An Introduction to River City Medical Group

Since our inception in 1992, River City Medical Group (RCMG) has been engaged in the administration of an independent practice association (IPA). In 1993, RCMG merged with QualCare Medical Group, increasing our number of primary care providers (PCPs) to render service to a much broader patient base and service area.

We were selected to participate in Phase Two of the Geographic Managed Care (GMC) project. During the pilot program, we tripled our membership and established ourselves as a successful health organization.

In 1996, RCMG partnered with Foundation Health Care (now Health Net). Health Net, as a pre-paid health plan (PHP), serves both inpatient and outpatient needs. The joining of these two dynamic health organizations has served to strengthen and broaden services to the Sacramento Medi-Cal managed care population. In 1998, RCMG also became partners with Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. In 2000, Molina joined as our third partner. Beginning 2001, RCMG/Health Net launched a new commercial HMO product--the low cost Healthy Families Program for children. This is a low cost insurance program that provides health, dental and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance today and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal.

Today, RCMG members are served by our 92 PCPs and over 446 specialists in the Sacramento and surrounding areas.

RCMG offers physicians the opportunity to participate more effectively in managed care programs by organizing physicians in geographic areas to contract with health maintenance organizations (HMOs). RCMG also assumes administrative functions necessary in a managed care environment, such as claims administration, utilization management, quality management and peer review, health education and wellness programs, payor contract negotiations and the operation of management information systems.

RCMG's unique operating management model allows PCPs to retain control of their own practices while simultaneously participating in a managed care program.

RCMG and our partners are dedicated to bringing a high level of service to a diverse population in the Sacramento area. We continue to bridge the gap between mainstream health care and ethnic/minority populations to ensure quality and continuity of care. At the same time, we are able to provide the highest level of support to our provider network. A unique approach for ultimate success in today's ever-changing health care industry.