Mission Viejo, California · Orthopedic doctors, MRI, rehabilitation, surgery and patient guide
Move From Orthopedic Pain to Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery at Community Orthopedic Medical Group
Community Orthopedic Medical Group, commonly shortened to COMG, is a private orthopedic practice in Mission Viejo serving patients with joint, spine, sports, nerve, fracture and other musculoskeletal problems.
What makes the practice more than a surgeon directory is the amount of orthopedic care available around one Mission Viejo campus: orthopedic specialists, nonsurgical physical medicine, onsite X-rays and MRI, electrodiagnostic testing, physical therapy and an outpatient surgery center located beside the clinic.
This guide explains the full patient journey—from choosing the right specialist and bringing outside scans to insurance authorization, MedFusion portal access, surgery preparation, medical-record transfer and postoperative warning signs.
ORTHOPEDIC MOTION LAB
ANALYZING
New severe orthopedic symptoms may require emergency care.
Call 911 or seek emergency evaluation for major trauma, an obviously deformed limb with impaired circulation, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden paralysis, severe weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control with new neurological symptoms, chest pain, severe shortness of breath or another potentially life-threatening problem.
Main office
26401 Crown Valley Pkwy., Suite 101, Mission Viejo.
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Key advantage
Orthopedics, MRI/X-ray, PT and surgical care within one local network.
Start with the right specialist
Which Community Orthopedic Medical Group service fits your problem?
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
Joint, bone or injury problem
Orthopedic surgeons evaluate fractures, arthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, sports injuries, joint damage and problems that may eventually need a procedure or surgery.
Common paths include knee, hip, shoulder, hand, elbow, foot, ankle, sports medicine, joint replacement and orthopedic trauma.
PHYSIATRY / NONSURGICAL
Pain without an immediate surgical need
COMG’s physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians focus on nonsurgical diagnosis and management of spine, nerve, sports and musculoskeletal problems.
Treatment may involve medication, therapy, injections, imaging, EMG/nerve testing and other minimally invasive approaches.
SPINE INSTITUTE
Neck, back or radiating nerve pain
COMG’s Spine Institute combines spine surgeons with nonsurgical PM&R specialists so treatment can begin conservatively and move toward injections or surgery only when appropriate.
Diagnostics can include examination, X-ray, MRI, EMG/nerve conduction studies and selected diagnostic injections.
Useful decision rule:
surgery is not automatically the first step simply because you are seeing an orthopedic surgeon. COMG itself emphasizes both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options aimed at improving function and reducing pain.
Comprehensive orthopedics
Conditions and specialties available at Community Orthopedic Medical Group
COMG’s current specialty directory covers much more than joint replacement.
Major joints
- Knee care
- Hip care
- Shoulder care
- Knee arthroscopy
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Shoulder replacement
Upper and lower extremity
- Hand and wrist
- Elbow
- Foot and ankle
- Nerve repair
- Fracture care
- Bracing
Sports and spine
- Sports medicine
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Spine surgery
- Nonsurgical spine care
Additional services
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- PRP and regenerative approaches
- Orthopedic trauma
- Pelvic injuries
- Electrodiagnostic testing
Current physicians highlighted by the practice
Joint, sports and general orthopedics
- Michael S. Marandola, M.D.
- Kent S. Marangi, M.D.
- Stephen Gardner, M.D.
- James B. Chen, M.D.
Upper and lower extremity
- John R. Morris, M.D. – hand and upper extremity
- Evan M. Guerrero, M.D. – hand and upper extremity
- Stephen L. Tocci, M.D. – foot and ankle
Spine and nonsurgical care
- Michael D. Burdi, M.D. – orthopedic spine surgery
- Tiva Hanjan, M.D. – PM&R, spine and sports
- Neal Washburn, D.O. – PM&R, spine and sports
Choosing by body part is often easier than choosing by doctor name.
Tell scheduling whether the main problem involves the knee, hip, shoulder, spine, hand, wrist, elbow, foot or ankle. That helps route you to a physician whose subspecialty matches the problem.
