Kaiser Permanente
Reviews and Complaints

HIPPA violation. My husband wrote a letter to my PCP who relayed the information to my sleep doctor. I have now been incorrectly labeled in my chart with no input from myself, an exam or a complete work up. My chart has clearly wrong statements based on his letter, I was never allowed to voice my concerns or help complete my work up. My doctors also lied about speaking to my husband. I give my husband access to my chart but coming to his own conclusion and writing this letter clearly put blinders to my recovery and from ever trusting my “team” please let me know asap before taking this to the OMB.

My name is Marshall. I’m 60 and received a disability retirement from law enforcement in 2013. I’ve been living with chronic pain since breaking my leg in 2000 and even more so after a 2009 unsuccessful spinal stenosis surgery. Over that period of time, I never had any issues with my opioid medication and never asked for an increase in medication. Last year, after being prescribed the same pain medication for ten years, I asked for an increase due to other pain issues developing over the years in other parts of my body. I filed a complaint with Kaiser after several months of denials as I felt my pain concerns were being ignored and/or minimized. Since then, new CDC guidelines have come out and my doctor is now weaponizing them to take this medication I rely on away from me. The guidelines are voluntary and state specifically to consult with the patient before any changes in a treatment plan. I was never consulted or included in any case plan. Additionally, I had not been seen nor had any kind of an in person physical and/or imaging with my doctor since the pandemic. Yet, he is now “tapering” my medication until it is gone. I’m terrified as I was already having severe pain issues and now the only safe and legal medication that works on my condition is being taken from me. How does this help the opioid epidemic. The CDC guidelines were not meant to be used this way and Kaiser must stop attacking Chronic Pain patients and placing their lives in danger. I feel as if I have received a death sentence. Please help. Thank you for your help.

Marshall Macknicki

Daly City, Ca

Bill date12/13/2022

Account # [protected]

I am an unemployed 62 year old, living abroad on my social security of $1600/month.

I would like for your company to arrange a payment plan because I cannot pay my bills and live. Hopefully you can review my account and arrange a payment program so that I can pay the total bill within the next 12 months. I am willing to pay for the services that I received, however I'm not employable. I will be filing for disability within the coming year.

My mail is received at my parents' address in Vallejo, Ca.

I started my job in south Sacramento Kaiser permanente as a housekeeping aide in 2021. They terminated me without giving me valid the reason and explanation. The Assistant manager in the department stated while we were in the office . He said “A release from probation is not the same as a termination. It is just the not right fit but does not count like a termination. I do believe you are a good fit for another Kaiser job. If I get a call for a reference, I will not give a bad review.” So here I am confused, if I got terminated or they just end my assignment. Please reply me ASAP.

Although this is a program that other insurance companies do not offer, it does not do much good if the only places you can use it is a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive away from your home. Where I live there are no Kaiser hospitals and everything has to be referred to doctors and hospitals in my area. I called and spoke to a customer service person in the financial help department and was told it could only be used at Kaiser facilities. I looked them up and they are both approx a 2 1/2 hour drive, one way, from my home. Why can it not be used at places referred by my doctor?

My mother, Vicki Jenkins-Long, is a seventy-seven year old Medicare Advantage client of Kaiser Permanente in Columbia, MD. She was under care of Dr. Diaz (PCP) and is currently under the care of Dr. Sloane at South Baltimore Kaiser.

For six years, she has experienced worsening collitis and diverticultis symptoms, along with worsening GERD. Dr. Diaz repeatedly refrained from doing anything but changing meds, did not order tests or scans. She did not seem to understand, or care to understand, that an older woman, with poor balance and other issues, who was (until last November) a full-time caregiver for her invalid husband, and who still works fulltime, was not experiencing temporary, or benign symptoms.

Four + years ago, she collapsed at work, and was rushed to the ER so quickly that no one knew where she was taken. She had emergency open gall bladder surgery, and was told she had a large, benign, hiatal hernia.

Summer 2021, her again worsening symptoms (extreme fatigue, shortness or breath, dizziness and faintness) were being ignored. She had intermittent bleeding that was not followed up on, the symptoms were attributed to "benign" hiatal hernia and no follow up was made. While walking her dog, she lost consciousness, and suffered head trauma and concussion. Upon emergency admission, it was determined that she had an acute gastric bleeding ulcer, that had been bleeding into the abdominal cavity for at least six months. Her hematocrit was very low, and her hemoglobin was scored as a 3. She had emergency surgery again, and was discharged. Post op again included NO significant f/u of continuing GI symptoms.

