BCBSOK Offers Members Timely Access to Health Care

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and BlueLincs HMO^SM provide members with access to a wide range of health care providers to meet your medical needs.

Guidelines for Health Care Appointments

The following guidelines help members access their network of health care providers.

Primary Care Appointments

• Routine health checkup appointments are available within 30 working days from the day you call the health care provider.
• Non-urgent appointments for members who are ill are available within five working days from the day you call the health care provider.
• Urgent appointments (sudden onset of symptoms) are available within 24 hours, or the patient will be referred to urgent care services.
• In an emergency situation, members should seek care from the nearest health care facility.
• BlueLincs HMO members should call their primary care provider within 48 hours of an emergency incident and arrange for follow-up care.
• Chronic condition follow-up appointments are available within 30 working days.

Specialist Care Appointments

• Initial specialist care referral appointments are available within 14 working days.
• Urgent specialist care referral appointments are available within 24 hours.

Behavioral Health Appointments

• Non-urgent behavioral health appointments are available within 10 business days.
• Urgent behavioral health appointments are available within 24 hours.
• Non-life-threatening emergency behavioral health treatment is available within six hours.
• Life-threatening emergency behavioral health care is available immediately.
• Residential care or hospitalization appointments are available within seven days of request.
• Follow-up routine care appointments are available within 30 days of request.

For All Types of Care

• Clinic waiting time should be no longer than one hour. Wait time is measured from the start of the scheduled appointment.
• For after-hours care, you should be able to reach your provider or the call coverage service your provider’s office has arranged to let you know how to get care.
• In an emergency situation, you should seek care from the nearest health care facility.

Please note: BCBSOK defines emergency care as treatment for an injury, illness or condition with severe symptoms, including severe pain, that could result in a serious risk to your health or bodily function. Only seek emergency aid for real medical emergencies, as defined in your member handbook.

Use Network Providers

BCBSOK’s network of health care providers is held to these standards to ensure that members are offered the most efficient care possible. These guidelines are another benefit of using an in-network provider.

Use the Provider Finder^® tool on our website to find a network provider near you.

Originally published 7/27/2020; Reviewed 2022, 2023, 2024