Experiences with Kaiser??

[WaterBird]

Hello Community,

Well, as another victim of "Omabacare", it appears I may be forced to move to Kaiser for my healthcare next year as that will be the only plan I can afford. Any feedback on the quality of care at the Kaiser here?

Thanks!

[Barry]

...Any feedback on the quality of care at the Kaiser here?

I have used Kaiser for over 20 years and I have always been very happy with their service and level of care. I do suggest you "try out" a few primary doctors to start with to be sure you find someone you resonate with.

[csell]

I was born in Kaiser (Oakland) 67+ years ago. I have been a member ever since. The current evolution of Kaiser is the best health care you can get. I'm most impressed with their belief in preventive medicine.

[jesswolfe]

I have been with Kaiser off and on for several years. I had been with the Sebastopol community clinic for awhile until my doctor left and it took forever for them to find a replacement. So I ended up back at Kaiser. They do give good care. They encourage you to try different docs till you find one you mesh with. One negative is their mental health care is not good so if that is a consideration that might be a problem.

Jessica

[wisewomn]

I have known a number of people over the years and currently who are Kaiser members. Some of them love it and some of them have had very bad experiences. I know of 3 people, including a cousin of mine, who died because of incompetence at Kaiser. Another woman in her early 30s had surgery to reduce the size of her varicose veins and nearly died because of the misrepresented experience of the surgeon. She will be on crutches for the rest of her life.

If you join, be prepared to push for the care you need/want. Otherwise, if it's beyond the bare minimum, you most likely won't get it. Forget about most "alternative" care/treatments. Kaiser keeps costs low and will do the bare standard medical minimum in order to keep prices down. Absolutely make sure you find a doctor you are comfortable with and who will treat you as a partner in your health care if that is what you want.

[laho]

I am very satisfied with Kaiser, however, as posted before, I take care of any herbal or alternate therapies myself. I view Kaiser as a provider of my extreme needs: hysterectomy, colonoscopy, important eye issues. As others have said, feel free to change primary care doctors until you find one with which you have simpatico--very easy to do within the Kaiser network.