California law requires health plans to provide timely access to care. This means that there are limits to how long you have to wait for health care appointments and telephone advice. If you experience difficulty accessing health care in a timely manner, it is important to contact your health plan. If the problem is not resolved, the Help Center can be contacted for assistance. A recent report by Merritt Hawkins, a subsidiary of AMN Healthcare, has revealed that wait times for medical appointments in the United States are higher than ever before.
The study analyzed the 15 largest metropolitan areas and found that there was a significant disparity in wait times between regions. For example, patients in San Diego had to wait an average of 55 days to see an orthopedic surgeon, while those in Washington, DC only had to wait five days. The wait time for dermatology appointments was up to 84 days in Portland (Oregon) and just nine days in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). On the other hand, the typical wait time for family medicine visits has decreased, suggesting that it may be easier for new patients to access primary care. It is important to note that California law requires health plans to provide timely access to care.
If the problem is not resolved, the Help Center can be contacted for assistance. Overall, the report by Merritt Hawkins has highlighted the importance of timely access to medical care. It has also revealed that there is a significant disparity in wait times between regions. While some areas may have shorter wait times than others, it is important to remember that California law requires health plans to provide timely access to care. Therefore, if you experience difficulty accessing health care in a timely manner, it is important to contact your health plan.
