Survival and Emergency Preparedness

I have Kaiser.
1. the online web site was just changed. Not perfect, but better.
It has been upgraded to tell a member when it is time to get routine tests and has started to advise where the labs may be and their hours. So, today, instead of going to the big center as previously done, I went to a closer facility.

2. Kaiser does not have the ability to schedule an appointment 90 days away. It probably never will have that ability. Today, the facility that I went to for my tests had been completely redone on the first floor and now there was a lab. The facilities come and go. I had been assigned to a newly constructed facility on leased land and within a decade, the whole building was demolished and completely removed. My primary doctor was shifted around facilities a couple of times and the locations within at least one facility changed.

3. If I ever get a notice like telling me when is the earliest date for the next upscope, whether 5 or 10 years hence, I have a computerized calendar and put the note in my file. I still don't know if Kaiser does a notice on booster shots. I think not. However, a shot record has now been on line for patients for a few years.

4. This last year, I started getting notices about prescription medications. I am not on any prescription medication. However, I will get notices about medicines within the last few years with the number of refills available. And about 5 years ago, Kaiser started shipping refills instead of making a patient come in for a refill.

So, in the midst of my complaints about high technology, it is being used very well in medicine today.

I have written about improvements at my health care provider, Kaiser. It is a series of three interrelated corporations. Probably has lost billions during the last two years.

Self diagnosed with hairline foot fracture two months ago. Also wanted some medicine.

Unfortunately, my primary doctor's email box is apparently no longer being monitored. She is otherwise great. Two month backlog in getting an appointment - standard at Kaiser for years. Telephone e-visit with some doctor could be in a couple of weeks. However, I could have a video conference the same day. I opted for the video conference although every video conference in the last couple of years had failed.

This video conference failed as well. The nice doctor called. He authorized the requested pt, x ray and medicine. I researched and put the phone numbers and times when the various appointment centers might open next week.

This is high tech. With a willingness to use your home computer and do research, you can accomplish the same results as if you sat in the doctor's office and then stood in line at the pharmacy.

Get the meds and the dental work done early. You are now an integral part of the supply chain!

As much flak as the VA gets I gotta say this. The improvements made by the VA healthcare system skipped from the stone age to the computer age almost overnight. When I go to an appointment I sit in the parking lot and send a text to check in. A text reply tells me the nurse in ready for me come in the clinic. When the doc is done it is off to the check out desk where any followups and the next regular check up appointments are scheduled and confirmed.

If I have a problem between appointments I log in to my account and send a secure message to the care team. A reply comes back within a few hours.

Appointments can be scheduled by tele-medicine.

With lab tests I can log into my account and view the results after a three day hold. Imaging reports and the images can also be viewed on line.

Ain't technology great?

I am relating what I have learned about my health care provider, Kaiser.
1. If I am referred by my primary doctor to another doctor or physical therapy, I will not need another referral for a year after seeing the specialist (and some times longer).
2. I am not charged for vaccinations or examinations by the nurses requested by Kaiser. So, the blood pressure and feet examinations and such are "free". This includes requests for testing the eyes originating from Kaiser.
3. So, last month (calling well in advance), I had 5 Kaiser appointments on one day and there was no charge.
4. Tomorrow, I will have finger surgery. There was no charge indicated when I did the on-line check in this afternoon.
5. I have not been charged for visits by phone or computer in the last year as well.
6. Whenever possible, I do not go to a packed Kaiser pharmacy. The prescription mail service is free. I might have to go pick up a prescription after surgery tomorrow.