Help! Is Kaiser Any Good?

[activehiv]

Hey Everyone how's it going?  Any thoughts on Kaiser?  Are they a good provider for people infected with HIV?  I currently go to a doctor that is a not in the Kaiser network and I am on Atripla.  If I go with Kaiser will I be able to get my Meds, Atripla, without any problems?

Thanks, active

[AaronbytheC]

I looked into this a few months ago because I thought my company was going to switch.  

Most of the people I talked to liked Kaiser, a few said they felt Kaiser was slow to send you to a specialist "out of the network" if you had an issue they were not particularly good at.  It also depends on where you are at too...  In northern California they have a really big HIV department in Oakland, but the San Jose office is rather small...  My friends in LA that have Kasier all love it, so again I think like anything its about the staff and doctors.

As for the your meds, it really depends on the coverage you get.  Kaiser offers many plans for many budgets, some will cover them and others will not, so read the policy and choose accordingly!  (The plan my company was looking at would not have covered them so I would still be on ADAP)

[balljarz]

 I switched to Kaiser in San Diego on Jan. 1st. I was concerned as I had been with UCSD for 10 years so I researched Kaiser. I spoke to people who had it and checked out their HIV docs online. I'm pleased to say all reorts were good. My experience has been excellent. I have a PCP and an HIV specialist. They are very good about sending you to specialists within the system. I currently use the pain clinic for PN and they accepted my previous diagnosis from UCSD along with 7 years of history with their pain clinic. I'm well pleased with the treatment I receive at Kaiser.

[OneTampa]

My goddaughter worked at Kaiser Permanente for about 5 years.  Although it may be considered a biased view, she said that the services were excellent.  Her mother also had coverage through them and was pleased.  Both have since changed jobs with different health care insurers.

[itsimple]

Kaiser is ok. You should be assigned a hiv specialist who will monitor you. Make sure you ask your doc for the 90 day supply if you can afford it. It varies per plan but it is cheaper than picking up every month.

[adhoc]

I've been with kaiser since 2005. I think they are quite good. The id dept is knowledgeable and they perform all the tests on a regular basis. When i was first diagnosed i was tested every month and when my numbers stabilised i went to every 3 months. Now im i see my doc at 6 mod and labs then too.  When i was diagnosed they were quick to react and compassionate. They also allow you to do 90 days on meds. If you mail order the copay is for two months. I am taking atripla.
The only time I've had to wait was to see a dermatologist but i hear its like that everywhere. Dermatology is booming and there aren't alot to go around. I should look into a career change. Lol


Hi everyone. Its been awhile but im still with you all  

[activehiv]

Hey Everyone

Thanks for the info. I actually called Kaiser today and they were really helpful.  They gave me the number to infectious disease department and I got to speak with the nurse on duty.  Just so happens a doctor in the infectious disease department is also a PCP.  So I will be able to work with the same doctor for primary care and HIV.  I was a bit nervous about leaving my current doctor, the best HIV/Aids doctor in my state and head of the Universities  Clinical Research Department, but I think I will get a little more personalized care at Kaiser.  It just seems like the University Doctors are more dedicated to research, development and clinical trials. 

Oh yeah my plan will also cover my Meds.   3 months supply for 2 months of co-pay,it's actually saving me $5 a month .

Thanks again for all your advice. 

Active

[beefbud]

Hey,
It seems you have your answer but I wanted to chime in.  I have been with Kaiser before and after my diagnosis and I really like Kaiser.  As far as your meds i HIGHLY recommend you do your ordering online for 90 day supplies, you will save yourself one month of charges (for me thats 50 bucks.)  I am on Truvada/Isentress and a 90 day supply of both costs me 100.
I also recommend signing up for their online access, you can do everything there as well as see any lab results long before you ever see your doc so you can go in prepared with questions and not be blindsided by a possible abnormal reading.

I have had minor issues (long waits and such) but always find them accomodating and helpful.  I am in Georgia and I am sure some of the standards fluctuate from state to state but I do like having Kaiser.

Hope it all works out for you.

[activehiv]

Thanks Beef, just more reassurance that I should go with Kaiser.  Thanks for the help! Oh and I dont think the long waits are exclusive to just Kaiser.  Almost every doc I've seen has had a long wait.  Hahaha.  Thanks again! 

Hey Everyone

Thanks for the info. I actually called Kaiser today and they were really helpful.  They gave me the number to infectious disease department and I got to speak with the nurse on duty.  Just so happens a doctor in the infectious disease department is also a PCP.  So I will be able to work with the same doctor for primary care and HIV.  I was a bit nervous about leaving my current doctor, the best HIV/Aids doctor in my state and head of the Universities  Clinical Research Department, but I think I will get a little more personalized care at Kaiser.  It just seems like the University Doctors are more dedicated to research, development and clinical trials. 

Oh yeah my plan will also cover my Meds.   3 months supply for 2 months of co-pay,it's actually saving me $5 a month .

Thanks again for all your advice. 

Active

[freaky_dream]

I have Kaiser in Los Angeles as well. My doc is great and I can see him usually on a one or two day notice. Very open minded doctor and has been working the field for over 2 decades. He also doubles as my PCP. My biggest gripe with kaiser though are the long wait times to see a specialist. Took me two months to see a urologist ugh. Their website is a great tool as well. You can get your blood drawn in the morning and access the majority of your test results online the same day or the next day. Another gripe is the local med schools in LA tend to use Kaiser for their internships and stuff so you will get asked a lot by the doctor if a the student can sit in on your consultation.

[Jeff64]

I love Kaiser! I love my Dr. and my NP