Patients across Kings and Fresno counties are facing growing uncertainty after news that Adventist Health may end its outpatient contract with Santé Physicians. For thousands of families who rely on Santé coverage, the possibility of losing access to longtime providers has created confusion, anxiety, and an urgent search for new doctors.

Many patients say the situation has left them feeling caught off guard and unsure what to do next.

A sudden disruption for local families

The contract uncertainty impacts roughly 2,600 to 3,000 patients who currently depend on Santé Physicians coverage for outpatient care through Adventist Health. While hospital and emergency services remain unaffected, outpatient visits, routine checkups, pediatric care, and ongoing treatment plans may soon be out of network if negotiations do not move forward.

For residents in communities such as Lemoore, Hanford, and surrounding areas, the issue is not just insurance paperwork. It is about access and distance. Many families rely on nearby providers for routine care and cannot easily travel long distances when they are sick or managing chronic conditions.

Patients have begun receiving notices warning them that their current providers may soon be out of network. With only a short window to make decisions, many are now actively searching for new primary care doctors who accept their insurance.

Medicare Advantage deadline adds urgency

The timing adds another layer of pressure. Medicare Advantage members have until March 31 to switch plans or find providers that remain in network. That deadline has created a rush of calls, appointments, and questions as seniors and families try to secure continuity of care before the enrollment window closes.

Healthcare decisions are rarely simple, and switching providers can feel overwhelming. Patients must transfer records, establish new relationships, and ensure prescriptions and ongoing care continue without interruption.

Community frustration continues to grow

Local residents describe the situation as stressful and confusing. Many are unsure which clinics accept their insurance, whether their doctors will remain available, or how long the uncertainty will last.

For families with children, seniors managing chronic conditions, or patients who rely on consistent follow up visits, the idea of starting over with a new provider can feel daunting.

Healthcare access is one of the most essential services in any community, and disruptions like this highlight how quickly patients can feel lost when provider networks change.

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A local option steps forward

As patients search for new in network providers, Hanford Medical Group is stepping forward to help fill the gap. The clinic is currently accepting new patients and welcomes individuals and families affected by the Adventist and Santé uncertainty.

For many seniors, distance is one of the biggest concerns during this transition. Losing nearby in network care could mean driving 30 miles or more for routine visits, sick appointments, or ongoing treatment. Hanford Medical Group offers a local option that helps seniors stay close to home while continuing to use insurance coverage that fits their needs. The clinic places a strong focus on senior healthcare, including preventive care, chronic condition management, wellness visits, and continuity of care that helps older adults avoid long travel times and maintain consistent relationships with their providers.

Hanford Medical Group is located at 808 Vaughn St, Hanford, CA 93230, and patients can call (559) 880-6038 to schedule an appointment or ask about insurance coverage.

Helping patients regain peace of mind

Moments like this remind communities how important local healthcare access truly is. While negotiations between healthcare systems continue, patients still need answers, appointments, and trusted providers today.

For many families in Kings County and nearby communities, the search for a new doctor has already begun. Clinics prepared to accept new patients are becoming an essential lifeline for those trying to navigate an uncertain healthcare landscape.