01-09-2018, 09:11 AM
I've had very good treatment since I've been with Kaiser. This was after a number of years with two local doctors I was NOT happy with. (Don't get me going) Of course I'm NOT happy that individual rates have more than doubled since joining, but treatment is good, everyone is nice and helpful, and you can get an appointment even same day sometimes. Might not be with your PCP, but there's a doctor there to see you. You can change PCP's on the fly, btw, once you're in. Just go to website to change. I have done this a few times in last few years. You don't need to wait to open enrollment like you do if you're JOINING Kaiser.
Just to clarify what kinds of things as Kaiser patients my friends and I have have either had to fly to Oahu for, or have had handled here inside and outside of Kaiser Hilo clinic:
Things requiring flight to Oahu: Diagnostic mammogram (could also be done in Hilo, but if can't be done quickly enough, they'll fly you to Oahu); breast biopsy; MRI; CT scan; neurologist specialist visit (this could have been done in Hilo with neurologist who comes here once a month, but since I needed MRI, I saw him there); scheduled surgery; hospital stay after scheduled surgery; colonoscopy; etc.
Things treated here by local doctors or services who contract with Kaiser: specialized physical therapy; sleep study; xrays; emergency room visits; emergency surgery; radiology for cancer; hospital stays; cardiology tests [<<most at Hilo Medical Ctr]; etc.
Things done at Kaiser Hilo: routine doctor visits; specialist visits with specialists who come to Hilo once a month such as podiatrists, neurologists, etc.; mammograms; lab work; asthma treatments, etc.
I have a sister who lives on the east coast. She can't imagine taking a flight to see a doctor. I ask her how long it takes her to see her doctor. She drives an hour into Boston and an hour home, plus parking and doctor visit. I get to fly into Honolulu and see Diamond Head in same time frame! Just sayin'.
So far, it hasn't bothered me, and the Kaiser travel office is super efficient. i.e., you don't make our flight plans, they do it for you. All you have to do is show up with your driver's license at the airport and your reservation code.
Bottom line is that if treatment or diagnosis requires specialized equipment and can wait a few days, they'll fly you to Oahu. If it requires specialized equipment and/or you are unable to fly, they'll send you to Hilo Medical Center.
Just to clarify what kinds of things as Kaiser patients my friends and I have have either had to fly to Oahu for, or have had handled here inside and outside of Kaiser Hilo clinic:
Things requiring flight to Oahu: Diagnostic mammogram (could also be done in Hilo, but if can't be done quickly enough, they'll fly you to Oahu); breast biopsy; MRI; CT scan; neurologist specialist visit (this could have been done in Hilo with neurologist who comes here once a month, but since I needed MRI, I saw him there); scheduled surgery; hospital stay after scheduled surgery; colonoscopy; etc.
Things treated here by local doctors or services who contract with Kaiser: specialized physical therapy; sleep study; xrays; emergency room visits; emergency surgery; radiology for cancer; hospital stays; cardiology tests [<<most at Hilo Medical Ctr]; etc.
Things done at Kaiser Hilo: routine doctor visits; specialist visits with specialists who come to Hilo once a month such as podiatrists, neurologists, etc.; mammograms; lab work; asthma treatments, etc.
I have a sister who lives on the east coast. She can't imagine taking a flight to see a doctor. I ask her how long it takes her to see her doctor. She drives an hour into Boston and an hour home, plus parking and doctor visit. I get to fly into Honolulu and see Diamond Head in same time frame! Just sayin'.
So far, it hasn't bothered me, and the Kaiser travel office is super efficient. i.e., you don't make our flight plans, they do it for you. All you have to do is show up with your driver's license at the airport and your reservation code.
Bottom line is that if treatment or diagnosis requires specialized equipment and can wait a few days, they'll fly you to Oahu. If it requires specialized equipment and/or you are unable to fly, they'll send you to Hilo Medical Center.