(a) On or before July 1, 1997, every health care service plan shall file with the department a written policy, which is not subject to approval or disapproval by the department, describing the manner in which the plan determines if a second medical opinion is medically necessary and appropriate. Notice of the policy and information regarding the manner in which an enrollee may receive a second medical opinion shall be provided to all enrollees in the plan’s evidence of coverage. The written policy shall describe the manner in which requests for a second medical opinion are reviewed by the plan.
(b) This section shall not apply to any health care service plan contract authorized under Article 5.6 (commencing with Section 1374.60).
(c) Nothing in this section shall require a health care service plan to cover services or provide benefits that are not otherwise covered under the terms and conditions of the plan contract, nor to provide services through providers who are not under contract with the plan.