Montes Medical Group: Locations, Doctors & Patient Guide

by
Greater Los Angeles family-care guide · Four offices, portal and insurance help

Navigate Montes Medical Group From Preregistration to Referrals and Follow-Up

Montes Medical Group has provided primary care in Greater Los Angeles since 1986. Its family-focused practice serves patients from newborns through older adulthood at offices in Inglewood, Norwalk, Whittier and East Los Angeles.

This guide explains the complete patient process: choosing a clinic, finding a provider, preregistering, booking the correct appointment, using the portal and Healow apps, preparing for telehealth, verifying insurance, tracking HMO referrals and understanding office payment and cancellation policies.

Start an appointment Open the patient portal Choose the right care
Medical emergency: Call 911 for chest pain, serious breathing difficulty, possible stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reactions, seizures, major trauma or another potentially life-threatening problem. Do not wait for a clinic callback or portal message.
Established

Serving Greater Los Angeles families since 1986.

Patient ages

Care from newborn and pediatric years through older adulthood.

Clinic network

Inglewood, Norwalk, Whittier and East Los Angeles.

Portal apps

Patient portal, Healow and Healow Kids.

Information review

Official details checked August 1, 2026.

Start with the correct care path

Which Montes Medical Group service should you use?

PRIMARY CARE Routine, preventive and ongoing care

Use the clinic for annual checkups, pediatric care, vaccines, women’s and men’s health, senior care, chronic conditions, medication follow-up and referrals.

Routine physicals and checkups should be scheduled by calling or texting the clinic rather than through online sick-visit booking.
SAME-DAY OR TELEHEALTH Prompt non-emergency concern

Call the preferred office. Staff may offer another available clinician, a same-day appointment or telehealth when clinically appropriate.

Same-day care depends on the schedule and cannot be guaranteed.
URGENT OR EMERGENCY CARE Symptoms that cannot safely wait

Call the office after hours for connection with an on-call provider. Use urgent care for qualifying non-emergency needs and 911 for life-threatening symptoms.

Ask the insurer which urgent care centers are contracted before using non-emergency care.

Go directly to the patient task you need

The important steps are explained below so families do not need to search through several separate pages.

Family-focused primary care

What Montes Medical Group provides

Montes Medical Group was founded by internist Dr. Juan Z. Montes and pediatrician Dr. Alejandro Z. Montes. Its physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide preventive, acute and chronic care across the patient’s lifespan.

Preventive care

Wellness examinations, age-appropriate screening, vaccines, school-related care and counseling intended to prevent disease.

Illness and chronic care

Evaluation of new symptoms and ongoing management of conditions that require regular visits, testing or medication.

Care coordination

Specialist referrals, insurance authorization, hospital-related follow-up and access to physicians with Greater Los Angeles hospital privileges.

Continuity advantage: A practice serving children, adults and older patients can maintain a longer health history, but patients should still confirm which provider is appropriate for their age and medical need.
Current clinical teams

Montes Medical Group doctors and providers by location

Providers currently listed at each Montes Medical Group office
Office Physicians Advanced-practice clinicians currently listed
Inglewood Juan Z. Montes, MD; Alejandro Z. Montes, MD Lidia Alvarez, PA-C; Walter Thomas, PA-C; Natasha Bové, PA-C
Norwalk Alejandro Z. Montes, MD Shirley Romero, FNP-C; Hessal Lee, PA-C; Payal Ocampo, PA-C; Amanda Armendariz, PA-C; Melanie Vargas, FNP-C
Whittier Juan Z. Montes, MD; Alejandro Z. Montes, MD; Alex Tran, MD Amanda Armendariz, PA-C; Lucy Serrano, FNP-C; Elisha Charest, FNP-C; Connie Chen, PA-C; Melanie Vargas, FNP-C
East Los Angeles Juan Z. Montes, MD; Alejandro Z. Montes, MD Lucy Serrano, FNP-C; Ricardo Vega, PA-C; Elisha Charest, FNP-C
Provider schedules can change: Confirm the clinician, office and appointment type when booking. A provider listed at an office may not be present every weekday.
Review the current provider directory
Greater Los Angeles office guide

