New Jersey patient guide · Former Riverside Medical Group
Find Your Riverside Doctor, Portal and Care Path After the Optum Transition
Riverside Medical Group in New Jersey now operates under the Optum Medical Care name. Former Riverside patients can still find local primary care, pediatrics, specialists and urgent care, but current appointments, MyChart access, billing and medical-record requests are handled through Optum New Jersey.
This guide explains the full patient process inside one page. It shows where to start, how to locate a former Riverside doctor, what MyChart can do, which care setting to choose, how 2026 insurance changes may affect you, why separate bills appear and how to request complete medical records.
RIVERSIDE MEDICAL GROUP
OPTUM MEDICAL CARE NJ
Important name change: The New Jersey organization previously known as Riverside Medical Group is now identified as Optum Medical Care of New Jersey. Current official pages, portals and forms may display Optum rather than Riverside.
Do not send emergency symptoms through MyChart. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, possible stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, a severe allergic reaction, suicidal thoughts or another life-threatening problem.
Current name
Optum Medical Care of New Jersey.
Portal
Optum Epic MyChart.
Official review
Patient details checked August 2026.
Start with the correct care path
Which Riverside Medical Group service should you use?
PRIMARY OR SPECIALTY CARE
Routine, preventive or ongoing care
Use a primary care physician, pediatrician or specialist for checkups, screenings, medication management, chronic conditions, referrals and planned follow-up.
Best for: preventive visits, diabetes, blood pressure, ongoing symptoms, specialist care and long-term treatment plans.
URGENT CARE
Same-day minor illness or injury
Optum urgent care accepts walk-ins and online reservations for common illnesses and minor injuries when waiting for a regular appointment is not practical.
Best for: cold and flu symptoms, ear pain, minor cuts, simple sprains, rashes, urinary symptoms and uncomplicated minor injuries.
911 OR EMERGENCY ROOM
Serious or life-threatening condition
Use emergency services when delay could cause death, disability or serious harm.
Use for: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke signs, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness or major trauma.
Simple decision rule: Use your regular care team for planned and ongoing care, urgent care for a same-day non-emergency problem, and emergency services for symptoms that may threaten life or permanent function.
Brand and portal change
What happened to Riverside Medical Group in New Jersey?
New Jersey patients searching for Riverside Medical Group are generally looking for the medical organization now operating as Optum Medical Care of New Jersey. Current official pages use the Optum name, and the medical-record department describes the organization as “formerly Riverside Medical Group.”
You are probably in the correct system when
- Your former provider belonged to Riverside Medical Group in New Jersey.
- Your current appointment information displays Optum Medical Care.
- Your portal directs you to Epic MyChart under Optum.
- Your records form says “Optum Medical Care of New Jersey, formerly Riverside Medical Group.”
Stop and verify when
- Your doctor practices in Virginia, Massachusetts or another state.
- Your appointment confirmation names a different Riverside health system.
- The portal requests information but does not show Optum Medical Care.
- The billing address does not match the provider or service date.
Patient safety tip: Several unrelated medical organizations use the Riverside name. Before entering health or payment information, confirm the provider’s state, office address and current organization name.
Provider search workflow
How to find a former Riverside Medical Group doctor
Open the Optum New Jersey care search
Former Riverside doctors are now listed inside Optum Medical Care’s New Jersey provider and location directory.
Search the doctor’s name first
Enter the full physician or clinician name. When no result appears, search only the surname or specialty.
Confirm the city and office address
Doctors may practice at more than one location. Do not assume that an older Riverside address is still active.
Review the provider type
Confirm whether the clinician is an internist, family physician, pediatrician, specialist, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Check whether new patients are accepted
A provider may remain in the directory while limiting new-patient appointments or certain insurance plans.
Verify your exact insurance network
The provider directory is not a guarantee of insurance participation. Call the health plan using the number on your insurance card.
Call when the search is unclear
Existing patients may call
877-267-8861 for help locating an Optum New Jersey provider or office.
Directory warning: Optum states that not every provider, location or service may appear or be fully current in the search tool. Always confirm directly before traveling.
Appointment process
How to schedule a Riverside Medical Group appointment
Choose the correct appointment category
Select primary care, pediatrics, specialty care, urgent care or virtual care before searching for an opening.
