07-15-2021, 11:08 PM
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.
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.