During the Summer of 2022, she was again taken to the Emergency Department in June for severe abdominal pain. Her new primary care physician (Dr. Gina Standard, Internal Med at Columbia Gateway Kaiser) now agreed that her symptoms, the ulcer, and the gallbladder, were all probably due to the hiatal hernia getting intermittently incarcerated (known as Saints Triad). She ordered work-up studies, that were scheduled for September, but my mother had a single positive (rapid antigen) Covid test. She subsequently had two negative at-home tests, and two negative PCR tests (both of which were conducted at a Kaiser facility). Despite the repeated negative tests, clearance from the Howard County Department of Health, clearance by the St. Joseph's infectious disease specialists, and the standards from the CDC which state that she should be treated on schedule, Kaiser has refused to permit needed tests in preparation for a surgery to repair the hiatal hernia for at least another month.

Since the beginning of September, my sister (who is a medical doctor normally working in the Kingdom of Cambodia) has been with her. During that time, our mother has not been able to tolerate ANY solid food (i.e. rice) without projectile vomiting. She was able tolerate liquid diet until 20 September, at which point she started vomiting even with soups. On 21 September, she started vomiting when drinking a Glucerna. She has not been sleeping from the pain. Yesterday (22 September) she was only able to swallow a few sips water with baking soda. The inability to consume fiber (e.g., vegetables and whole grains) has once again kicked of severe collitis and diverticulitis, leading to intermittent severe colicky pain and inability to tolerate more than a few sips of clear liquid at a time. We suspect mesenteric vascular compromise.

Early this morning (23 September) she was admitted to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center dehyrated, having consumed very few nutrients in a month, and in severe pain. An endoscopy was performed, and we were told that since there is no sign of CURRENT incarceration of the hernia, that Kaiser would not approve continuing with the tests (a swallowing, modified barium, test, and a fluoroscopy) to determine a surgical approach, for at least a month since she had a single, likely false, positive Covid test two weeks ago.

Kaiser's insistence on protocol over proper patient care, and the reliance on treating only emergent symptoms, with out trying to deal with the root of the problem, has resulted in our mother having repeated emergency surgeries, physical trauma, and nearly bleeding to death. If she is discharged again, without proper follow up or an urgently-needed treatment plan, it is likely that she would not survive the next month on her own.

Had to go with kaiser for the out of network coverage. There was NOTHING in the paperwork given to me that they completely changed their prescription coverage from 2021 to this year 2022. No letter in the mail. No phone call until 2 months AFTER i supposely reached my limit. And there was nothing in the paperwork that even remotely suggested a limit. They did say up to 10 for doctor visits. That was at least clear. Nothing for this new script limit they placed.

I was denied any filled scripts out of network because I had "reached my limit." They only allow 5 scripts for the entire year. The only way I can get any of my meds now is through them ONLY. Their pharmacies. Their people.

I talked to multiple reps and none of them found this limit. Not a single one. I finally got a manager that explained it was "probably in the fine print." I explained to her how unethical it is to control where we (meaning their customers) get our medication. Why should I have to drive over an hour to get my meds?

The manager went quiet and then just blamed Medimpact for the entire issue because Kasier won't do their own prescriptions. They claim that it's theirs but then they say that have a "partnership" and that Medimpact controls how, when, etc for any and all medications.

I filed a grievance with them and it went nowhere. They just swept it under the rug. I got 4 copies or so of the confirmation of my grievance but it didn't say what my grievance was. Just that I had filled one and that they got it. No communication as to where to go from there. No follow up. Not even a phone call. This was back in May/June 2022 when I filed and got all the confirmation letters in August 2022.

I have gone back in the paperwork I was given. For their different plans. There was nothing clearly stating this 5 script limit. The customer service reps can't find this fine print either. They were just as confused as i was. And the manager the gentleman transfered me to couldnt even tell me where to look for it for the proof. This is something a manager should be able to do so I can understand this massive policy change. The reps themselves should be able to find this as well.

I have dived all over the website to find this specific issue and have found nothing. They say they accept out of network pharmacies and list them but they don't say a single word about the 5 script limit. They are purposely hiding this detail.

How is this ethical to hide this very serious life affecting policy? Many, many patients need more than 5 scripts a year. Why are they not upfront about this? Why can't I find anything on their site about this?

Something this drastic needs to be open and addressed for any current and potential customers. It should NOT be hidden.

I enrolled in the KP Medicare Advantage Program in 2020. My main health problem is arthritis in both knees and shoulders and the severe pain it causes. I've self medicated with pain pills that may contain fentenyl and I experience painful withdrawal symptoms when I can't get them. KP doesn't offer pain management treatment and their treatment for opioid withdrawal requires me to receive a dosage of Suboxone at their office in the morning and stay there for a minimum of 3 hours so I can be monitored.