Appointment workflow
How to make the right COMG appointment the first time
Describe the injured body part
State the side as well: right knee, left shoulder, lower back, right wrist and so on.
Explain whether the problem is new or chronic
Mention the injury date, prior surgery or how long symptoms have been present.
Tell staff if imaging already exists
Recent X-rays, MRI or CT scans can affect which physician should see you and whether repeat imaging is necessary.
Give the complete insurance information
Ask whether the specific COMG physician is designated by your plan.
Ask whether referral or authorization is required
This is particularly important with HMO coverage, workers compensation and planned imaging or procedures.
Ask whether outside images must be brought physically
Do not assume another hospital or imaging center automatically sent the actual images.
Save the Mission Viejo directions
COMG specifically warns that GPS may leave drivers on Crown Valley Parkway instead of routing them correctly to Bellogente and Crown Center.
Cancel at least one day ahead
The patient guide asks for at least one day’s notice when cancelling so the appointment can be offered to someone on the waiting list.
Orthopedic appointment call script
“I need an appointment for [body part and side]. The problem began [date/how long ago]. I have already had [X-ray/MRI/CT/no imaging]. My insurance is [exact plan]. Do I need a referral or authorization, which specialist should I see, and should I bring the actual imaging disc or only the report?”
Official visiting guide
What to bring to your first Community Orthopedic Medical Group visit
COMG’s own visiting guide identifies five essentials.
Driver’s license or another valid photo ID
Current insurance information
Referral letter when your plan requires one
Relevant medical reports
X-rays, MRI studies or CT scans
Current medication list
Make outside imaging useful
IMAGE
Bring the images
A written radiology report and the actual images are different. When the office asks for the study, confirm whether it needs a CD, electronic transfer or both.
DATE
Know when it was done
Tell the doctor the imaging date and whether symptoms or another injury occurred after that scan.
OLD
Bring relevant comparisons
Older films may sometimes help the clinician understand progression when compared with newer images.
Orange County orthopedic shortcut:
if you already had an MRI outside COMG, call before the appointment and ask exactly how the clinic wants the images delivered. Arriving with only a printed report can delay a specialist who needs to inspect the study itself.
Onsite diagnostics
Community Orthopedic Medical Group MRI and X-ray services
COMG states that the practice provides onsite X-ray and MRI facilities, making it easier for orthopedic physicians to coordinate the examination and imaging review.
X-ray
X-rays are commonly used to evaluate fractures, arthritis, joint alignment, degenerative change and other bone-related problems.
Depending on the injury, an orthopedic physician may order several views or compare both sides.
MRI
MRI gives the orthopedic team a different view of structures such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage, discs, muscles and other soft tissue.
COMG’s patient-forms section includes a dedicated MRI procedure consent form.
Before scheduling an MRI
Confirm insurance authorization
Ask whether the scan is with or without contrast
Tell staff about implanted medical devices
Report metal fragments or prior metal-related injuries
Tell staff if you may be pregnant
Ask what clothing or jewelry should be removed
Ask about claustrophobia before the scan date
Confirm when the ordering physician will review results
Do not repeat expensive imaging automatically.
If a recent MRI already exists, ask the orthopedic office whether the images remain clinically useful before arranging another study.
Nerve and muscle testing
What to expect from EMG and nerve-conduction testing
COMG uses electrodiagnostic studies to evaluate nerve and muscle function when patients have symptoms such as numbness, tingling or progressive weakness.
Nerve conduction testing
Electrodes are used to measure how effectively electrical signals travel through selected nerves.
EMG
A very fine recording needle is inserted into selected muscles to evaluate the electrical activity produced by the muscles and their supplying nerves.
COMG’s preparation instructions
Normal eating is generally allowed before the test
Usual medications can generally be taken
Avoid lotion or cream on the skin that day
Tell the physician if you take blood thinners
Tell the physician if you have a pacemaker
Tell the physician about an implanted defibrillator
COMG’s current instructions state that there are generally no activity restrictions before or after electrodiagnostic testing. Individual instructions from your physician take priority.
