+- Punaweb Forum (http://punaweb.org/forum)
+-- Forum: Punaweb Forums (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Punatalk (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: Kaiser Issues (/showthread.php?tid=22351)
Pages:
1
2
Kaiser Issues - ChunksterK - 07-15-2021
Frau Chunkster and I have been Kaiser customers for well over a decade, but are reaching a point where we may want to change . . . assuming there is anything on this island remotely decent to replace it.
Current issue:
I have had two different types of skin cancer treated in the less than five years and have been on six month checkups even longer than that. After my last skin check, I was told that they were now only doing nine month follow-ups unless one was "high risk." (Somehow having cancer twice in five years doesn't rate as high risk at Kaiser.) So I was told I'd be sent a post card with my next appointment. Fast forward seven and a half months, and no appointment notification. I called Kaiser and was told I can't be seen until the last week of January, 2022 or over 14 months since my last checkup. When I called, the nurse said, "Oh, you're in Hilo. Uhhhh . . . nothing I can do. So I emailed the doctor who proceeded to put me off some more. Not good.
Other issues:
Both the Frau and myself now have to go to Kona for certain specialty consultations that used to be done in Hilo. When we asked why, we were told that Kona has more modern facilities for procedures. Yes, but what if you only need a simple consultation? Also, I've had the same primary care doctor for a bit longer than the usual Kaiser turnover, but the service is indifferent at best. For example, the doctor did not touch me during my last "complete" physical . . . and it was way before Covid! We had a nice chat, though.
Bottom line:
Is there anything better out there? We are blessed with the finances to afford private insurance, but we've heard that it's hard to find HMSA or other HMO doctors and specialists who are accepting new patients. Kaiser does at least guarantee a primary care provider. I've heard that the HMC complex has upgraded both its facilities and staff, but would like to hear from someone who uses their outpatient services. Their online reviews are mixed, but pretty fair overall.
Sorry this turned into such a rant, but any suggestions, experience, or advice would be appreciated.
RE: Kaiser Issues - terracore - 07-16-2021
We've had blue cross / blue shield for the last 20 years. We recently switched to HMSA because they are part of BCBS and a little bit cheaper. They have different tiers of service so experiences will differ on tier level. I have heard that it's hard to find a doctor that is accepting new patients, although I have not personally had a problem. HMSA did deny a imaging procedure that BCBS never did, so that was an adjustment for us. The Rx bennies are better under HMSA, and so are the vision benefits. Hawaii, especially the Big Island, has a shortage of health care professionals. Hopefully some of the new transplants fleeing the madland will be doctors etc.
RE: Kaiser Issues - macuu222 - 07-16-2021
We both have private insurance (Aetna) which just about covers everything. But we've decided that when our health issues start increasing ..... We're moving to Vancouver Washington. Healthcare is amazing there. Plus it's a beautiful place to live. It's a great place to live here also....but healthcare is barely adaquate.
RE: Kaiser Issues - wecelli - 07-16-2021
I am from Vancouver, Wa.
My elderly father is with Kaiser.
Dad says moving to Hawaii to live with me was the best decision he made. He says he feels better cared for by Kaiser Hilo, than Vancouver Kaiser.
RE: Kaiser Issues - tada - 07-16-2021
But if you wish Kaiser how many times you have to go to Kona?
RE: Kaiser Issues - ChunksterK - 07-16-2021
" . . . how many times you have to go to Kona?" - tada
That's one of my main concerns, and just to confirm a suspicion I had, I called Kaiser dermatology back and asked how soon I could be seen in Kona. The answer was six weeks, which compares with over six months for the same type of appointment in Hilo. There is an obvious situation in which Hilo is underserved, and there is seems to be a socio-economic factor at work that might actually be discriminatory. I took the Kona appointment, but I'm still looking at my options, such as they are.
RE: Kaiser Issues - kalianna - 07-17-2021
I left Kaiser after they wanted to fly me to Honolulu for a colonoscopy. They said it's cheaper to fly us there than buy the equipment to do it here. That's when we switched to HMSA and have been very happy with them.
RE: Kaiser Issues - terracore - 07-17-2021
I know a few people who have Kaiser specifically because so many services are only available in HNL. The type of ticket Kaiser buys can be changed without a fee, so they use their medical appointment as a way to get free transportation to HNL to visit family, shop, etc. This was pre-covid.
RE: Kaiser Issues - ChunksterK - 07-17-2021
@kaliana: You apparently didn't have trouble finding providers. How long ago did you switch?
RE: Kaiser Issues - kalianna - 07-17-2021
I switched two years ago. I'm not much of a doctor-goer so just went to Puna Community Center, saw the PCP once and he referred me to the hip surgeon. No problems anywhere along the way and they paid for almost everything, including a good bit of physical therapy. My husband had cataract surgery and they covered that too.