Question:
10/25/01: Do I stay with Lifeguard or move to Kaiser N.Cal

I would like to know if anyone has any good experiences with Kaiser Northern Cal? I am thinking about moving to Kaiser from Lifeguard. I have been jumping through hoops for Five plus months, no longer have the time or money.    — Michele G. (posted on October 26, 2001)

October 26, 2001
Hi Michelle, I have Kaiser No. CA...you are welcome to read my profile. It tells my entire story. Basically with Kaiser, there are numerous hoops to jump through and it takes 8 months to 1 year to do everything they ask, get approved, and get booked for surgery. Also, as a new member, I believe you have to be with Kaiser a year before your PCP can request this surgery for you (not sure...check this out). I'm just saying that Kaiser, to me, seems no easier than this other insurance you have right now. At least you've done some of the legwork with them already, and you wouldn't have to wait the initial year with Kaiser before they'd even start the referrral process. It's frustrating, I know. I just got approved as of Sept. 13th, and was told at that time there were 200 people ahead of me that had to be scheduled for this surgery. My surgery will probably be in Jan-Feb 2002, I was told. Good luck on your journey. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 8, 2001
I have Kaiser No.Cal, and have been approved since August. was advised that surgery was 8-18 months off. They offered me the chance to transfer my files to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego, and pay for everything..I switched Sept 22nd, and have my first consult Nov 13th, and they said they are scheduling that group for jan-feb surgeries. Kaiser said wouldnt be til at least Aug 2002... And my understanding is you have to have a 1 year relationship established with your Kaiser pcp, and this is afte the open enrollment takes effect-jan 1, 2002...if you have already started, i would continue. lack of information from kaiser got very discouraging and frustrating for me.
   — Kim C.