Use MyChart when you are an established patient
MyChart can show eligible primary care visits, specialist follow-ups, virtual visits and urgent care scheduling.
Call for a new or complex problem
Call the office when you need a new specialist consultation, a procedure, multiple concerns or an appointment type that does not appear online.
Ask about referrals and authorization
Some specialists, tests and procedures require a primary care referral or insurance approval.
Join the electronic wait list
In MyChart, open Communication Preferences and enable Wait List Offers to receive earlier appointment opportunities when available.
Complete eCheck-in
Eligible patients may verify demographics and insurance, complete forms, review medications and allergies, answer questionnaires and pay a copay before arrival.
Arrive at least 15 minutes early
This gives the office time to correct insurance details, scan identification and finish any forms not completed online.
Appointment call script
“I was previously a Riverside Medical Group patient and I am trying to schedule with [provider or specialty]. My insurance is [full plan and network name]. Can you confirm the current office address, whether the provider accepts my plan, whether I need a referral, and what records or forms I should complete before the visit?”
Prevent check-in delays
What to bring to your Optum New Jersey appointment
Government-issued photo identification
Current primary and secondary insurance cards
Referral or authorization when required
Medication list with dose and frequency
Allergy and medication-reaction list
Recent outside test results or records
Preferred pharmacy name and address
Copay or expected self-pay payment
Written questions in priority order
Legal representative documents when needed
Before a symptom-focused appointment
1
Write the timeline
Note when the problem started and whether it is improving, worsening or changing.
2
Track the pattern
Record triggers, time of day, related symptoms and anything that relieves the problem.
3
List treatments tried
Include nonprescription medicines, prescription drugs and home treatments with their effects.
Local practical tip: Do not rely on an old Riverside appointment card. Confirm the current Optum office name, street address, suite and provider before leaving home.
Current patient portal
What former Riverside Medical Group patients can do in MyChart
A
Appointments
Schedule eligible visits, see upcoming appointments, join wait lists and complete eCheck-in.
R
Results and records
Review released laboratory results, provider notes, visit summaries, immunizations, medicines and health issues.
Rx
Prescription refills
Request routine medication renewals and confirm the correct pharmacy.
M
Messages
Send non-urgent questions to the care team and review responses.
$
Billing
View available statements, pay bills and manage communication preferences.
S
Share records
Use the Sharing Hub to download or share available health information.
Expected message time: Optum New Jersey says it makes every effort to answer portal messages within 48 to 72 hours. Call the office when a problem cannot safely wait.
How to create or connect your account
Start from Optum’s official portal page
Do not use an old Riverside bookmark without checking where it redirects.
Create an account without waiting for an invitation
Patients may use the online sign-up page or request an activation link from the care team.
Select Optum Medical Care in the MyChart app
After installing the app, add Optum Medical Care as the organization.
Link other MyChart accounts
Use Link My Accounts when you also have a MyChart account with another health system.
Keep individual logins separate
Spouses should not share one account. Each adult patient needs an individual login.
Portal troubleshooting
What to do when Riverside or Optum MyChart is not working
Your old Riverside login does not work
Use the current Optum Epic MyChart portal. An older portal username may not automatically work in the new system.
You forgot the username or password
Select “I Forgot My Username” or “I Forgot My Password” on the login page and follow the identity-verification prompts.
The doctor is missing from scheduling
Not every provider or appointment type offers self-scheduling. Call the provider office.
A test result appears before a doctor calls
Results may be released immediately. A flag does not explain its medical importance. Wait for the care team’s interpretation or contact the ordering office.
A family member’s chart is unavailable
Request proxy access rather than sharing passwords. Adults can invite someone through Friends and Family Access.
Your phone or email has changed
Ask the office to verify the information connected to your account before repeating password resets.
A portal message has no reply
Allow the published 48-to-72-hour response period for routine issues. Call the office when the concern is time-sensitive.
You need technical help
Call MyChart Support at
833-678-8687, TTY 711.
Same-day New Jersey care
Optum urgent care for former Riverside Medical Group patients
Optum New Jersey currently describes two urgent care centers in Vineland, Cumberland County. Both accept patients of all ages, including children.
