Most participants are either unaware of The Industry Health Network (TIHN), or incorrectly think of it as a collection of low cost “clinics”. Recently acquired by UCLA, TIHN has a wide-ranging set of resources, including over 200 of the best doctors in America, access to one of the top five hospitals in the nation, and the ability to utilize the entire UCLA Health Network – all at substantial savings to what health fund participants would normally have to pay. If you’re not using TIHN, you may be missing out on significant savings as well as access to world-class health care.
There are five TIHN locations in Southern California. Click here for the addresses. You can get an annual physical at no cost to you for the exam or blood tests (though $200 is charged against your Plan annual wellness benefits). An office visit at a TIHN facility costs $10, and if you need surgery, your share of the cost is $100. As long as you are using TIHN, or TIHN referred doctors, there are no $300 annual deductibles, there are no $1,000/$2,500 out of pocket costs. There is only a ten-dollar charge for an office visit, or $100 for a surgery.
Because of the relationship with UCLA, participants can now be referred from TIHN to any medical provider within the UCLA Health System, and still pay the TIHN rates. Furthermore, TIHN does not just refer to UCLA. Take a look at the table illustrating comparative costs at several different institutions utilizing the services of varying specialists: TIHN refers to UCLA, to Cedars Sinai, to private doctors – TIHN’s job is to get you the best care possible.
It is worth noting that there is no guarantee the referring provider, who may have practicing privileges with particular specialty providers, such as Cedars Sinai Hospital, will necessarily use their services in all cases. Providers typically select specialty facilities based on the patient’s health condition and hospitals that are best suited to treat the patient’s health condition. It is highly probable TIHN providers will use UCLA facilities, or look to use a TIHN facility before referring elsewhere.
The bottom line? If you are not utilizing TIHN, you may be missing out on high quality health care services and significant savings, particularly if the provider you are currently seeing is already a part of the UCLA Health Network. Go here to find the nearest TIHN location and make your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CAN I GET MY ANNUAL PHYSICAL AT A TIHN HEALTH CENTER? Absolutely. You will pay no money from your own pocket for the exam or the lab tests (though $200 will be charged against your annual wellness allotment).
IF I GO TO A UCLA HOSPITAL FOR MY ANNUAL HEALTH EXAM WILL I HAVE TO PAY OR DOES TIHN COVER IT NOW THAT THEY’RE WORKING WITH UCLA HEALTH? Even though TIHN is now affiliated with UCLA Health, if you have an exam at a UCLA Health facility rather than at a TIHN facility your health plan’s usual charges will apply.
DO I CALL THE PWGA TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH TIHN? No. While the PWGA provides your health coverage, all arrangements will be made directly through TIHN. You can find contact information here.
DOES TIHN OFFER PHYSICAL THERAPY? Yes. TIHN has a new physical therapy center at 2211 Magnolia, Suite 160. To get a referral for physical therapy contact the TIHN Call Center: (855) 760-6783.
WHO DO I CALL IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT AUTHORIZATIONS OR REFERRALS? Contact TIHN for referral information or questions about billing. Questions about authorizations for procedures, etcetera, should be directed toward your health plan.
DOES TIHN HAVE ITS OWN LAB OR WILL I HAVE TO SEND BLOOD SAMPLES TO A THIRD PARTY? TIHN now uses UCLA’s laboratory in Van Nuys for all its blood work. There are several pickups a day from the various TIHN locations, so there should be no delay in getting results.
IF MY NON-TIHN DOCTOR REFERS ME TO A UCLA FACILITY WILL I BE ABLE TO PAY THE $10 TIHN OFFICE VISIT RATE? No. In order to qualify for the TIHN rates, you must be referred by a TIHN doctor – even if the referral is to a UCLA Health facility.
DO I HAVE TO USE ONLY UCLA PERSONNEL IF I NEED A SPECIALIST? No. TIHN includes over 500 physician specialists and sub-specialists from around the Los Angeles basin. All the TIHN primary care physicians have agreed to continue with UCLA Health, will continue to refer you to the specialist or sub-specialist that they believe is right for you and will do the best job caring for whatever medical issue you may have. The specialist they refer you to may be associated with UCLA, but in many cases they will not.
DO I HAVE TO USE THE UCLA HOSPITAL IN WESTWOOD IF I NEED SURGERY? No. TIHN has many specialists and sub-specialists in their network of physicians. TIHN will refer you to the best hospital for your personal situation.
WHAT HAPPENS TO TIHN PROGRAMS LIKE AGE WELL AND PALLIATIVE CARE? The programs will continue, and because of the resources available through UCLA, it is very likely that they will expand in scope.
