At a glance: HMOs’ maximum wait times

New rules The California Department of Managed Health Care has issued regulations for HMOs requiring timely access to medical care. Plans have one year to comply. Consumers can complain to the department at (888) 466-2219 or www.healthhelp.ca.gov. Among the rules for HMOs:* Patients with urgent matters that require “prompt attention” must be seen by a physician or other healthcare professional within 48 hours of requesting an appointment. Urgent care with specialists must be provided within 96 hours. * For checkups and other non-urgent medical care, patients must be seen within 10 business days. For non-urgent care from specialists, they must be seen within 15 business days. * Patient phone calls for doctors, nurses or other health professionals must be returned within 30 minutes.* Deadlines for medical treatment appointments can be extended by doctors if they determine that a delay will not have a “detrimental impact” on the patient. * For mental health care, patients must be treated within 10 business days. * X-rays, lab tests, acupuncture and other ancillary services must be provided within 15 business days.* Urgent dental care must be provided within 72 hours, and non-urgent dental services within 36 business days.