Fig. 1.

Taskforce-developed process map for patients with Medi-Cal insurance accessing ambulatory care at the academic medical center. Intake begins through physician referral or patient call to the patient communication center (PCC). This prompts the PCC to schedule an appointment that is reviewed by the financial clearance unit (FCU). If the patient’s health plan is not contracted with the academic medical center, the health plan must initiate a special authorization with the contracting department. Once the appointment has been reviewed by the FCU– and if special authorization is indicated, after the special authorization has been granted– the FCU notifies the patient and provider and the patient is cleared to attend their scheduled appointment.