A connected team for your best health
With the Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA) network, you have access to over 700 primary care doctors and pediatricians across 100+ Bay Area locations, and over 2700 uniquely qualified specialists from Stanford Medicine and its affiliated network throughout the region.
A connected team for your best health
With the Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA) network, you have access to over 700 primary care doctors and pediatricians across 100+ Bay Area locations, and over 2700 uniquely qualified specialists from Stanford Medicine and its affiliated network throughout the region.
NEW
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley
2023 Plan Information
Same plans, same doctors, new member experience
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Stanford Health Care
Stanford University Faculty & Staff
Best practices to navigate your care
The Stanford Health Care
Alliance medical plan for:
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Packard Children’s Health Alliance
Stanford Health Care
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley
Stanford Medicine Partners
Stanford Postdoctoral Scholars
Stanford University Faculty & Staff
Convenient care where you live and work
The Stanford Health Care Alliance network gives you access to primary care doctors, pediatricians, and specialists from Stanford Medicine and its affiliated networks across 100+ Bay Area locations (including Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Packard Children’s Health Alliance, and select providers from Aetna’s network). In the event of a medical emergency, your care will be covered at any hospital.
The interactive map below is a snapshot of the SHCA network. Download this map and quick reference guide for a listing of key practices and locations. Many more in-network provider options are available in Stanford Health Care Alliance’s network directory found here:


Featured Providers
Lisa Quach, MD
Internal Medicine
Stanford Primary Care in Palo Alto
Milad Bahrani, MD
Internal Medicine
Stanford Medicine Partners –
Emeryville Family Medicine
Ilana Rachel Yurkiewicz, MD
Internal Medicine
Stanford Primary Care in Palo Alto
You will be directed to an external provider directory facilitated by the plan's administrator (Aetna).
Dedicated Member Care Services
and Care Management
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?
As you are considering the plan and even after you enroll, Member Care Services is there to support you and:
- Answer questions about the plan
- Provide help at any point of your care experience
- Help find a personal doctor (primary care physician)
- Link you to specialized services and resources
- Connect you to a librarian at the Stanford Health Library for a customized search of any medical or health-related questions
READY TO ENROLL?
Need to transition care?
We understand there are times when you need to finish treatment with a particular provider outside the plan. Member Care Services can help you transition care >>
Need help managing your care?
Have you received a new diagnosis, wish you could manage a chronic condition better or find it hard to coordinate your care?
Learn more about our Care Management support >>
Manage Your Care with MyHealth
With MyHealth you have instant and secure access to your health information. Get your lab results, make and manage appointments, communicate with your care team, and more.
Learn more about video visits »
Awards & Rankings
Overall Quality
Clinical Expertise
Care Excellence
Infrastructure
Ranked One of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
Stanford Hospital was once again ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places us in the top 1% of more than 4,500 hospitals surveyed. We earned this honor for our excellent quality, patient safety, and reputation and for our outstanding performance across multiple clinical specialties. Read press release »
Among Top 10 Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
For the third consecutive year, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has once again been ranked as a top 10 children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Children’s Hospitals survey. Read press release »
Vizient Quality Leadership Award Winner
Stanford Medicine won two awards, the 2021 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award and the 2021 Ambulatory Care Quality and Accountability Award from Vizient, Inc., the nation's leading health care performance improvement company.
Level 1 Trauma Center with Top 10 ranking among academic medical centers
Stanford Hospital has been verified as a level-1 center since 1998. Level-1 verification by the American College of Surgeons confirms that a hospital can provide comprehensive, round-the-clock care for patients with the most serious trauma injuries, from admission through rehabilitation and follow-up care. Stanford Hospital is the only hospital between San Francisco and San Jose verified as level-1 trauma center.
Comprehensive Certified Stroke Center Designation
The Stanford Health Care Stroke Program has again been designated as a Comprehensive Certified Stroke Center. The program was the first in the world to be recognized with that prestigious designation by the Joint Commission in partnership with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. That was in 2012 and the program has been recertified at each two-year evaluation since then. The classification is reserved for institutions with specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.
NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation
The Stanford Cancer Institute is one of 49 Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health and the world’s leading cancer research organization. This designation recognizes the Stanford Cancer Institute’s robust programs in research, clinical care, community outreach and education and places it among the top 4 percent of the approximately 1,500 cancer centers in the United States.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Stanford Health Care is proud to have earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation "Healthcare Equity Index." The HEI is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.
Learn more about Stanford Health Care LGBTQ+ Health Program »
ANCC Magnet Status: Highest Nursing Recognition
Stanford Health Care received Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest national honor given for nursing in the United States. As the gold standard for nursing excellence, the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® identifies health care organizations who demonstrate superior quality in patient care and innovations in professional nursing practice.
Learn more about Magnet »
“Most Wired” Designation by Hospitals Magazine
This designation is given to hospitals and health systems that demonstrate a high level of IT adoption for operational, financial and clinical performance.
Early recipient of the HIMSS Stage 7 Hospital Distinction
Stanford Health Care was one of the first four hospitals in the United States to achieve "Stage 7" designation, the highest possible distinction in electronic medical records implementation provided by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth
Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford each received an Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in the health care industry. 2020 is the fourth consecutive year Stanford Health Care has received this award, demonstrating its commitment to continuously improving the environmental impact of operations. Read press release »
2021 Joy in Medicine Recognized Organization
Stanford Medicine recognized for promoting well-being of health care workers. Stanford Medicine is the only organization to receive the American Medical Association’s gold-level award every year it has been given.
Ranked One of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
Stanford Hospital was once again ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places us in the top 1% of more than 4,500 hospitals surveyed. We earned this honor for our excellent quality, patient safety, and reputation and for our outstanding performance across multiple clinical specialties. Read press release »
Among Top 10 Children’s Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
For the third consecutive year, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has once again been ranked as a top 10 children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2022-23 Best Children’s Hospitals survey. Read press release »
Vizient Quality Leadership Award Winner
Stanford Medicine won two awards, the 2021 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award and the 2021 Ambulatory Care Quality and Accountability Award from Vizient, Inc., the nation's leading health care performance improvement company.
close Overall Quality
Level 1 Trauma Center with Top 10 ranking among academic medical centers
Stanford Hospital has been verified as a level-1 center since 1998. Level-1 verification by the American College of Surgeons confirms that a hospital can provide comprehensive, round-the-clock care for patients with the most serious trauma injuries, from admission through rehabilitation and follow-up care. Stanford Hospital is the only hospital between San Francisco and San Jose verified as level-1 trauma center.
Comprehensive Certified Stroke Center Designation
The Stanford Health Care Stroke Program has again been designated as a Comprehensive Certified Stroke Center. The program was the first in the world to be recognized with that prestigious designation by the Joint Commission in partnership with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. That was in 2012 and the program has been recertified at each two-year evaluation since then. The classification is reserved for institutions with specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.
NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Designation
The Stanford Cancer Institute is one of 49 Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health and the world’s leading cancer research organization. This designation recognizes the Stanford Cancer Institute’s robust programs in research, clinical care, community outreach and education and places it among the top 4 percent of the approximately 1,500 cancer centers in the United States.
close Clinical Expertise
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Stanford Health Care is proud to have earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation "Healthcare Equity Index." The HEI is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees.
Learn more about Stanford Health Care LGBTQ+ Health Program »
ANCC Magnet Status: Highest Nursing Recognition
Stanford Health Care received Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest national honor given for nursing in the United States. As the gold standard for nursing excellence, the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® identifies health care organizations who demonstrate superior quality in patient care and innovations in professional nursing practice.
Learn more about Magnet »
close Care Excellence
“Most Wired” Designation by Hospitals Magazine
This designation is given to hospitals and health systems that demonstrate a high level of IT adoption for operational, financial and clinical performance.