Conservative care and recovery
Physical therapy at Community Orthopedic Medical Group
COMG has an in-practice physical therapy team providing conservative orthopedic treatment and postsurgical rehabilitation.
ROM
Restore movement
Therapy may target joint range of motion when pain, injury or surgery has made normal movement difficult.
STR
Build strength
Progressive exercise can help restore muscle strength and support injured or surgically repaired joints.
FUNC
Return to activity
COMG describes the goal as improving function so ordinary activities and daily tasks become easier.
Therapy is part of diagnosis too.
Improvement—or failure to improve—with an appropriate conservative treatment program can give the orthopedic team useful information when deciding whether additional testing, injections or surgery should be considered.
Secure digital access
How the Community Orthopedic Medical Group MedFusion portal works
COMG currently uses the MedFusion secure patient portal.
Wait for the COMG invitation
The practice says patients should receive an email invitation containing a portal-registration link.
Open the invitation link
Complete the registration process using the information requested by MedFusion.
Create and save your credentials
Store the login securely instead of creating duplicate accounts after forgetting which email address you used.
Use the official COMG portal page afterward
Once registration is complete, the practice’s portal page provides the MedFusion login action.
No invitation?
COMG instructs patients to contact the office and use the scheduling option for assistance.
Portal messages are not emergency care.
Call the office or after-hours line when a postoperative or orthopedic issue needs prompt guidance, and call 911 for a potentially life-threatening emergency.
Coverage and authorization
Insurance, Medicare and workers compensation at COMG
Community Orthopedic Medical Group states that its physicians participate in numerous insurance plans and that office staff can help determine whether a physician is designated by a patient’s plan.
The practice specifically states that it accepts Medicare and workers compensation claims.
The practice’s answer and your insurer’s answer should match.
COMG tells patients to contact their health plan directly in order to maximize benefits. Verify the exact physician, imaging service, surgery center and planned procedure—not merely whether “COMG” appears in a directory.
Authorization questions to ask
Is the orthopedic physician in network?
Do I need a PCP referral?
Does MRI require prior authorization?
Does physical therapy require separate authorization?
Are injections subject to prior approval?
Is the surgery center in network?
Is the implant or procedure covered?
Are postoperative therapy visits limited?
Orthopedic insurance-verification script
“I am seeing [COMG doctor] at 26401 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 101, for [condition]. Is that physician in network? If MRI, injection, physical therapy or surgery is recommended, does each require separate authorization and is California Specialty Surgery Center also in network?”
Medical-record request
How to transfer Community Orthopedic Medical Group medical records
COMG states that medical records are confidential and cannot be released without appropriate written permission.
Download the release form
Use the Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Medical Information linked from the official patient-forms section.
Enter the patient information
The form asks for patient name, address, date of birth, phone number and other identifying information.
Name the recipient
Records can be directed to the physician, organization or other authorized recipient you identify.
Select only the records you need
Current form choices include all medical records, progress notes, laboratory reports, physical-therapy records, surgery reports, radiology reports and imaging.
Request actual radiology images when necessary
The form separately identifies radiology reports and radiology films/CDs. A report alone is not the same as the actual scan.
Complete special authorization when applicable
The form notes that information concerning minors, HIV, mental-health treatment or alcohol/substance-use treatment may be subject to special authorization rules.
Mac users should notice one detail on the current COMG form:
the form warns that the radiology CD format supplied by the practice may not be compatible with Mac computers. If another physician needs the images, ask whether direct electronic transfer is available instead of relying on the CD.
Adjacent outpatient surgery center
Many COMG procedures are performed across from the clinic
California Specialty Surgery Center is located adjacent to Community Orthopedic Medical Group at:
California Specialty Surgery Center
26371 Crown Valley Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Orthopedic procedures listed
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Complex joint reconstruction
- Fracture fixation
- Soft-tissue reconstruction
- Hand and foot surgery
- Selected minimally invasive spine procedures
Pain and spine procedures listed
- Epidural steroid injections
- Facet injections
- Radiofrequency nerve ablation
- Discography
- Spinal cord stimulator procedures
- Sympathetic nerve injections
The center has two operating rooms plus an injection suite. COMG describes many procedures there as minimally invasive outpatient procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay.
