Senior Health Moment » Tips

Kaiser Phone Tree

Mary — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 17:40:10 +0000

I came upon a blog regarding an ER clerk having trouble reaching a Kaiser doctor. She seemed very unhappy with the automated phone tree and the fact one needed to push a button for English or Spanish. My first thought was it wasn’t Kaiser that annoyed her, but the fact that we offer so many language options rather than just sticking with English.

When I call Kaiser the system starts with English and then in Spanish quickly states press 2 for Spanish (in Spanish).

She also complains about how difficult it was to reach a Kaiser members doctor. If the member had his Kaiser ID card with him there is a phone # on the back that would have connected her with the doctor or a person who could help her right away.

This card should be carried with the member all the time or at least the phone #. However, if the member should not have it the clerk can call the phone tree # listen to the options it will tell you to leave a message for doctor press the # a human will come on the phone very quickly and help you with the issue.

I understand that the patient must give written permission to satisfy HIPPA requirements.

I also understand that member’s services will talk to the clerk on how to handle these types of situations.

I have had two emergency visits outside of Kaiser and had no problems.

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Kaiser Permanente Report Card

Mary — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:56:11 +0000

I read in my local paper that the Kaiser Permanente earned top grade in HMO

survey.

Seeing how this is the open enrollment period, I find it good to know that my HMO

received the top grade rating.

I also read that there is a web site that lets one view the 2009 health care quality

report card as well as a phone #.

www.opa.ca.gov/reportcard or 888-466-2219. I found the site to be informative and easy to

follow.

I should add that the Kaiser rating was for health care in general not just for Medicare.

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OTC Drugs on a Budget

Mary — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:45:53 +0000

I find that when I buy my OTC”s antacids, vitamins. pain relievers, etc at big box stores the amount is so many it will expire before I can use them up. I don’t save any money if I have to throw out half a bottle of whatever I am using. Because, I am a Kaiser member, I can use there pharmacy for my OTC’s, I not only can buy in smaller amounts I get a very good price. The price is even better if I don’t buy brand name. I need to watch my budget carefully now days, anything I can do to save is a big help.

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Medicare Switch Deadline – Some thoughts

Mary — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:33:41 +0000

We are getting very close to the deadline of switching Medicare plans.

It is my understanding that there are some strict rules now that say plans and brokers cannot knock on your door or send you sales materials without your request.

It is also stated that they can not give free meals. As I write this I am looking at five mailers sent to me without me requesting them. More than one offers a free seminar at various restaurants. I decided to check this out. What they had was rolls, muffins, desserts and the like; of course one could say that was

not a meal. One plan was no co-payments to your personal doctor, however if you want to see a specialist there would be a charge . I ask what that amount would be and I was told it would depend on what the reason would be! The plan had 0 monthly premiums. However, there was a $200.00 a month charge for Part D.

I found all of the information very misleading. It seemed like the more questions I ask the less time they had for me. So, I will stay with what I have, it works for me.

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