Montes Medical Group locations, hours and phone numbers

Four clinic addresses and current published hours
Clinic Address Telephone and fax Office and phone-service hours
Inglewood 832 South Grevillea Avenue, Inglewood, CA 90301 Tel/Text: 310-419-4354
Fax: 310-419-4621 		Office: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Phones: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.
Norwalk 13939 San Antonio Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650 Tel/Text: 562-944-2181
Fax: 562-944-4994 		Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Phones: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.
Whittier 11822 East Floral Drive, Whittier, CA 90601 Tel/Text: 562-908-4355
Fax: 562-908-4363 		Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Phones: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.
East Los Angeles 4545 East 3rd Street, Suite 102, Los Angeles, CA 90022 Tel/Text: 323-266-7888
Fax: 323-266-7997 		Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Phones: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m.
Call timing matters: Published telephone service pauses between noon and 1:30 p.m. Calling shortly after the afternoon phone line reopens may be more effective than repeatedly calling during the closure.
Inglewood

832 South Grevillea Avenue

Norwalk

13939 San Antonio Drive

Whittier

11822 East Floral Drive

East Los Angeles

4545 East 3rd Street, Suite 102

New-patient workflow

How to become a Montes Medical Group patient

Choose the most practical clinic Compare the four addresses, provider schedules, travel time and insurance participation.
Verify the exact health plan Give the office the complete HMO, PPO, Medicare, Medi-Cal or Covered California product—not only the carrier name.
Confirm the PCP and IPA assignment Managed-care patients may need Montes Medical Group, a Montes physician and a participating IPA reflected in the health-plan record.
Complete online preregistration New patients should use the official preregistration questionnaire before requesting the first appointment.
Call or text the selected office Staff can match the patient’s age, clinical need, insurance and provider availability.
Complete patient forms Registration, privacy, medical-record release, minor-consent and advance-directive documents are available in English and Spanish.
Arrange transfer of important records Ask the previous provider to send recent notes, medication lists, vaccine records, laboratory results and specialist reports.
Prepare identification and insurance proof New patients will not be seen using insurance without a valid insurance card and photo identification.
New-patient call script
“I would like to establish care at the [location] office. The patient is [age], and the plan is [full plan, network and IPA]. Is the office accepting new patients, which provider is appropriate, do I need to change the PCP assignment, and which forms and records are required before the first appointment?”
Open new-patient preregistration Download patient forms
Use the correct booking route

How Montes Medical Group appointment scheduling works

NEW PATIENT Preregister before requesting a visit

Complete the new-patient questionnaire and contact the preferred clinic so staff can verify eligibility and select the correct visit.

New patients should not use the established-patient sick-visit booking tool.
ESTABLISHED SICK VISIT Online booking may be used

Select the specialty, location and provider, then identify yourself as an established patient on the following page.

When no slot appears, try another provider or location or submit an appointment request.
PHYSICAL OR CHECKUP Call or text the clinic

The online appointment tool should not be used for physicals, Pap tests, school examinations or other routine checkups.

Schedule early because routine examinations may be booked several weeks ahead.
Same-day care: Montes states that it will make every effort to offer an appointment with the regular doctor or another clinician. Full schedules may require a different provider.
Use the official appointment page
Important office rules

Montes Medical Group check-in, payment and cancellation policies

Office rule, patient action and possible consequence
Policy What the patient should do Possible result when missed
Insurance and identification Bring a valid insurance card and photo identification. New patients using insurance will not be seen without the required documents.
Copay and deductible Prepare to pay applicable amounts by cash, check or credit card. Patients owing deductible amounts may be expected to pay $75 at service.
Returned check Confirm that funds are available before paying by check. A non-sufficient-funds check may receive a $20 penalty.
Arrival time Arrive approximately 10 minutes early. Arriving 10 or more minutes late may move or reschedule the appointment.
Cancellation notice Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. $50 may apply to an extended visit and $25 to a routine visit when notice is insufficient.
Unscheduled visit Call before traveling and ask about same-day availability. Care depends on the day’s schedule, and urgent care may be recommended.

