Question:
Please describe your experience with Kaiser Permanente (Northern Ca.)

I would like to know every detail, from the approval process to post-op. How do you rate Kaiser overall?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 18, 2001)

July 18, 2001
I cannot speak for myself, but I have a friend who is going through Kaiser No ca right now, so everything's pretty fresh in my mind. First she had to talk to her pcp, then attend a nutrition class, and have a psych evaluation. After this is done, the pcp submits for approval. It took a little over a month for my friend to be approved. Now she is waiting for a letter with an appointment for the hospital orientation, and to consult with the actual surgeon that will be performing surgery. They say the first available appointment isn't until September. It is my understanding that they like to schedule surgery pretty close to the consultation date. All pre op testing is to be done between surgeon consult, and surgery date. She started the process in late Jan, early Feb, so it does take a while. If she doesn't hear anything by the time she has open enrollment at work, she will switch insurance companies in October, and more than likely have surgery sooner. I have met very few people that actually went through the long grueling Kaiser process, although there have been a few patient ones who stuck with it all the way through. I think it's definitely possible, although it's a long road. I have another friend who went to her doc, and was told her BMI had to be over 50 to go through Kaiser, which I thought was a little odd. I hope this helps. If you have more specific questions feel free to send me an e mail, and I will give you my friends address, so you can find out more.
   — Kim B.

March 26, 2004
Kaiser has been a nightmare for me.Next open season at work they are GONE! I was given a list of seven things to be completed BEFORE being considered. It has taken me 9 months to get to #3 on their list.
   — Lucy R.