Before orthopedic surgery
COMG surgery-preparation checklist explained in practical terms
COMG’s surgical education stresses preparing both medically and practically before surgery.
Complete preoperative examination and ordered testing
Review every prescription and supplement with the surgical team
Report infection or illness before surgery
Address dental, bladder, bowel or other infection concerns when instructed
Stop or reduce smoking as advised
Arrange transportation home after outpatient surgery
Arrange help with meals, shopping and household tasks
Move frequently used items within easy reach
Remove loose rugs and trip hazards
Prepare a stable chair and recovery area
Medication safety:
COMG’s general surgery page notes that aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications or other drugs affecting bleeding may need to be stopped before surgery. Do not stop a blood thinner, aspirin or other prescribed medicine on your own. Follow the individualized instructions from your surgeon and prescribing clinician.
For same-day surgery
RIDE
Arrange a driver
COMG states that patients undergoing day surgery need someone available to take them home and should not drive for at least the first 24 hours.
HOME
Prepare your home
Make medications, water, ice packs, mobility equipment and frequently used items easy to reach before leaving for surgery.
CALL
Know who to call
Save both the normal office number and COMG’s after-hours number before surgery rather than searching for them after a problem develops.
After surgery
COMG postoperative instructions and warning signs
Your surgeon’s procedure-specific discharge instructions always take priority. COMG also publishes general recovery guidance.
Use medication exactly as instructed
Follow the prescribed schedule and ask before combining prescription pain medication with other medicines.
Protect the first 24 hours after anesthesia
COMG advises against driving, alcohol, machinery operation and signing legal documents during this period.
Control swelling
Use ice and elevation according to your procedure-specific instructions.
Keep the dressing clean and dry
Follow the surgeon’s instructions on wound care, showering and dressing changes.
Follow activity restrictions
Do not test the surgical repair simply because pain temporarily improves.
Start rehabilitation when ordered
COMG’s general guidance emphasizes early range-of-motion work followed later by strengthening, but your procedure and surgeon determine the actual timeline.
Keep the follow-up visit
The surgeon needs to monitor the wound, healing, motion and progression of activity.
Contact the surgical team promptly for these published warning signs
Increasing drainage from the incision
Increasing redness around the surgical area
Swelling that does not improve with directed ice/elevation
Foul odor from the surgical area
Fever above 101°F
Cold, numb, white or bluish fingers or toes
Sudden calf pain
New shortness of breath or chest pain
Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath after surgery can be an emergency.
Do not rely only on a routine office message when severe symptoms develop. Seek immediate emergency help when appropriate.
Insurance authorization and bills
How COMG billing questions should be handled
COMG states that billing representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific, with customer service available in English and Spanish.
The main office number is 949-348-4000. The practice’s new-patient information also directs patients through the billing option for insurance-authorization status and account questions.
Before calling about a bill
Have the patient account information ready
Know the exact service date
Identify which COMG physician treated you
Have your insurer explanation of benefits available
Check whether the charge was physician, imaging or surgery-center related
Know whether authorization was obtained
Billing call script
“I have a question about my Community Orthopedic Medical Group bill for service date [date]. My insurer shows [status/amount] and my statement shows [amount]. Please explain the charge, insurance payment or denial, authorization status and remaining patient responsibility.”
When the office is closed
Community Orthopedic Medical Group after-hours help
The after-hours line is not a replacement for 911.
Severe trauma, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another life-threatening condition requires emergency care.
Patient problem solver
Common COMG problems and the fastest practical fix
You already had an MRI elsewhere
Call before the visit and ask whether COMG needs the actual images, the report or both and how the images should be transferred.
Your portal invitation never arrived
Contact COMG and ask scheduling for help with the MedFusion registration invitation.