Rules for patients under age 18

Legal guardian present

A legal guardian generally must remain present throughout a minor patient’s examination.

Authorized adult

When permitted, a signed guardian letter must name the adult, patient, service date and treatment limits. The authorized adult must show identification.

Physicals and immunizations: Montes states that a legal guardian must be present for physical examinations and vaccinations because unexpected treatment or vaccine decisions may arise.
Prevent delays and repeat visits

What to bring to a Montes Medical Group appointment

Government-issued photo identification
Current insurance and pharmacy cards
Copay or expected deductible payment
All prescription medication containers
Over-the-counter medicines and supplements
Allergy and medication-reaction list
Recent laboratory and imaging results
Previous medical records for a first visit
Child’s immunization record when applicable
Insurance specialist panel when required
Written symptoms and questions
Advance Directive when completed

Create a clear symptom summary

1
When it began

Record the first day, whether it appeared suddenly and how it has changed.

2
What affects it

List activities, food, medicine or positions that make the problem better or worse.

3
Related symptoms

Include pain location, radiation, fever, weakness, rash or other changes.

Language help: Montes asks patients needing a translator to notify the office approximately one week before the appointment so arrangements can be made.
Secure health-information access

How to activate the Montes Medical Group patient portal

Call the local clinic Ask staff to make the patient web-enabled for portal access.
Provide a personal email address The office requests an active personal email rather than an employer-controlled work account.
Complete the activation steps Follow the registration or invitation instructions sent by the practice.
Use the official login route Start from the Montes website instead of an unverified search result or old bookmark.
Review health information and updates The portal provides private access to available health information, clinical updates and reminders.
Use appointment functions correctly Existing patients may request appointments, but the separate online booking tool is limited to sick visits.
Do not use the portal for emergencies. Call the clinic for a concern requiring prompt attention and call 911 for severe or life-threatening symptoms.
Access the official patient portal
Mobile patient access

How to use Healow and Healow Kids with Montes Medical Group

Healow

Provides smartphone access to supported patient data and practice communication tools.

Healow Kids

Offers mobile features designed around children’s healthcare information.

Practice code

Use the published Montes Medical Group registration code EHCHBA when the application requests it.

Activate the portal first Confirm that the office has enabled the patient account and that portal login works.
Download the official application Use the Apple App Store or Google Play links reached from the Montes mobile-access page.
Enter the practice code Use EHCHBA when prompted to identify Montes Medical Group.
Protect the device Use a passcode, biometric lock and secure connection because the application can display private health information.
Open official mobile-access instructions
Virtual appointments

How Montes Medical Group telehealth works

Call the local office Ask whether the medical concern can be evaluated safely through telehealth.
Staff verifies portal access The clinic checks the account and schedules the desired available provider.
Connection instructions arrive by email Review the instructions before the appointment rather than waiting until the scheduled time.
A reminder arrives before the visit Montes states that a reminder email and text are sent approximately 15 minutes before the appointment.
Join with compatible equipment Use a smartphone or computer with reliable internet, camera, microphone and speakers.
Follow the provider’s next steps The clinician may prescribe medicine electronically or determine that testing or an in-person examination is needed.
Test camera, microphone and speakers
Use a private, well-lit space
Keep identification and insurance cards nearby
Prepare medicines and recent readings
Have the pharmacy information ready
Confirm insurance coverage and cost
Telehealth has limits: A virtual visit cannot replace emergency care and may not be appropriate when the clinician must examine the patient, measure vital signs or perform testing.
Review official telehealth instructions
Care across the lifespan

