate MyChart accounts
Use password recovery or support rather than registering with another email.
Keep old Pinnacle details
Former provider names and dates can help locate records created before the Optum transition.
Who to contact for each patient task
| Patient need | Best contact | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment or medical question | The treating physician office | Symptoms, medicines, insurance and provider name. |
| 24-hour nurse advice | 1-909-822-2323, TTY 711 | Patient age, symptoms, medical conditions and home readings. |
| MyChart support | 1-855-873-2376, TTY 711 | Legal name, birth date, email and error message. |
| Insurance, doctor or referral help | 1-877-267-8861 | Insurance card, provider, requested service and referral date. |
| Medical or prescription records | 1-877-267-8861 or treating office | Practice, provider, date range and receiving organization. |
| Interpreter services | 1-877-267-8861 | Preferred language, appointment date and clinic. |
| Utilization-management criteria | 1-800-403-4160, TTY 711 | Authorization, service and denial or referral information. |
Former Pinnacle Medical Group Inland Empire map
The former Pinnacle network serves the Inland Empire, including communities across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Use the live provider finder for an exact office address because provider locations and availability can change.
Before traveling: Confirm the doctor, street address, suite, office hours, insurance network and whether the visit is in Riverside or San Bernardino County.
Pinnacle Medical Group frequently asked questions
Is Pinnacle Medical Group now Optum?
Yes. The California Inland Empire organization formerly known as Pinnacle Medical Group now operates as Optum.
Which Pinnacle Medical Group does this page cover?
This guide covers the former Pinnacle Medical Group serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties in California. Other unrelated Pinnacle practices operate in other states.
What doctors are available?
The former Pinnacle network focuses on family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. The broader Optum network also connects patients with specialists and urgent-care services.
How do I find a current doctor?
Search the Optum or legacy Pinnacle directory by provider name, specialty, ZIP code, gender or language. Call the office to verify availability and insurance.
Which patient portal should I use?
Inland Empire patients use Optum MyChart for appointments, results, notes, refills, messages, video visits and eligible bill payments.
What is the MyChart support number?
Call 1-855-873-2376, TTY 711, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, excluding holidays.
Is a 24-hour nurse line available?
Yes. Optum clinic patients can call 1-909-822-2323, TTY 711, for 24-hour nurse advice.
Which insurance plans are accepted?
Optum California contracts with many commercial, Covered California, Medi-Cal, Medicare and special-needs plans. Verify the exact provider, location, network and county.
How do I request old Pinnacle records?
Check MyChart first. For complete or older records, contact the treating office or Optum California patient support at 1-877-267-8861 and mention the former Pinnacle Medical Group name.
How do I pay my bill?
Use MyChart or Optum’s official California bill-pay page and select the option for San Bernardino and Riverside County visits. Match the patient, service date and account before paying.
Official Optum and former Pinnacle Medical Group tools
The major patient procedures are explained above. Use these official systems when you are ready to complete a live doctor search, portal login, payment, insurance check or support request.