r/KaiserPermanente

I’m actually crying. I’ve been relapsing pretty bad with an eating disorder so I asked if I could be referred to a dietician at my appointment and I guess I didn’t convey the problem well because instead my doctor referred me to a “wellness coach.” My bad cause I was just like “oh okay thanks…” but WHY would I want to meet with one of those?? I wonder what weight I’ll have to get to in order to get referred to an actual dietician!

Does anyone know a good psychiatrist who works at local Kaiser? The ones I’ve see so far have been pretty disappointing.

Do you have Kaiser insurance? I hope this hasn’t happened to you.

After a blood draw, I found tests in my results that I had not discussed with my doctor before that draw. When I asked Kaiser about them, I received different explanations: that Kaiser had no record of a test, that the orders came from an earlier doctor visit, and then that they were simply tests I had done before. I was also charged for a test I had not discussed or agreed to.

Kaiser says it follows the law, but this was not the first time this happened to me. I still want a clear answer: Who ordered those tests, and how can I see and discuss every test before my next blood draw?

TL;DR:
I was told during a routine physical that I essentially had a two-question limit because there “wasn’t enough time.”
I had to push just to discuss concerns and request bloodwork during an appointment that is literally supposed to be about preventive care.
Two days later, a blood draw turned into six separate needle sticks to collect five tubes, despite my veins being clearly visible.
At this point, Kaiser increasingly feels like a healthcare system designed around throughput, quotas, and getting patients out the door, rather than actually giving them adequate care.
I’ve been with Kaiser for a while, and lately I genuinely feel like the quality of care has fallen off a cliff.
I recently went in for a completely routine physical. Nothing dramatic. Nothing complicated. Just a normal appointment where I wanted to talk to my doctor about a handful of health concerns, ask some questions, and get appropriate preventive bloodwork done.
Before the doctor came in, the nurse was taking my vitals and asked what I wanted to discuss during the appointment.
I told her I had about four or five questions.
I didn’t even finish listing them.
Halfway through, she interrupted me and basically told me there wasn’t enough time for all of that. I could ask two questions, and if I wanted the rest answered, I would need to schedule another appointment or online consultation.
Are you fucking kidding me?
This is a physical.
When exactly are patients supposed to talk to their primary care doctor about their health if not during a physical?
I’m not talking about showing up with a 40-page binder and demanding a two-hour differential diagnosis. I’m talking about a few normal questions about my body, symptoms, preventive health, and testing.
Apparently even that is now considered too much.
And that interaction bothered me for a much bigger reason than the nurse simply being dismissive.
It made me feel like the appointment had already been reduced to a timer before I even saw the doctor.
Blood pressure? Check.
Weight? Check.
Two questions? Check.
Next patient.
That is not what primary care is supposed to feel like.
The entire point of having continuity with a primary care physician is that someone has an opportunity to look at your health as a whole. You should be able to mention the knee that has been bothering you, ask about a blood test, bring up something you’ve noticed, discuss preventive care, and actually have a conversation without feeling like you’re inconveniencing the system by speaking for too long.
Instead, I found myself having to actively push back just to get through the things I came there to discuss.
I also had to specifically advocate for certain blood tests rather than feeling like the appointment was being used proactively to assess my health.