Montes Medical Group services explained

Service area, common purpose and preparation question
Service What it commonly includes What to confirm
Pediatric care Well-child visits, growth and development, illness evaluation and vaccination support. Guardian requirements, vaccine records and school-form deadlines.
Women’s health Annual examinations, preventive evaluation and health concerns affecting women. Visit type, preparation, pregnancy status and insurance coverage.
Men’s health Preventive examinations and evaluation of health issues affecting men. Age-appropriate tests and whether fasting laboratory work is needed.
Geriatric care Care for older adults, medication review, chronic conditions and preventive planning. Medicare product, specialist network and caregiver-access rules.
Vaccinations Age-appropriate vaccines intended to reduce preventable illness. Availability, insurance coverage and guardian presence for minors.
Chronic-condition care Monitoring symptoms, medicine, laboratory results and long-term treatment. Which tests should be completed before the follow-up.
Minor procedures Selected examinations and minor procedures that can be performed inside the clinic. Which office provides the service and whether authorization is required.
Telehealth Selected medical care delivered through secure video communication. Clinical suitability, provider availability and insurance cost.
Verify the plan, IPA and provider

Insurance accepted by Montes Medical Group

Montes lists numerous commercial HMO and PPO plans, Medicare and Medi-Cal products, Covered California plans, military-related coverage and Independent Physician Associations. A carrier name by itself does not confirm coverage.

Major coverage categories shown on the current Montes list
Category Examples listed by Montes What patients must verify
HMO carriers Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Blue Shield Promise, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, LA Care, Molina, SCAN and UnitedHealthcare products. Exact plan, assigned PCP, medical group and IPA.
PPO coverage Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, First Health, GEHA, Meritain, UMR and UnitedHealthcare-related products. Doctor, office, deductible, coinsurance and specialist rules.
Medicare-related plans Several Medicare and Medicare Advantage carriers and participating IPAs. The exact 2026 product, provider network and benefit year.
Medi-Cal Medi-Cal and managed-care products represented through listed carriers and IPAs. Eligibility, assigned plan, PCP and medical group.
Covered California Marketplace products shown within the clinic’s HMO and PPO categories. Current-year network because marketplace networks can differ from an insurer’s employer plans.
Military-related coverage TRICARE and CHAMPVA-related coverage appears on the practice list. Referral, authorization and approved-provider requirements.

Common contracted IPA names listed by Montes

Accountable IPA
Allied Pacific IPA
AltaMed IPA
Community Family Care IPA
Global Care IPA
Optum Care Network
PIH Health Physicians IPA
Preferred IPA
Premier Physicians IPA
Regal IPA
Current-program warning: The Montes website still uses some older California program labels. California transitioned the former CHDP program on July 1, 2024. Families should ask about current Medi-Cal, Children’s Presumptive Eligibility and EPSDT pathways rather than relying on an older CHDP label.
Insurance-verification call script
“My plan is [full product and network], and the assigned IPA is [name]. I want to see [provider] at the [location] office. Is the physician, Montes Medical Group, office and IPA combination active for my plan? Do I need to change my PCP assignment before the visit?”
Check the current Montes insurance list
Health-plan application help

How Montes insurance enrollment counselors can help

Montes Medical Group publishes Certified Enrollment Counselor assistance for patients and families navigating Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California.

New applications

Help with applications for Medi-Cal, Medicare-related coverage and Covered California plans.

Plan and PCP changes

Help with managed-care enrollment, primary-care assignment, IPA changes and health-plan changes.

Renewal and notices

Help understanding health-plan documents, Medi-Cal renewal requests and coverage notices.

Photo identification
Household and contact information
Current insurance cards
Income or eligibility documents when requested
Government notices or renewal letters
Medication and specialist information for plan comparison
Coverage choice affects care: Before changing a plan, verify that needed doctors, medicines, hospitals, specialists and pharmacies participate in the proposed network.
Review enrollment-assistance services
Specialist access

How Montes Medical Group referrals work

PPO OR PRIVATE PLAN Referral may not be required

Many PPO patients can schedule specialists directly, but the chosen specialist and facility must still participate in the plan.

Ask the insurer whether prior authorization is required for testing or procedures.
HMO OR MANAGED CARE PCP and IPA approval are commonly required

A Montes primary-care clinician evaluates the need, sends the referral and waits for the IPA or plan’s decision.

Routine referrals may take approximately 7–14 business days.
MENTAL HEALTH OR CARVED-OUT CARE A separate route may apply

Montes notes that some services, including certain mental-health care, may not require a primary-care referral or IPA approval.

