The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) gives health plan guidelines on how far and how long it should take for members to access health care services. Time and distance standards are:
| 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 |
Some ZIP codes do not have providers within the standard Time and Distance guidelines. CHOC Health Alliance has received approval from CalOptima Health to use alternative standards in these areas.
To view the list of ZIP codes and provider types outside the standard, please click here: Alternative Access
If you live in one of the listed ZIP codes and need care from a specialty provider, please contact our Member Services team at (800) 424-2462. We’re here to support you in your preferred language and help you find a provider close to home.
If a provider within the standard time and distance requirements is not available, you may request free transportation to a provider located in another area.
