The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provides health plans with guidelines on time and distance standards for member to access health care services.
Time and distance standards are as follows:
| Provider Type | Time and Distance Standard |
|---|---|
| Primary Care (Adult and Pediatric) | 10 miles or 30 minutes from a member’s residence |
| Specialty Care (Adult and Pediatric) *including OB/GYN | 15 miles or 30 minutes from a member’s residence |
| Hospital | 15 miles or 30 minutes from a member’s residence |
Family Choice Health Services has the following approved Alternative Access Standards for CalOptima Health only.
If you need to get care from a provider that is located far away from where you live, contact 800-611-0111. They will work with you to find a provider that is close to where you live. If they cannot find one near you, transportation services can be requested to take you to the provider that is far away, at no cost to you. Family Choice Health Services can also connect you to a provider who is closer but not part of the Family Choice Health Services provider network.
If you speak another language other than English, language assistance services are available to you at no cost.