Members

Joining NEMS
What to Bring to Register at NEMS
Your NEMS Card
Insurances We Accept
Fees & Charges
Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Before you can take advantage of all the services NEMS has to offer, you must first register as a NEMS Member with our Member Services Department. We will assist you in patient registration, membership renewals, and enrollment into specially-funded programs if you meet eligibility requirements. Joining NEMS is FREE.

We can also enroll you into Medi-Cal, AIM (Access for Infants and Mothers), Healthy Families or Healthy Kids, or provide you with information about other health insurance programs or options.

Please call (415) 391-9686, extension 8160 to make an appointment with the Member Services Department.

On the day of your registration appointment with the NEMS Member Services Deparment, please bring the following documents:

• Proof of address, such as a water bill, gas/electricity bill, or phone bill
• Photo identification, such as a driver's license, California identification card, passport, Permanent Resident/green card, or other school/government-issued identification card with a photo
• Health insurance information (see note), if applicable, such as private insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare cards or documents
• Social Security number
• Emergency contact person's name and phone number
• Immunization records (if age 20 or under)

NOTE: If you do not have insurance and are on a limited income, you may qualify for our sliding fee scale. Please bring the following for income verification:

• A Federal Income Tax return, AND
• Two (2) of your most recent paycheck stubs

A parent or legal guardian must accompany adolescents under 18 years of age, unless confidential services are requested.

To make an appointment, or for additional information, please call the Member Services Department at (415) 391-9686, extension 8160.

At the time you become a NEMS member, each individual in your family will be issued a NEMS identification card, also known as a "yellow card." This card is your key to easy access to our health care services. It contains your medical record ID number and other important information. The reverse side of your card contains the name of our primary care provider (PCP). If you are a managed care patient, your designated hospital is also on the reverse side.

Please remember to:

• Always carry your NEMS ID card and other health insurance cards with you.
• Have your NEMS ID card on hand whenever calling NEMS by phone.
• Report a lost card to the Member Services Department.
• Report any change of name, address, phone number, or insurance coverage to the Member Services Department or Front Desk Receptionists in the department you are visiting.
• Renew your NEMS ID card before the expiration date. You may be charged the full fee for services if you use an expired card.

Your NEMS ID Card is not transferable; do not let others use your card. Persons misusing their cards will have their membership terminated and will incur the full cost of services rendered.

Your NEMS ID Card does not cover hospitalization services.

NEMS accepts mosts types of health and dental insurance coverage plans, including but not limited to:

• Medi-Cal (low-income Californians)
• Medicare (65+ years of age)
• Healthy Families
• Healthy Kids
• Private insurance, such as Blue Cross, Health Net, Aetna, etc.

Please tell us your insurance coverage at each visit so that we can verify that your insurance will cover your NEMS services. You will be responsible for deductibles or co-payments as required by your insurance company or coverage plan.

Each time you see a provider, you will be assessed a charge. Charges may vary from visit to visit depending on:

• How complicated you medical or dental problem is
• If you see a NEMS specialist
• If you receive additional services, such as an office procedure

Each department can tell you the charges for services performed by their department only; for example, the NEMS Laboratory can tell you the charges for laboratory services only, and the Radiology Department can tell you what you must pay for x-ray and other radiology services only.

If you have insurance coverage, some of these charges may be covered by your plan. Remember, you will be responsible for deductibles or co-payments as required by your insurance company.

Some treatments you receive at NEMS may not be covered by your insurance company, so it is important for you to understand the terms and conditions of your health insurance plan.

You will be responsible to pay for all treatments not covered by your insurance company.

If you do not have health insurance coverage, or receive services that are not covered by your insurance company, you will be charged according to a sliding fee scale. The NEMS Member Services staff can help you determine your level based on your financial documentation. (see note)

As a valued member and patient of NEMS, you are entitled to many rights related to your health care. You also have many responsibilities to help our staff provide the best care to you.

Click one of the following to read or download:

NEMS Patient Rights & Responsibilities - English


NEMS Patient Rights & Responsibilities - Chinese