I found much better alternatives for my health problems with doctors who accept Medicare. I called KP in April to end my enrollment with them. After answering some questions I was told by that I was no longer enrolled. However, I found out from a doctor's office a month later that I didn't have Medicare. I called KP and was told that my request to end enrollment over the phone a month earlier was rejected. I should have been informed, but was kept in the dark. I complained to Customer Service and was sent a form to send KP to end enrollment. I mailed it to them and 2 months later received a letter saying they rejected my form on the grounds it was outside of their enrollment period. That reason makes no sense because I should be able to leave whenever I want. It's now been over four months and, even after sending a letter and another form, nothing has happened.

It's obvious KP is dragging out my request to end enrollment so they can continue to collect my Medicare payment. I've had angry phone calls with them demanding an end to this but it makes no difference. What do I need to do to get KP out of my life? I can see why there's so many lawsuits and complaints. They are a corrupt company that will do anything to keep their profits coming in.

Today, May 17th, I called Kaiser Permanente's 24/7 Nurse Consulting Line regarding a medical concern. I was told there was a hour and 59 min wait but I would be given the option of a call-back and then put on hold. I was never given the option of a call-back. After being on hold for over 2 and a half hours, I hung up and called back. I asked why the wait times were so long and was told that just the way it is since covid. I suggested that hiring more nursing staff might help, but was told that it wouldn't since some calls take longer than others. I thought that would be factored into the staffing needs.

Anyway, this excessive wait seems to cut across other areas at Kaiser as well such as length of time to get an appointment for care. I don't know if my being on Medicare has anything to do with it. My patient number is checked prior to stated wait time.

Anyway, I will be changing my Medicare provider when I am allowed in October because I find it extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to get care at Kaiser Permanente Washington.

3/24/22 at 12:30pm, I went to Kaiser in Silver Spring to get a prescription refilled. Per KP.org the refill date was 3/31/2022. One week away, but I was out of my Dorzolamide and needed immediately. The pharmacy technician said she could not refill it, unless I paid for it out of pocket. I asked if I paid for the prescription out pocket, then would the prescription refill date in KP.org change. She said NO. I asked if I could refill my prescription on 3/31/2022 and she said YES. When I picked up my paid out of pocket prescription, refill I was surprised that I was given 3 bottles of Dorzolamide and was charged $49.46. When I got home and checked KP.org, I discovered that my prescription refilled dated changed to 6/12/22. The insurance company did not pay for it. I paid out-of-pocket for the refills.

Something similar happen to me a few years ago at this same Pharmacy. They had me paying the out-of-pocket for Dorzolamide for several months. I tried talking to the techs explaining what happened and that they were charging me out-of-pocket. They refused to listen; told me to call my doctor or billing. They caused the problem and would not even listen and try to understand.

Please correct this problem.

I did have a good job and kaiser INS when I became I'll. I saw Patel (general) Srivastava (MH) Pleasanton. I had a spinal/back problem and Sleep disorder. Patel would never see me in person so we had zoom over 1yr. Srivastava just listened and only "yeah". No one ever prescribe anything that worked. I was loosing 1lb each week and told my doctor. Now no job, no ins, almost dead. Before sickness I weighed 180 now I'm about 140 and have insomnia or max 2 hrs sleep then I wake cold sweats. I've quit everything I can think that may have caused this including smoking marijuana as suggested but all I ever wanted was someone to see me in person and I begged them too. Never got good results Kaiser. If I was looked at in person the nurse would weigh me and validate the loss.
I'm about 146lbs today not my diet intention. I had to always tell them what I though would be a good idea. I. e blood test, x-ray, MRI, colonoscopy. Sure those people did their job and I spent 10k if my savings in copays. The meds were always ineffective. Gabapatin, Meloxicam, Hydroxyzine, low doses.. I'm not sleeping please. I smoked the Pot to try to sleep and increase appetite and it worked better than what your doctor's would prescribe. I actually was thinking of getting drugs of the streets but never was that insane. I feel as if Kaiser knew I was going to die and this is your plan. Get rid of him or your doctors are afraid to prescribe or just won't. Does this make any sense. I've engaged with one of your Cust complaint people when I was insured and already complained similar situation when I got phnmonia 3 plus yrs ago. I had to be seen three times with flu symptoms until again nearly dead and then you agree to x-ray my chest and you found the phnmonia left lung and gavee the Zithromax I asked for first visit. Why am I guiding or having to force the doctors lately. In the old day any doctor any health provider always got me well first visit. And they listened.
I now in my death bed, on Medical, been to Emergency twice this week have another appointment with new Doctor at Stanford tomorrow. I hope it's not too late such as we found cancer and if we only caught it sooner. I hope not but I think Kaiser already knows or you people are incompetent or don't care.
What a world this has become. what happened to the oath doctors took.
I pretty sick right now so trying to be clear as possible and I'm sure if I cared to elaborate more I would incl greater detail. It's just I feel I'm probably wasting my time.
Regards Michael Drush
[protected]

