Mangrove Medical Group — Attraction in Chico

I'm almost positive that this office upcodes. Something is extremely off with their billing processes. They require an out-of-pocket deposit of $135 before they will schedule your first appointment. They claim it's a safeguard to ensure that they receive payment through your insurance. The billing representative that I spoke to explained that "they don't know what a first visit will look like in terms of cost. The doctor could order lab work, X-rays, ultrasounds, etc. to gather the medical information they need for a new patient". I argued that in no way should a first appointment (to simply establish care) require so many additional tests. I explained that I would happily gather my medical history from prior medical care facilities. I further explained that I was solely hoping to renew my birth control prescription (a prescription that I've had for over a year through my last insurance provider- Kaiser). She told me I would have to make an appointment with their gynecology department. I explained that I have received birth control prescriptions numerous times from my primary care physician as well as nurse practitioners. She told me that they would prefer I see one of their gynecologists because they "may want to run hormone level tests before prescribing any form of birth control". ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

They are obviously trying to milk patients for every service possible. There is no medical reason that I (a 27 year old with no previous health conditions) would need lab tests, ultrasounds, xrays, etc. during my initial appointment to simply establish care. That's what medical records are for. There is also no medical reason I would need tests on my hormone levels...I've been on birth control for 8 years, and have always had normal checkups. Extensive bloodwork should not be a requirement for a prescription refill.

They have internal policies (that other medical facilities do not require) solely to charge their patients more per visit. That is healthcare for profit, and that is wrong. I would highly advise doing diligent research before making any sort of appointment here. Other facilities will not charge you out-of-pocket fees...

10-2025 Update - I still can't recommend MMG even though Dr. Avilla has continued to provide superb care. His care is worth the inefficiencies of their scheduling system and what seems like poor management of the group itself. Avilla 5 stars, MMG .5

I can no longer recommend Mangrove Medical Group, even though my care provider, Dr. Avilla, is fantastic. Unfortunately, the administration does not reflect the same values as the doctors. I was treated horrendously by the administrator in a manner I haven't experienced since childhood. I received care from MMG before leaving the country for three months. The bill for my services arrived while I was away. I attempted to pay the bill through their portal, but it is not set up to accept payments from outside the country, so I was unable to do so. Upon returning from my trip, I discovered that a prescription had been canceled. I called MMG to resolve the issue and pay the bill, keeping in mind that I had just returned. I was informed that the debt had been sent to collections, and I would need to speak to a supervisor. When I spoke to the supervisor, Beth, she was immediately unfriendly and told me it was not her responsibility to pay my bills while I was out of the country. She treated me more like a bad customer than a patient. I explained the situation and expressed my desire to resolve the matter quickly. She told me I would need to write a personal letter to the doctor to be allowed back into his practice and made me feel as though I was stealing food from their mouths over $150. I hung up. I then called and paid my bill with the credit bureau, and they were kind enough to inform me that it had not yet been reported. I have been with MMG and Dr. Avilla for over seven years, have never owed them money, and have never been sent to collections. I highly recommend finding care elsewhere until they start treating people...

I see Dr. Kevin Sorensen and he is the absolute best !! My first visit was scheduled with a different doctor and I had just broke my ankle it’s called a Tri something basically broken in 3 places and after surgery I was given very few pain meds told to see my primary ( my primary is in Roseville) called mangrove medical explained my situation they got me in the same day . The gal who took me back could see I was in severe pain and she explained the doctor my appointment was with didn’t prescribe pain meds, she left the room and came back in asking if I’d mind waiting a few minutes cause she spoke with a different provider and he agreed see me and become my new primary. That Medical assistant didn’t have to go above and beyond and actually most assistants won’t bother. But this absolute Angel did . She had restored my faith in people, she is one of a few . My entire career was in medical field and I really appreciate seeing someone go that extra step to help another. It may not be the fanciest clinic but I’ve never been treated poorly at all. Everyone there is kind and helpful. While waiting one day, I noticed a gal who was new when the other front desk staff stepped away for a minute This guy walks up to new gal and starts asking why he’s still waiting when his appointment was 10 minutes ago. She explains she’s sorry and doctor is behind a little. This guy really lets her have it and says WELL I WILL LET ( use’s Dr’s first name ) KNOW THAT I DON’T LIKE WAITING !! Gal is confused by use of first name , still apologizing to the JERK , He interrupts her and says HE IS MY FRIEND, I WILL TELL HIM WHEN WE PLAY GOLF NEXT TIME !! Really DUDE !! She didn’t need him bullying her !! Be kind to staff, you don’t know what patients before you were...