Published hours
8 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week.
Walk-ins
Appointments are not required.
Reservations
Reserve online up to two days ahead.
Patients
Adults and children.
Location area
Vineland, Cumberland County.
Common illnesses
Cough, cold, sore throat, flu, fever, ear infection, sinus symptoms, pink eye, pneumonia and urinary symptoms.
Minor injuries
Minor cuts, burns, wounds, simple fractures, back pain and muscle sprains or strains.
Other concerns
Rashes, insect bites, dehydration, migraine, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and mild breathing symptoms.
Urgent care is not an emergency room. Call 911 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, stroke symptoms, bleeding that will not stop, major trauma, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction or suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
What to bring to urgent care
Photo identification and insurance card
Current medication and allergy list
Short written symptom timeline
Previous test or visit information when relevant
Preferred pharmacy details
Expected urgent-care copay
Cost-saving tip: Confirm that the selected facility is billed as urgent care rather than an emergency department and verify the urgent-care copay with your insurer.
Care available in New Jersey
Riverside Medical Group and Optum New Jersey services
Common services and the best way to start
| Service |
What it commonly covers |
Best first step |
| Primary care |
Checkups, screenings, vaccines, minor illness, medicine management and chronic-condition care. |
Choose internal medicine, family medicine or geriatrics based on age and health needs. |
| Pediatrics |
Well-child visits, common childhood illness, development, school needs and vaccinations. |
Confirm the office age range and whether new patients are accepted. |
| Specialty care |
Complex or condition-specific diagnosis, treatment, procedures and long-term management. |
Ask whether your plan requires a referral or prior authorization. |
| Urgent care |
Same-day treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses and minor injuries. |
Walk in or reserve online; verify the urgent-care location and insurance network. |
| Virtual care |
Selected follow-up visits and concerns that can be safely evaluated by video. |
Check MyChart availability and complete technical check-in early. |
| Diagnostic services |
Selected in-office tests, laboratory services and imaging related to primary or specialty care. |
Confirm whether an outside laboratory or imaging company will bill separately. |
Primary care difference: Internal medicine generally focuses on adults. Family medicine may care for several age groups. Geriatricians focus on older adults, while pediatricians care for babies, children and teenagers.
2026 network changes
Insurance accepted by former Riverside Medical Group providers
Optum New Jersey accepts many insurance plans, but participation depends on the exact product, network, provider, office and service. Primary and specialty care participation may differ from urgent care.
Do not ask only whether an insurance company is accepted. Read the full product and network name from the card and verify the provider, office and planned service with the insurance company.
Important 2026 participation notes for primary and specialty care
| Insurance or network |
Current participation note |
What patients should do |
| Aetna |
Many products may be accepted, but Aetna Better Health Medicaid is listed as non-participating. |
Verify the exact Aetna product and provider before scheduling. |
| Wellpoint / Amerigroup |
Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid NJ became non-participating as of January 31, 2026. |
Ask whether continuity-of-care or transition rules apply to an active course of treatment. |
| AmeriHealth |
Commercial plans are listed as non-participating. |
Confirm whether the visit will be treated as out of network or self-pay. |
| Horizon BCBSNJ / Blue Cross |
Dual Special Needs and managed Medicaid became non-participating as of January 15, 2026. |
Verify the exact Horizon product because other products may remain accepted. |
| Cigna |
Cigna HealthSpring Medicare Advantage became non-participating as of January 31, 2026. |
Do not assume every Cigna product has the same status. |
| Oxford / UnitedHealthcare |
Oxford Metro, Navigate, Charter, Core and Compass are listed as non-participating. |
Read the exact network name shown on the member card. |
| Medicare |
Optum lists most Medicare products as accepted, subject to provider and product verification. |
Distinguish Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan. |
| New Jersey Medicaid |
Many products may be accepted, but specific managed-care exclusions apply. |
Confirm the assigned provider and referral requirements. |
Insurance verification checklist
Provider’s full name and credentials
Exact office address and suite
Full insurance product and network
Primary care or specialist copay
Deductible and coinsurance status
Referral or authorization requirement
Laboratory and imaging network
Out-of-network or self-pay amount
Insurance call script
“My plan is [full product and network], member ID [number]. I plan to see [provider] at [exact address] for [visit or service]. Is the provider and location in network? Do I need a referral or prior authorization? Which laboratory and imaging providers are in network, and what copay, deductible or coinsurance should I expect?”