I have been with Kaiser Permanent since 2007 and what a mistake I made staying with them all these years. I have been treated with neglect and condescending attitudes by many doctors there including some nurses. I have been trough at least 13 primary physicians since I started with them

My health now after all these years of neglect and poor service is suffering greatly. I will list my issues : heart problems, liver problems, calcified pancreas. colon problems, bulge in abdomen area, lower bask disc problems, chronic constipation, distended abdomen, chronic vein insufficiency which causes edema fluid in feet legs and ankles. 9 ingrown toenails, a painful varicosele vein in left testicle area, asthma.

Most of the issues on that list have been neglected for many years so they have gotten worse. I have been treated very rudely by at least 7 doctors and Kaiser and also some nurses. The most recent problem that I just has was I been waiting for many weeks for my appointment with my new primary doctor named Dr Choi. Then over a week ago I went to the website to check something and by chance I went to the appointment are just to look and I noticed my appointment for Thursday January 20 was not listed anymore.

this just made me terribly upset and angry so I called the main number for Kaiser and the lady checked and sure enough they removed my appointment and did not give me a reason. I really needed this appointment too as I have some serious issues I needed addressed like having night sweats now for over 4 months and also my blood pressure keeps going high and low for no apparent reason.

If you are familiar with Kaiser most appointments take a long tome to get and sometimes you have to wait weeks for them especially if you trying to see a specialty department doctor. Now this idiot nurse calls me yesterday and says on my voicemail that my appointment was cancelled and that I can make an appointment with someone else and that can take more weeks to happen.

Now I am up a creek without a paddle I sit at home suffering with all this and if I was able to keep my appointment yesterday instead of the cancelling it for now reason maybe this problems would have already been addressed. I am sick and tired of their abuse and neglect now I am thinking about getting a lawyer and suing them for wall they have done to me and for neglecting my health. My advice to anyone looking for healthcare is to stay far away from kaiser as you can seek medical help elsewhere

My daughter is covered under her mother's Kaiser Plan, Kaiser billed me for a well child visit. I don't have Kaiser so I called billing and informed them of their error. Billing basically informed me that it is not their problem, both parents are responsible for their child's medical bills. I asked them to check the mother's insurance coverage with them and they told me to have the mother call them and straighten the matter out. I'm the one being charged uncovered price from Kaiser when in fact my daughter is covered by Kaiser. under her mother's health care plan. Now Kaiser is sending me emails related to the mothers employment coverage. I filed a complaint a week ago but have not received an answer. I can't discuss the matter with Kaiser Billing, they have boilerplate answers and don't listen to what your actually trying to tell them. It's your error and you should fix it.

Kaiser sent me a bill for my daughter's well visit. I called billing and informed them my child is on her Mother's Kaiser. My Kaiser was cancelled by CALPERS on 7/01/2021, child well visit was 7/30/2021. Billing started giving me legal advice as if I was a criminal. They told me that "both parents are responsible for the child's medical expenses." Supervisor stated "you are still in the system and that is why you got billed. We know your plan was cancelled. Call the mother and have her fix it, I will note it on the bill." I asked her to look up the coverage and fix the bill would be more appropriate. Supervisor stated "No, have the mother call us."

A complaint was filed over a month ago in regards to next steps needed to assist me in my care. The KP doctors that are involved with my care are all reading from the same script. It is at the point that the doctors are telling me my pain is mental and I need to "get on top of the pain" We received a form letter stating that KP would do an investigation and we would receive the a response to that complaint. 45 days later, the response is yet another form letter. The form letter didn't state any resolutions or any additional steps that we needed to do. So I am still left in the same place that I was 45 days ago when the letter was written.

The issues are still present nothing has changed. How is this okay?

You are in complete violation of the constitutional rights of your employees. You will be held accountable at some point. The Nuremberg codes will allow you to be held to the highest extent of the law.

I will be finding another insurance to support that doesn't coerce their employees into receiving a gene therapy that is very dangerous to the human body.

Nancy Fullner