Peoples Health patients must have access to their PCP 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, all network physicians are responsible for providing or arranging health care services for their Peoples Health patients on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week basis (an answering machine does not suffice as access to the provider). Physicians must also have a method of informing their patients of regular office hours and of how to obtain care after office hours.
Accessibility standards can be measured through the following:
- Access surveys
- Member complaints
- Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey scores
- Member satisfaction surveys
- On-site visits
- Review of appointment books