Early recipient of the HIMSS Stage 7 Hospital Distinction
Stanford Health Care was one of the first four hospitals in the United States to achieve "Stage 7" designation, the highest possible distinction in electronic medical records implementation provided by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth
Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford each received an Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in the health care industry. 2020 is the fourth consecutive year Stanford Health Care has received this award, demonstrating its commitment to continuously improving the environmental impact of operations. Read press release »
2021 Joy in Medicine Recognized Organization
Stanford Medicine recognized for promoting well-being of health care workers. Stanford Medicine is the only organization to receive the American Medical Association’s gold-level award every year it has been given.
close Infrastructure
Choose Stanford Health Care Alliance (SHCA) during your open enrollment period at work or when making your benefit elections as a new hire. If you need help finding a doctor or have general questions about the plan, call Member Care Services at 1-855-345-7422.
You can if you are under 65, do not have Medicare and worked for an eligible employer. If you’re older than 65, you need to look at other options, detailed in the materials you received during open enrollment.
If you join during open enrollment, your ID card will arrive before the plan starts on January 1. If you enroll during the year as a new hire, you will typically receive your ID card 7 to 10 business days after your enrollment has been processed. If you need services before then, please call Member Care Services at 1-855-345-7422.
You can also print a temporary ID card by logging on to aetna.com/about-us/login.html. Aetna issues the SHCA member ID cards. You will need to register with your SHCA Member ID number.
No, it is not required to designate a primary care doctor when enrolling. If you need help finding a doctor or have general questions about the plan, call Member Care Services at 1-855-345-7422.
Premiums, copays, coinsurances and deductibles vary by employer — please consult the comparison charts in the open enrollment information provided by your benefits department.
If you have other coverage besides Stanford Health Care Alliance, please contact Member Care Services with your other plan’s information. We will update your eligibility records and review if and how any coordination of benefits may be applied.
Stanford Health Care Alliance requires proof of disability to enroll dependents over age 26 on a parent’s health plan. Member Care Services can assist with this process.
By choosing an SHCA physician as your personal doctor, you have a dedicated care partner. This partner is connected to an entire team of experts and specialists with shared expertise and commitment to the leading edge care you’ve come to expect from Stanford. Your personal doctor will collaborate and consult with other providers for all your care needs—from routine through specialty care. It is recommended that you choose a personal doctor within 90 days from when your membership becomes active.
If you are undergoing certain treatments or need more time after your initial enrollment to switch doctors, you can request a short-term extension through the Transition of Care process.
Yes. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room no matter where you are. As long as it’s an emergency, you are only responsible for a copay. Any follow-up care must come from one of the current in-network doctors in the plan.
Stanford's Express Care Clinics in Palo Alto, San Jose, and Castro Valley are open daily with same day appointments available for minor injuries and illnesses. In addition, the plan includes a wide range of urgent care centers across the Bay Area and beyond.
For emergencies, you get access to any emergency room — anytime, anywhere. Member Care Services can help you locate urgent care services for when you are traveling in the United States.
Yes, many hospitals across the Bay Area participate in the plan. To find in-network hospitals:
• Call Member Care Services at 1-855-345-7422
You have access to a wide range of laboratory, therapeutic, diagnostic and supplementary services including, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, radiology, MRI and more.
Your treating provider will submit prior authorization requests, when necessary. A prior authorization is required for certain tests and procedures that may be recommended by your physician. To find out which services require prior authorization, contact Member Care Services.
The care you receive from our providers is tracked and coordinated using an electronic medical record system. As a member of SHCA, you have access to your records through the MyHealth portal. You can also request shared access to medical records for another adult and for children, aged 17 and under.
Member Care Services can help transfer your medical records to your new SHCA doctor. Plus, easy transfer of your medical records is possible through the connected system between Stanford Health Care and most of our in-network hospitals.
Yes, preventive care such as routine exams, well-woman visits and related lab work is covered at no cost when you see an in-network provider. Please contact Member Care Services for detailed information on covered preventive services and frequency limitations.
The prescription drug benefit has a list of covered medications, also known as a formulary. The amount you pay may vary based on the prescription type—generic, preferred, or non-preferred. Some prescription drugs may require prior authorization or alternative medications.
Yes, most prescriptions are eligible for 90-day refills, with free shipping to your home or office.