To the doctor’s credit, I ultimately did get my questions answered, because I refused to leave until I had addressed what I came in for.
But patients should not have to become their own aggressive case managers just to get basic attention during a routine appointment.
Not everybody knows what tests to ask for.
Not everybody is comfortable pushing back against a nurse or doctor.
Not everybody knows enough about medicine to recognize when something relevant hasn’t been discussed.
That is exactly why this assembly-line model of healthcare is so concerning.
If the system is structured around seeing as many patients as possible in as little time as possible, the people who suffer most are the ones who don’t know how to advocate for themselves.
Then, two days later, I went back to Kaiser for the bloodwork.
And somehow that experience managed to piss me off even more.
My veins have admittedly always been somewhat difficult. I’ve known that since I was a kid, and I’m completely reasonable about it. Sometimes someone misses. It happens.
But I had just worked out beforehand, my veins were more prominent than usual, and even I could clearly see several potential sites.
I needed five tubes of blood drawn.
I got stuck six separate times.
Six.
At a certain point, you stop thinking, “Okay, difficult veins,” and start wondering what the hell is happening.
I understand that phlebotomy is not always effortless. Bodies are different, veins roll, hydration matters, anatomy varies, and even experienced people occasionally miss.
But six needle sticks for a routine blood draw is excessive.
And after the experience I had just had at my physical, it felt like another example of the same larger problem: rushed care, inconsistent competency, and a healthcare system that increasingly seems optimized around moving people through rather than making sure the experience is actually good.
That’s really my issue with Kaiser right now.
It isn’t one rude nurse.
It isn’t one difficult blood draw.
It’s the pattern.
Every interaction increasingly feels compressed.
Appointments feel rushed.
Patients are expected to break their health concerns into separate billable or schedulable interactions.
You have another question? Make another appointment.
You want to discuss something else? Send a message.
You need another issue evaluated? Come back later.
Meanwhile, this is an enormous integrated healthcare organization whose entire selling point is supposedly that your doctors, labs, records, pharmacy, specialists, and preventive care are all connected.
That integration should make healthcare more convenient and more comprehensive, not turn the patient experience into a conveyor belt.
And I know healthcare workers themselves are stretched thin. I’m not pretending nurses and doctors wake up wanting to rush patients or give bad care.
If Kaiser is scheduling clinicians so aggressively that a nurse feels compelled to tell a patient at the beginning of a physical that they can only ask two questions, then my criticism is ultimately aimed at the system that created that environment.
Because that is a staffing and operational problem.
If doctors don’t have enough time to properly speak with patients, Kaiser needs to schedule fewer patients.
If clinics are understaffed, Kaiser needs to hire more people.
If healthcare workers are burned out, Kaiser needs to address that.
The answer cannot simply be to quietly transfer the burden onto patients and normalize increasingly rushed care.
There is something deeply backwards about paying thousands of dollars a year in premiums, deductibles, copays, employer contributions, or some combination of all of them, only to walk into your healthcare provider and feel guilty for asking a third fucking question.
Maybe my recent experiences are outliers.
But judging from conversations I’ve had with other people, I’m starting to suspect they aren’t.
So I’m genuinely curious:
Has anyone else noticed Kaiser becoming noticeably more rushed, restrictive, or impersonal over the last few years?
Because at this point, it feels less like healthcare and more like healthcare-themed logistics.

