08/03/2016
Kaiser update. This July I joined Kaiser Permanente as a member. I have enrolled plenty of people in the program and really think it's a great way to deliver actual healthcare. Most of the others are systems with Networks of Doctors, Pharmacies and Labs etc who all rent or work together to equal a "system" Not bad, just is.
But, sometimes change is hard. We like our doctor or we think one thing is better than the other but let's face it, no one likes the cost.
So, my first experience with the KP system is this-
Being new I want to make sure they have my records and know who I am in case I'm in need. So, I set up my first visit with a P*P online at my convenience. It was a quick easy apt at which time I scheduled a Gyno visit, mamo and got bloodwork request in the system and got forms to bring or send my other dr for records. I also went online and filled out all of the health stuff.
Next, I happened to be around for an earlier apt so I went online moved it up to today. I went a little early and did the bloodwork (no apt needed) in like 10 minutes, went to the lab area to see if I could do my Mamo, they said sure and I was in and out in 20 minutes. I had so much time left that I went and got some coffee. Then, I went to the Gyno. I was 20 min early, they took me 10 min early and I was in front of the Dr at my apt time exactly! (That has never happened before even though I'm usually 20 min early I see someone at least 30 min late) Seriously, I accomplished more in 2 hours than ever before and it would have been 3 separate apt. I will say that I planned ahead, read the info they sent me and paid attention so I could coordinate my efforts. Plus, this was not an emergency. I can't wait to try the tele-med part. Well, I don't want to need it but still want to try it.
I can upon request also talk about what style plan I chose and why if anyone is interested. Kaiser is growing tremendously in the Wash/Balt area and the pricing is just under the others in the individual and small group plans for most age ranges.
So far, I'm please with the system. I did not have any problems at all with my BCBS-Carefirst plans but the service was never this well done.
Mindy