Appointment Access Standards Matter to Members

When providers follow appointment access standards, emergency room visits decrease, health outcomes improve and patient trust in their primary care provider (PCP) increases. 

• What are appointment access standards?
  These standards ensure members have timely access to care, so they get the right care, at the right time, in the right location.
  
  
• Why do appointment access standards matter?
  Providers are required to follow the guidelines that are outlined by government agencies and in their participating provider agreement. This helps to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and increases patient engagement with their PCP.

• How can Health Plans help providers meet the appointment access standards?
  Health Plan staff should have a full understanding of the standards and encourage providers to follow these access standards. Providers should adhere to these required timeframes when they schedule appointments.
  
  

Refer to your Provider Manual for additional information pertaining to appointment access standards.