Your insurance says authorization is missing
Ask whether the missing approval is for the office visit, MRI, therapy, injection or procedure; each can have a separate authorization.
Your employer form is due soon
Remember COMG publishes a 5–7 working-day timeframe for forms, authorizations and letters.
GPS leaves you on Crown Valley Parkway
COMG warns of this problem. Use its Bellogente/Crown Center driving directions rather than relying only on the final GPS pin.
You cannot open the radiology CD on a Mac
The current medical-record release form warns of this limitation. Ask about another method of sharing the images.
Pain is worse after surgery
Compare symptoms with the discharge instructions and published warning signs. Call promptly for increasing drainage, redness, uncontrolled swelling, fever or circulation changes.
You cannot make your appointment
Call during business hours and provide at least one day’s notice when possible.
Local Orange County shortcuts
Practical Community Orthopedic Medical Group tips patients can use
01
Bring the actual scan
A radiology report cannot always replace review of the original MRI, CT or X-ray images.
02
Use the body-part specialist
Hand, foot, spine and joint-replacement problems can require different orthopedic subspecialists.
03
Ask about nonsurgical care
COMG includes PM&R physicians, therapy and interventional treatment rather than using surgery as the only pathway.
04
Verify the surgery center too
A surgeon being in network does not automatically guarantee identical coverage for the facility or procedure.
05
Plan forms a week ahead
COMG asks patients to allow 5–7 working days for forms, authorization requests and letters.
06
Save after-hours contact
Put 949-361-6248 in your phone before surgery rather than searching for it during a postoperative concern.
07
Avoid lotion on EMG day
COMG says lotion and cream can interfere with electrodes used during nerve-conduction testing.
08
Use Bellogente for navigation
The practice specifically warns that GPS may leave drivers on Crown Valley Parkway rather than inside Crown Center.
09
Cancel one day ahead
Giving advance notice helps COMG move another patient from the waiting list into the appointment.
Mission Viejo location
Community Orthopedic Medical Group address and driving tip
Community Orthopedic Medical Group
26401 Crown Valley Parkway
Suite 101
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone:
949-348-4000
After hours:
949-361-6248
Fax: 949-348-7466
Important navigation detail from COMG:
the clinic is in Crown Center near Crown Valley Parkway and Marguerite Parkway. The practice warns that GPS may leave drivers on Crown Valley Parkway rather than guiding them onto Bellogente and into the medical complex.
10 practical answers
Community Orthopedic Medical Group FAQs
Where is Community Orthopedic Medical Group?
The practice is at 26401 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 101, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, inside Crown Center near Crown Valley Parkway and Marguerite Parkway.
What is the COMG phone number?
Call 949-348-4000 during normal office hours. COMG also publishes an after-hours number of 949-361-6248.
What are the office hours?
The current published schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday.
What should I bring to my first orthopedic appointment?
Bring valid identification, insurance information, a referral letter when required, relevant records and imaging such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans, and your current medication list.
Does COMG perform MRI and X-rays?
Yes. The practice states that onsite MRI and X-ray services are available, helping physicians coordinate diagnostic imaging with orthopedic evaluation.
How does the COMG patient portal work?
COMG uses MedFusion. Patients should first receive an email invitation from the practice, complete registration through that invitation and then use the official portal login.
Does COMG accept Medicare?
Yes. Community Orthopedic Medical Group states that it accepts Medicare claims as well as workers compensation claims. Verify other insurance plans and physician participation before treatment.
How much notice should I give when cancelling?
COMG’s patient visiting guide asks patients to telephone during business hours and allow at least one day’s notice when cancelling an appointment.
How long do forms or prior authorizations take?
The practice asks patients to allow approximately five to seven working days for forms, prior authorizations or letters. Certain forms may require a physician visit.
Where does COMG perform outpatient surgery?
Many procedures are performed at California Specialty Surgery Center, 26371 Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, directly adjacent to the COMG clinic.
Final live actions
Use official COMG tools when you are ready to complete the next step
The important patient information is explained above. These official pages are mainly needed for the final appointment, portal, payment, form or record action.