Is it guaranteed that you got the position? And how long does it usually take? I accepted an offer about 2 weeks ago, from pharmacist tech to an IT position. And I haven’t heard from anyone and it’s giving me so much anxiety. Any info is very much appreciated.

Hello!
I have a kiddo who gets weekly OT. Currently my husband’s coverage covers 20 visits per year and we have a $20 copay each time. If I were to cover my son under my insurance next year (also Kaiser), would there be any benefit? For example, would my insurance pick up the copays or possibly get him more visits covered?
OOP sessions are $90 each so to cover the remaining 36 sessions per year costs us a pretty penny.

Any insight helps!

I’m a type 1 diabetic with a few other related autoimmune diseases living in the South San Jose area. I’ve tried several PPOs over the last couple of years but they seem to be racing to deny care worse than the next one. And the “best” of the options is more than doubling premiums next year. With all that I’m considering KP, highest option next year. Are there good endocrinology services in the South Bay Area and how well does KP support pump/CGM supplies?

I recently found this helpful, so I'd thought I'd share. I'm in Norcal and wanted to see a psychiatrist. My previous psychiatrist retired at the beginning of the year, and I received a letter from Kaiser stating I would be assigned a new one. Months later, no further updates.

I finally reached a point where I wanted to talk with someone about my medication, so I called the psychiatry department earlier this week to get assigned to a psychiatrist, and was told I would be a call back later that day. No call. So I called back the next day, and was forwarded to leave a message with the team. Still no call back. Today, I called in again and mentioned the DMHC standards for timely access to care: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/doctors-locations/timely-access-to-scheduled-appointments

I mentioned it had been 5 business days since I first reached out and that to be compliant with the DMHC standards, I needed to be able to access an appointment within 15 business days (the amount for routine/non-urgent specialty care appointments). I left a message noting this and saying it had been my third time reaching out. Not even an hour later, I got a call back and I was able to get an appointment booked! (I booked one out a couple months, since I'm okay with waiting that long, but I wonder if I might have been able to push for something sooner if it was more urgent). It might be a coincidence that I got that call back, but I really don't think so. I've been a Kaiser member for years and didn't know about this until now. All patients should be aware of these guidelines so they can advocate for their own care.

I'll be remembering to use the magic words "DHMC standards for access to timely care" from now on.

I’ve been using the same CPAP machine for about 8 years and it’s start to make more noise than in the past . From what I’ve read, 8 years is mostly likely over the expected lifespan, so I’ve been thinking about getting a new one. I’ve hit my annual out of pocket maximum because of a hospital visit earlier this year and was wondering if the CPAP would be covered under my out of pocket maximum or are CPAP machines something outside of the normal plans.

I have a high deductible plan, so I would normally expect to have to pay for the new CPAP machine.

Hi folks. I’m currently fuming in a Kaiser urgent care and am trying to prepare myself if I need to take action once (if) I’m seen today.

I’m a Kaiser Northwest member in Oregon and I’m trying to figure out whether I should file a grievance, contact a regulator, or pursue another route. I’m getting increasingly frustrated because I’m actively scheduling the care I’m being told to get, but Kaiser cancellations keep extending the timeline.

Context: I’ve had back pain and flares off and on for the past 2 years after what I suspect is a herniated disc injury (what I’m trying to get evaluated). I’ve been to Kaiser urgent care a few times for back spasms and sciatic pain, usually prescribed muscle relaxers and steroids. I’ve had x rays and blood panels that rule out complications related to those areas. This year my back pain has flared the worst and longest and recently I’ve developed a new, concerning symptom of numbness and tingling down my left leg. I’m a horse back rider and gym goer who has been left unable to ride, work out, and, at times, be mobile at all.

Timeline: Spring 2026 - September 2026 I had a significant flare of ongoing low-back/sacral pain after riding. I’ve already been doing PT, including with an outside/home PT.

Sept. 11: I was scheduled for my second Kaiser PT visit, which I understood was part of the pathway toward getting an MRI if symptoms persisted. Kaiser canceled the appointment 2 days prior. Rescheduling pushed things farther out. My PCP later told me my outside PT could potentially count if there were visit notes.

Late September: My symptoms changed. The pain became predominantly left-sided and started traveling from my low back/glute/hip down the back of my left leg. I then developed numbness/tingling in my left foot/toes, which subsequently began involving my calf. The numbness has remained mild, and I still have normal strength, walking, ankle/toe movement, etc., but the sensory change has persisted.

Sept. 29-ish: I contacted my PCP about the new symptoms. She said it sounded like it could be sciatica and that, because of the new numbness/tingling, I should have an in-person evaluation and possibly earlier imaging. She also said it was fine to see another Kaiser provider because her next availability wasn’t until mid-November.

Oct. 2: I successfully scheduled an appointment earlier in the week with another Kaiser primary-care provider for the recommended evaluation. Kaiser canceled that appointment the morning of the visit (today). There were no other primary-care appointments available that day.

I called Kaiser and explained that I really needed the new numbness/tingling evaluated. I was told I could check again when schedules reset or use urgent care.

I went to a Kaiser-affiliated urgent care instead for its proximity and its website promising Kaiser members could be seen there. They evaluated me, ordered bloodwork and recommended PT/follow-up, but because they are outside Kaiser they told me referrals/imaging would ultimately need to go through Kaiser.

So I then drove to Kaiser Urgent Care. I’m currently sitting here waiting after being triaged because this is now the only way I’ve been able to obtain the in-system evaluation my PCP recommended.

