profession
California wait-time rule takes effect
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 10, 2011
A first-of-its-kind regulation setting maximum times for how long California HMO patients must wait before receiving care from a physician will take effect Jan. 17.
HMOs will be required to have a 24-hour triage service to help determine how urgently patients need care, and they must return patient calls within 30 minutes. Those needing urgent care should get appointments within 48 hours, and those with nonurgent problems must get doctor's visits within 10 business days. The maximum wait time for specialist visits under the rule is 15 business days.
Patients requiring emergency care will be directed to emergency departments. A 2009 study found that new patients in California wait an average 59 days for an appointment with a family physician.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/10/prbf0110.htm.












