It is my understanding that obligatory routine care is a major component of Kaiser’s model. In the experience of those I know who use Kaiser, effectively, if they come in for something and their routine checkups are out of date, they’re obligated to get that routine checkup (at the same time due to streamline of service), before they can get what they came in for.

From this, I derived the argument that routine checkups are a *major* component of Kaiser’s system, to the point that, given the flow of discussion, I felt it appropriate to call it “their whole model”. I’m sorry my hyperbole was too far.

Kaiser has no specific preventative care requirements and does not withhold care if you are not up to date on some schedule. In fact Kaiser works pretty much exactly like any other HMO with the main difference being that insurance is in-house (but a different department, so insurance screwups still happen, but at least the hospital and the insurance are not constantly fighting each other with you stuck in the middle).

Well that and with Kaiser it's a lot easier to tell who is in network (they never commingle in and out of network care).

That's interesting. The person I'm familiar with wasn't allowed to get meds for their strep throat until they went through their regular exams since it had been a year or over one or something. It was all very, very quick, but they were quite serious about getting their regular checks in. The patient in particular was in her 50s at the time, so perhaps that's where the difference comes in?

You're not getting the whole story from that person. Competent providers will strongly recommend preventative care services but patients can always refuse.

If we had socialized medicine like my local Kaiser, I would be so excited. I honestly haven't been treated anywhere else with the same level of care and concern. I used to hate doctors because of bad experience, but the Kaiser system convinced me to take care of myself on a routine basis. Just one opinion, but thought I'd share.

Glad it worked for you. I've had both good and terrible experiences at Kaiser (in pretty serious circumstances such as major op and post-op experiences), and a similar spectrum at other HMOs. I don't think Kaiser is a panacea, although I agree single-payer looks like the only way to fix the systemic economic issues and Kaiser is a bit closer to that model than other HMOs.

I've been on a Kaiser plan for years. I don't think I've ever had a "routine checkup", but have had other services.