Understand the statement
How Riverside Medical Group and Optum billing works
The office records your insurance information
Confirm the member ID, group number, plan name, primary policyholder and secondary coverage at every visit.
The claim is sent to the insurer
The insurer reviews network status, benefits, coding, authorization, deductible and exclusions.
The insurer issues an explanation of benefits
This document shows the billed amount, allowed amount, insurance payment, adjustment and estimated patient responsibility. It is not itself a bill.
Optum sends the patient statement
Compare the service date, provider and patient balance with the insurer’s explanation of benefits.
Separate companies may send separate bills
Laboratory, imaging, pathology, equipment or procedure-related services may not appear on the same statement.
Why a separate Quest, laboratory or imaging bill may appear
Optum explains that some laboratory tests and imaging services are billed separately. Laboratory work may be performed by Quest Diagnostics or another company, depending on the health plan and service arrangement.
Office visit bill
Covers the clinician’s evaluation and services performed by the medical practice.
Laboratory bill
May come from Quest Diagnostics or another laboratory that processed the specimen.
Imaging or procedure bill
May reflect equipment, technical interpretation, facility or outside-provider charges.
Payment methods
Credit card
Debit card
HSA or FSA card
Check
Billing-question script
“I am reviewing the statement for service date [date] with [provider]. My insurer’s explanation of benefits shows [status or amount]. Please explain the original charge, insurance payment, contractual adjustment, separate outside-service charges and the amount that is now my responsibility.”
Self-pay and out-of-network care
What to ask before paying for care without insurance
Self-pay means the patient is responsible for the full cost of the service. This may apply when a person has no insurance, chooses not to use insurance or uses a plan that does not participate with Optum.
Ask whether the provider is out of network
Confirm this with both Optum and the insurance company before choosing self-pay.
Request a Good Faith Estimate
Uninsured or self-pay patients may ask for an estimate of expected charges before non-emergency services.
Ask what is included
Confirm whether the amount includes only the office visit or also laboratory, imaging, procedure, facility and outside-provider charges.
Ask whether payment is due at the visit
Optum states that self-pay patients may be responsible for the full cost at the time of service.
Save all written estimates
Keep the estimate, appointment confirmation, provider name, procedure description and billing messages.
Compare every later statement
Match the provider, service and date rather than comparing only the total amount.
Self-pay waiver: Optum states that a self-pay waiver may be required when the patient’s insurance does not participate. The patient may then need to submit the claim directly to the insurer for possible reimbursement.
Former Riverside patient records
How to request Riverside Medical Group medical records
MYCHART
Review or share available records
Use MyChart for notes, results, medications, immunizations, visit summaries and the Sharing Hub.
Best for: fast access to information already released electronically.
ONLINE REQUEST TOOL
Request a formal record copy
Use Optum’s patient medical-record request tool when the needed record is not fully available in MyChart.
Best for: complete records, larger date ranges and formal delivery.
PAPER AUTHORIZATION
Submit by fax or mail
Use the release form when you prefer paper or are an authorized representative requesting for another person.
Best for: legal representatives, special delivery instructions and paper processing.
Paper request steps
Use the current Optum release form
Forms are available in English and Spanish.
Identify the patient completely
Enter the legal name, date of birth, address and contact information clearly.
Specify the exact records
List the provider, facility, date range and type of information required.
Name the recipient
Give the complete person or organization name, address, fax or delivery destination.
Sign with the correct authority
The patient normally signs. A legal representative must include documentation showing authority to act for the patient.
Check every field before submission
Missing, unreadable or incorrectly signed forms may delay processing.