I’m not arguing that I’m definitely entitled to an MRI or that I know what the diagnosis is. My concern is access to evaluation. I have repeatedly scheduled the care Kaiser/ my PCP recommended, Kaiser has canceled appointments, replacement availability has been weeks away, and my symptoms have progressed while I’m trying to navigate the delays. And I’m worried my symptoms will continue to progress as they have with the leg numbness.

Has anyone dealt with something similar with Kaiser Northwest/Oregon? Would this be appropriate for a formal Kaiser grievance? Is there an Oregon agency that handles timely-access complaints for Kaiser plans? And is there anything specific I should be documenting or asking Kaiser for?

TIA and for any guidance you may have. This has been so frustrating >.<

Update: thank you all for your help! After urgent care yesterday I ended up seeing a doctor who started to tell me it would be better to try and get evaluated by my PCP. When I explained the timeline of cancellations, next appointment times, and the progression of my symptoms, he went ahead and got me a referral for an MRI along with pain management medication in the meantime. I’m remaining hopeful I can get this scheduled in a timely manner and will utilize the resources and advice y’all provided if it comes to that. Thank you so much!

After a year of PT for low back pain I’ve finally been referred for an MRI. I was excited to finally figure out the source of my pain…then the price tag, $1200. Gulp. It seems like I can get a non Kaiser MRI for a lot less. Anybody have experience shopping their MRI outside of Kaiser but then using it for care back in Kaiser? Will they accept it?

I contacted my doctor. They said to contact ROI.. when I talked to them and sent an email with the form. They said don't fill out those forms.

I'm trying to get back to work after disability. But my employer/HR wants that form filled out.

How can I get that form filled?. She said to contact my doctor get a another letter with a return to work letter. Them contact ROI to get a accomodation from. So I'm lost here... I counted hr with info., they replied back with, we need that form filled out .

I''m no longer a Kaiser member (due to job loss).

I have a prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance that I fill every month (a pharmacist calls me each time).

Does anyone know if I can still fill it without being a member?

(I've already applied for Medi-Cal and plan to apply to Kaiser's Medi-Cal plan afterward. and will call tmr anyway just want to see if anyone have experience with that)

For reference, gender affirming top surgery (ftm).

My psych told me he sent my top surgery referral over 8 weeks ago. To be clear, I am fully aware that it can be a very long time to actually get the surgery, but I figured at least someone would email me by now?

I'm paranoid because I can't find it (the referral) under "referrals" or "letters," BUT, when he sent out my t referral, it never appeared there either but it did process because an endocrinologist emailed me 2-3 weeks later.

I totally get that it can take a long time to even get a consult, but literally no one has even given me actual confirmation that it was sent/processed or that I was added to a list or anything.

I'm trying to plan when I can study abroad before I graduate uni but now I don't think I'll even be able to if I don't even have the slightest estimate of when I need to be free.

So if anyone can answer, how long did it take till .. anyone mentioned it? got consultation? got surgery?

Anyone else want to rant about how bad the vaccine clinic system is?

- No info on the website

- try to make an appointment on the app and it just says "no appointments available"

- Only open 9-5 on weekdays (except for San Jose, which you won't find out unless you ask the person doing check-ins at the vax clinic)

- Only walk-ins (and with those hours everyone and their mother will try to come in at 4:45 pm on a Friday)

- Sign doesn't say that they might stop taking walk-ins before 5 if there's a line (I just watched 4 adults and 3 kids get turned away around 4:45)

- No communication with other staff (I asked the front desk if any of their clinics are open on weekends or outside of business hours and they didn't know.)

Like... Do you want us vaccinated or not, KP? I want my community vaccinated and y'all are doing the barest minimum in a way that probably lowers vaccination rates. It's bad public health and it's inequitable (some people, especially those with lower paying jobs or living in more remote parts of the county, can't take off work or flex hours easily).

(In case anyone's wondering, I'm new to being on KP so not being able to go to Walgreens or CVS or wherever to get my flu and COVID vaccines is new to me)