LaMalfa in Attendance as Paradise Medical Group Re-opens in Paradise, Announces New Virtual Health Care Services

(Paradise, CA) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after Paradise Medical Group (PMG), with financial and in-kind support from Blue Shield of California, has officially returned to Paradise after their facilities were badly damaged in the Camp Fire. PMG also announced the availability of "PMG Connect," a new virtual care platform that allows patients to see PMG providers via mobile phone, tablet or personal computer.

LaMalfa said: "The Camp Fire has exacted a heavy toll on our community in Northern California, but with each passing day, we grow one small step closer to a sense of normalcy. Paradise Medical Group's return will reintroduce experienced doctors into their facilities in Paradise while the introduction of new technology to allow displaced residents to see a physician remotely will be a game changer. It's no secret that a long road to recovery still lies ahead, but I'm grateful to Blue Shield of California and PMG for their commitment to helping Butte County recover."

"In the wake of the Camp Fire, we were engulfed in how to reconnect phones and medical records, answer phones and renew destroyed medical supplies and medications when we quickly realized that we had the possibility of going bankrupt as we continued to provide care for our community," said Richard Thorp, M.D., President of Paradise Medical Group. "In an answer to prayer, Blue Shield of California with the encouragement of the California Medical Association extended gifts of financial and operational support that pulled PMG back from the brink of collapse."

"In the aftermath of such tragedy, Paradise Medical Group's courage and commitment to the Paradise and the larger Butte County community are simply inspirational, and Blue Shield of California is honored to support them in a meaningful way," said Jeff Bailet, M.D., Executive Vice President, Blue Shield of California. "At Blue Shield, we are passionate about providing people access to care that is worthy of our family friends, and our collaboration with Paradise Medical Group helps us make that a reality for residents in this region."

Rep. Doug LaMalfa speaks at the reopening of Paradise Medical Group in Paradise, CA.

PMG Connect will serve all Paradise Medical Group patients, regardless of their health plan. Patients can now see PMG providers using their mobile phone, tablet or computer no matter where either is located, and receive diagnosis and treatment for an array of conditions.

Doctors will be able to treat medical issues such as upper respiratory infections and other breathing illnesses fire survivors experience, as well as many other everyday care needs. For Blue Shield of California members, the service will be available with no additional cost to the member.

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