Optum New Jersey Health Information Management submission details
| Method |
Official detail |
Practical tip |
| MyChart |
Use the Optum MyChart portal and Sharing Hub. |
Check whether the needed information is already available before making a formal request. |
| Online request |
Use the official patient medical-record request tool. |
Use a formal request when MyChart does not contain the complete record. |
| Fax |
551-257-7595 |
Keep the fax confirmation page and a copy of the signed form. |
| Mail |
Optum Medical Care of New Jersey, Health Information Management Department, 3 Delaware Drive, Suite 206, Lake Success, NY 11042 |
Use trackable mail when sending original legal documentation. |
Possible fee: Optum states that a reasonable cost-based fee may apply when permitted by federal privacy rules and state law. Ask about the format and estimated fee before requesting a large paper record.
After the visit
How to handle results, refills and referral problems
A result appeared immediately
MyChart may release results before the clinician has contacted you. A high or low marker does not automatically show the diagnosis or urgency.
The result is missing
Confirm that the test is complete, that the ordering provider is correct and that an outside laboratory did not use a separate portal.
You need a routine refill
Send the request before the medicine runs out. Include the medication name, strength, directions and correct pharmacy.
The refill was denied
Ask whether an appointment, laboratory test, monitoring requirement or insurance authorization is overdue.
The specialist has not called
Ask the referring office where the referral was sent, whether the specialist received it and whether authorization is complete.
The imaging center has no order
Confirm the exact imaging facility and fax destination with the ordering office.
The portal message is unanswered
Allow 48 to 72 hours for routine issues, then call the office. Do not wait when symptoms are worsening.
You need records for another doctor
Use the Sharing Hub or a formal release request instead of relying only on screenshots.
Result follow-up script
“I completed [test] on [date], ordered by [provider]. The result is [missing/available but not explained]. Can you confirm whether the provider has reviewed it, whether I need follow-up, and when I should expect treatment or next-step instructions?”
Local patient shortcuts
Practical tips for former Riverside patients in New Jersey
01
Search under Optum
A doctor may no longer appear when searching only the former Riverside name.
02
Replace old bookmarks
Save the current Optum MyChart and New Jersey care pages after confirming they work.
03
Verify January 2026 changes
Several Medicare Advantage and managed Medicaid network changes took effect in January 2026.
04
Check lab participation
The physician may be in network while the laboratory or imaging provider is not.
05
Enable wait-list offers
MyChart can alert you when an earlier eligible appointment becomes available.
06
Use proxy access properly
Do not share passwords between spouses, parents or adult family members.
07
Expect separate statements
Quest, imaging or procedure-related charges may arrive separately from the office bill.
08
Keep fax confirmation
Save proof when submitting a medical-record authorization to the HIM department.
09
Do not use MyChart urgently
The published routine message response goal is 48 to 72 hours.
10 patient questions answered
Riverside Medical Group frequently asked questions
Is Riverside Medical Group now Optum?
Yes. The New Jersey practice is now identified as Optum Medical Care of New Jersey. Official medical-record information describes it as formerly Riverside Medical Group.
How do I find my former Riverside doctor?
Search the Optum New Jersey provider directory using the doctor’s name, specialty, city or ZIP code. Confirm the office and insurance network before scheduling.
Which patient portal should I use?
Former New Jersey Riverside patients use Optum Epic MyChart for appointments, results, notes, messages, refills, records and billing.
How quickly are MyChart messages answered?
Optum New Jersey states that it makes every effort to respond within 48 to 72 hours. The portal is for non-urgent communication.
Can I schedule appointments online?
Eligible primary care, specialist follow-up, virtual and urgent care appointments can be scheduled through MyChart. Other visits may require a phone call.
Does Optum New Jersey have urgent care?
Yes. Its current urgent care information lists two Vineland locations open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, with walk-ins and online reservations.
When should I use the emergency room?
Call 911 or seek emergency care for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, possible stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, psychiatric emergencies or major injuries.
How do I check whether my insurance is accepted?
Verify the exact provider, location, service, insurance product and network with the insurer. Do not rely only on the insurance-company name or online directory.
Why did I receive more than one bill?
Laboratory, radiology, equipment and procedure-related services may be billed separately. Quest Diagnostics or another company may send its own statement.
How do I obtain my old Riverside records?
Check MyChart first. For a formal copy, use the online request tool or submit the current authorization form by fax to 551-257-7595 or mail it to the Optum New Jersey Health Information Management Department.