Call the number on the insurance card for service-specific instructions.
Ask whether an office visit is required The primary-care clinician may need to evaluate the problem before referring.
Confirm the current insurance and IPA An outdated assignment can cause the referral to be rejected.
Allow 7–14 business days for routine review Begin the request well before a specialist appointment.
Save the approval information Record the specialist, authorization number, approved service, visits and expiration date.
Confirm that the specialist received it Call before traveling and ask whether the authorization and medical records are complete.
Referral-status call script
“The referral was requested on [date] for [specialty]. My plan and IPA are [names]. Has the request been sent and approved? Please provide the specialist, authorization number, approved visits, expiration date and the next step for scheduling.”
Medication request workflow

How to request a prescription refill

Contact the pharmacy first Ask the pharmacy to send the electronic or faxed refill request to the prescribing provider.
Confirm the medicine details Verify the name, strength, instructions, remaining supply and correct clinic.
Allow time for clinical review Refill requests can take longer when regulation, monitoring or provider review is required.
Check whether a visit or test is overdue The provider may require a follow-up examination, laboratory test or other monitoring before approving the medicine.
Start before the medicine runs out Weekends, holidays, prior authorization and pharmacy shortages can extend the process.
Medication-safety tip: Bring the actual containers or a complete written list to every appointment so clinicians can identify duplicate medicines, wrong doses and potential interactions.
Insurance claims and patient payments

How Montes Medical Group billing works

Montes states that it submits claims to most contracted health plans on the patient’s behalf. Patients remain responsible for copays, deductibles, coinsurance, uncovered services and other amounts required by their plan.

Show the current insurance card An old plan or medical-group assignment can cause a claim rejection.
Pay required amounts at the visit Copays and certain deductible payments are collected at service.
Montes submits the claim The insurer applies network rules, contracted rates and patient cost-sharing.
Compare the statement with the EOB Match the patient, date, service, insurance payment, adjustment and remaining balance.
Call before paying a disputed amount Ask whether the claim requires corrected insurance, coding review or plan reprocessing.
Billing manager

562-205-3406

Use for billing questions that the local clinic cannot resolve.

Local clinic

Use the telephone number printed on the statement or associated with the treating office.

Keep the patient name, date of service and account information ready.

Billing-question script
“I am reviewing the statement for service date [date]. My insurance explanation of benefits shows [status or amount]. Please explain the charge, insurance payment, contractual adjustment and remaining patient responsibility before I pay.”
Forms in English and Spanish

How to request or transfer Montes Medical Group records

Release of Medical Records

Use the authorization form when records must be sent to Montes, another provider or another authorized recipient.

HIPAA Contact Form

Identify the people or communication routes that may be used for protected health information.

Advance Directive

Document healthcare wishes and decision-making authority if the patient cannot communicate.

Identify the record holder Determine whether the information is held by Montes, a hospital, specialist, laboratory or imaging center.
Specify the date range and documents Request the needed notes, medication list, vaccine history, laboratory results, imaging reports or specialist records.
Provide the exact recipient Include the clinic name, provider, address, fax and purpose.
Sign with the correct authority A parent, guardian or legal representative may need documents showing authority.
Keep proof of submission Save the signed form, submission date and fax confirmation when available.
Confirm receipt before the appointment Call the destination clinic and ask whether the record is attached to the correct patient.
Download English or Spanish forms
Problem-solving guide

What to do when the Montes patient process is not working

No online appointment appears Try another clinician or location, submit a request or call the office. Do not use sick-visit booking for a physical.
The office says the insurance assignment is wrong Contact the health plan and request the correct PCP, medical group or IPA assignment before the visit.
The portal account is not active Call the local clinic, provide a personal email and ask staff to enable web access.
The specialist has no referral Allow the routine 7–14-business-day process, then ask Montes and the IPA for the authorization status.
The doctor has not returned a call Staff may answer simple questions or relay the message. Complex problems may require an appointment.
The medicine is nearly finished Ask the pharmacy to send a refill request and call the office if monitoring or an appointment may be overdue.
You are running more than 10 minutes late Call immediately. The appointment may be moved or rescheduled depending on clinic volume.
The office is closed Call the local number for the on-call provider. Call 911 when the symptoms may be life-threatening.
Greater Los Angeles patient shortcuts

Practical Montes Medical Group tips that prevent delays

01
Call outside the lunch closure

Published phone service pauses from noon until 1:30 p.m.

