Common use of Ambulatory Surgery Centers Clause in Contracts

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: • Symptoms you are experiencing; • Minor illnesses and injuries; • Medical tests and medications; • Chronic conditions; and • Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days When your appointment will occur Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: •  Symptoms you are experiencing; •  Minor illnesses and injuries; •  Medical tests and medications; •  Chronic conditions; and •  Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days When your appointment will occur Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service Shield Concierge to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: •  Symptoms you are experiencing; •  Minor illnesses and injuries; •  Medical tests and medications; •  Chronic conditions; and •  Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days When your appointment will occur Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: • Symptoms you are experiencing; • Minor illnesses and injuries; • Medical tests and medications; • Chronic conditions; and • Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service Shield Concierge to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: • Symptoms you are experiencing; • Minor illnesses and injuries; • Medical tests and medications; • Chronic conditions; and • Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: • Symptoms you are experiencing; • Minor illnesses and injuries; • Medical tests and medications; • Chronic conditions; and • Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: •  Symptoms you are experiencing; •  Minor illnesses and injuries; •  Medical tests and medications; •  Chronic conditions; and •  Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.

Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Many of the more common, uncomplicated, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center. Your cost at an Ambulatory Surgery Center may be less than it would be for the same outpatient surgery performed at a Hospital. Timely access to care Participating Providers agree to provide timely access to care. This means that when you call for an appointment, you will see your provider within a reasonable timeframe. Blue Shield’s access standards are listed below. When your appointment will occur Urgent appointments Appointment will occur Services that do not require prior authorization Within 48 hours Services that do require prior authorization Within 96 hours Non-urgent appointments Appointment will occur Primary Care Physician office visit Within 10 business days Specialist office visit Within 15 business days Mental or substance use disorder health provider (who is not a Physician) office visit Within 10 business days When your appointment will occur Other services to diagnose or treat a health condition Within 15 business days When your appointment will occur Phone inquiries Appointment will occur Access to a health care professional for phone screenings 24 hours a day, seven days a week Contact Customer Service Shield Concierge to schedule interpreter services for your appointment. For more information about interpreter services, see the Language access services notice. Health advice and education Blue Shield provides several ways for you to get health advice and access to health education and wellness services. These resources are available to you at no extra cost. NurseHelp 24/7SM You can contact a registered nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the NurseHelp 24/7SM program. Nurses are available to help you select appropriate care and answer questions about: • Symptoms you are experiencing; • Minor illnesses and injuries; • Medical tests and medications; • Chronic conditions; and • Preventive care. Call (000) 000-0000 or log in to your account at xxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx and use the chat feature to connect with a nurse. This service is free and confidential. NurseHelp 24/7 SM is not meant to replace the advice and care you receive from your Physician or other health care professional.