Age discrimination at Kaiser?

There is a huge shortage of urologists. I am 46 and also experienced waiting lists. With Mayo I have had to use advocates twice so far to speed up appointments. Other specialists are also in high demand. So age discrimination is highly unlikely. Kaiser is a HMO which are notorious for long waiting lists. Canada and EU countries are almost entirely HMO managed and many patients experience extreme waiting lists with often poor outcomes because of it. But more people have access to care. Pick your poison.

I can definitely sympathize with this problem and I think this is all over as well. I am in Florida and I have the same problem. I have a HMO-POS and my wife has a PPO plan and she has the same problem. Not sure if it is an age thing or not. Or just a shortage of all doctors and specialists. What sort of gets me is that all these doctors are strictly open 8-4 five days a week.

I have a Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, Dermatologist, Oncologist, Gastrtoenterologist, Urologist and Neurologist.
(dam that is a long list) And each one first appointment was 2-3 month waits. Followups usually at least 1 month for next appointment.

Several times I had my PCP call the specialist to get a quicker appointment. Sometimes this works sometimes it did not.

Wow!! I guess a lot of us are in the same situation.
I was thinking of going with a PPO in the fall, but am not sure now.
Thanks for your response. Best to you and your wife for good health.

I agree sometimes just getting that first appointment is hard to get into. If you're on the schedule for the end of June I would suggest calling and asking if you can also get on a waitlist. Sometimes there are last minute patient cancellations and they can call you to try to fill that time slot when it opens up. Maybe that might work to your benefit. Just a thought.

Wait list can definitely speed things up but is never guaranteed. Calling daily may help.

I am in Sacramento with Kaiser. What area are you in? Do some research on the “Standard of Practice” for your type of cancer. You should be able to access the pathology report. Then go to Member Services. File a grievance asking for an outside referral to the community in order to receive that standard of practice if Kaiser cannot provide it. I am receiving the standard of practice for my bladder through Kaiser at 76yo. Or. Ask for another Urologist to see you within Kaiser.

Thanks so much. I will follow your response. I didn't know they had
"standards".

Thanks very much. I will follow thru.

amu45si.
I am in Colorado.

I have tried being on the wait list several times. Never been called early. I did what you suggested, I called the doctor's office at least 2 times a week to see if there was someone canceled. A couple times that did work.