02
Use sick-visit booking correctly

Online booking is for established patients with sick visits, not physicals or checkups.

03
Bring identification every time

New insured patients will not be seen without valid insurance and photo ID.

04
Schedule routine exams early

Physicals, Pap tests and school examinations may have waits of several weeks.

05
Track the IPA

For an HMO referral, the plan, PCP and IPA must all be aligned.

06
Use code EHCHBA

This is the current published Healow registration code for Montes Medical Group.

07
Bring vaccine records

Parents should bring the child’s immunization record to preventive visits.

08
Cancel at least 24 hours early

This can avoid the published missed-appointment charge.

09
Verify old program names

Ask for current Medi-Cal and children’s coverage terminology when a webpage uses CHDP-era wording.

Contact the correct office

Montes Medical Group patient contact directory

Patient task and the best current contact
Patient need Contact Best use
Inglewood appointments and portal setup 310-419-4354 New-patient questions, scheduling, same-day availability, telehealth and portal activation.
Norwalk appointments and portal setup 562-944-2181 Scheduling, insurance verification, provider availability and record confirmation.
Whittier appointments and portal setup 562-908-4355 Scheduling, insurance, portal access, telehealth and patient forms.
East Los Angeles appointments and portal setup 323-266-7888 Scheduling, same-day questions, provider availability and referrals.
Billing manager 562-205-3406 Unresolved Montes billing questions.
Whittier and Norwalk enrollment coordinator 562-207-4202 Published help with Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California enrollment.
Inglewood enrollment coordinator 323-859-2239 Published insurance-enrollment help for Inglewood patients.
Emergency care 911 Potentially life-threatening symptoms or serious injury.
10 patient questions answered

Montes Medical Group frequently asked questions

What is Montes Medical Group?

It is a Greater Los Angeles primary-care practice established in 1986 that serves children, adults and older patients.

Where are the four Montes offices?

They are in Inglewood, Norwalk, Whittier and East Los Angeles.

How do new patients schedule?

Complete the official preregistration questionnaire and contact the preferred clinic to verify insurance and provider availability.

Can I schedule any appointment online?

No. Online booking is for established patients seeking sick visits. Call or text the office for physicals, checkups, Pap tests and school examinations.

How do I activate the portal?

Call the local clinic and ask to be web-enabled. A working personal email address is required.

Does Montes offer telehealth?

Yes. Call the office to determine whether telehealth is appropriate and to receive portal and connection instructions.

Which insurance plans are accepted?

Montes lists many HMO, PPO, Medicare, Medi-Cal, Covered California and military-related plans. Verify the exact product, provider, location and IPA.

How long does a routine HMO referral take?

Montes states that routine referrals requiring IPA approval may take approximately 7–14 business days.

What are the cancellation fees?

Cancel at least 24 hours early to avoid a fee. Insufficient notice may result in a $50 charge for an extended visit or $25 for a routine visit.

What should I do after hours?

Call the local office for the on-call provider when the concern is urgent but not life-threatening. Call 911 for an emergency.

Complete the final live action

Official Montes Medical Group patient tools

The main rules and patient steps are explained above. Use these official pages when ready to preregister, schedule, access the portal, verify insurance or submit forms.

Book or request an appointment Patient portal and preregistration Locations and contacts Current providers Medical services Telehealth instructions Accepted insurance Insurance enrollment help English and Spanish forms Healow mobile access
Independent patient-information notice:

USMedicalGroup.org is not Montes Medical Group, an insurance company or a government health program. This page cannot schedule care, access portal accounts, verify eligibility, approve referrals, issue prescriptions, obtain records or process payments.

Provider schedules, accepted plans, IPA contracts, office policies and fees can change. Verify time-sensitive details directly with the treating clinic and health plan. This guide does not replace medical advice. Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

Leave a Comment