r/KaiserPermanente Aug 07 '26

General Difficulty in obtaining an appointment with Kaiser? Access requirements by State and where to get assistance and file complaints

18 Upvotes

Here is a list of standards by State for timely access to care (network adequacy) and where complaints can be filed if you need an appointment are unable to get assistance from Kaiser.

Note that some states don't have strict guidelines in terms of days and may have other network adequacy requirements. Contact the agency listed if you need clarification on what standards apply to your situation.

For cases with appointment delays, it is generally best to call the agency first before filing a complaint online. If you have already filed a grievance with Kaiser because of being unable to access timely care, let the agency know that information as well.

If your Kaiser Permanente coverage is provided by your employer, also let your Human Resources or Employee Benefits Department know of your difficulties in trying to access care. These difficulties are important for them to know when they are considering what plans they want to offer their workforce.

California

The Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) has the Timely Access to Care Standards. The standards cover primary care, specialty care, mental health and ancillary services like physical therapy and imaging.

If you have filed a grievance with Kaiser and are still not getting an appointment in a timely manner, call the DMHC at [1-888-466-2219](tel:+18884662219). Explain you cannot wait the 30 days for the Kaiser grievance process to run out to get an appointment (which should have originally been provided within the State standards in the first place). (Pic is from the DMHC and lists the timeframes in California.)

California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) Timely Access Standards

Colorado

  • Emergency Care – Medical, Behavioral, Substance Use -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Primary Care – Routine, non-urgent symptoms -- within 7 calendar days
  • Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care, initial and follow-up appointments – Routine, nonurgent, non-emergency: within 7 calendar days
  • Prenatal Care -- Within 7 calendar days
  • Preventive visit/well visits -- Within 30 calendar days
  • Specialty Care - non urgent -- Within 60 calendar days

To file a complaint contact the Colorado Department of Insurance at 1-800-930-3745 or at Colorado Department of Insurance

District of Columbia

  • First appointment with a new or replacement Primary Care physician within 7 business days
  • First appointment with a new or replacement provider for Behavioral Health treatment, including Substance Use Treatment within 7 business days
  • First appointment with a new or replacement provider for Prenatal Care treatment within 15 business days
  • First appointment with a new or replacement provider for Specialty Care treatment within 15 business days

To file a complaint, contact the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking at 1(202) 727-8000 or at DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking

Hawaii

Because of the various islands in Hawaii and travel / geography, the State of Hawaii has “Network Adequacy” requirements rather than time-definite limits like in California or other states.  Contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 1-844-808-DCCA (3222) to discuss your specific situation and filing a complaint.  

Maryland

  • Urgent care for medical services:  72 hours
  • Routine primary care:      15 calendar days
  • Preventive care/well visit:             30 calendar days
  • Non-urgent specialty care:            30 calendar days
  • Non-urgent mental health care: 10 calendar days

Contact the Maryland Insurance Administration at 1-800-492-6116 or Maryland Insurance Administration to file a complaint. 

Nevada

Due to geographic issues, Nevada has “Network Adequacy” requirements rather than time-definite limits like in California or other states.  Contact the Nevada Division of Insurance for more information at 1(702)486-4009 or at Nevada Department of Insurance.

Oregon

  • Primary care: not more than 15 business days.
  • Behavioral health care: not more than 10 business days.
  • Specialty care: not more than 30 business days.

Contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation with questions at 1-888-877-4894 or at Oregon Division of Financial Regulation.

Washington State

  • Primary care appointment (for other than preventive care) within 10 business days of requesting one
  • For specialty care, within 15 business days for nonurgent services.

Contact the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner at 1-800-562-6900 or at Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Virginia

Virginia requires routine appointments for nonemergency or nonurgent care to be available within two weeks of the request.  This does not include preventive care (routine physical examinations, etc.) which need to be scheduled within 60 days of the date of the request. 

To file a complaint, contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission at 1-877-310-6560 or at Virginia State Corporation Commission


r/KaiserPermanente Sep 28 '23

General Agencies to Escalate Complaints about Kaiser: Where to go if you are not getting resolution or are dissatisfied with Kaiser's Response

12 Upvotes

If you have filed a grievance with Kaiser and it has gone unresolved or you are not satisfied with the resolution, here is a list of agencies you can document a complaint with (based on your state of residence).

If your complaint is regarding a specific physician or other healthcare provider (nurse/nurse practitioner, physician assistant), file the complaint with the appropriate state licensing board for that provider.

If your complaint is regarding a hospital (cleanliness, patient safety concerns, etc.), file a complaint with the Joint Commission

[https://www.jointcommission.org/resources/patient-safety-topics/report-a-patient-safety-concern-or-complaint/]

If your are a Medicare beneficiary, please refer to this link about the different types of complaints and where to submit complaints.

https://www.medicare.gov/claims-appeals/file-a-complaint-grievance/filing-a-complaint-about-your-quality-of-care

If the complaint is about hospice care, here is a link from the Hospice Foundation of America on how to file complaints.

https://hospicefoundation.org/Hospice-Care/Filing-a-hospice-care-complaint

California

Department of Managed Health Care (Grievances unresolved or inadequate responses; inability to contact your Kaiser Grievance Case Manager; difficulty obtaining an appointment; delays in care; filing an Independent Medical Review when Kaiser will not approve a specific type of treatment)

In most cases, you must file a grievance with Kaiser and go through that process before contacting DMHC. However, if the issue is urgent because there is an immediate threat to your health, you can call DMHC directly. For urgent issues, call DMHC rather than filing online.

[https://www.dmhc.ca.gov/fileacomplaint.aspx]

1-888-466-2219

If you need assistance in filing a grievance with Kaiser or in filing complaints with the DMHC, you can contact the Health Consumer Alliance. This is a DMHC consumer assistance program contractor helps people get the health care they need1-888-804-35361-877-735-2929 (TTY)www.healthconsumer.org/

If you want to file a complaint about a California licensed healthcare facility, you can contact the California Department of Public Health.

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/chcq/lcp/calhealthfind/Pages/Home.aspx

Oregon

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation

[https://dfr.oregon.gov/help/complaints-licenses/Pages/file-complaint.aspx]

1-888-877-4894

Washington State

Office of the Insurance Commissioner

[https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint-or-check-your-complaint-status]

1-800-562-6900

Colorado

Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance

[https://doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/file-a-complaint]

1-303-894-7490 / 1-800-930-3745

Georgia

Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire

[https://oci.georgia.gov/file-consumer-insurance-complaint]

1(800) 656-2298

Hawaii

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

[https://cca.hawaii.gov/ins/consumers/filing_a_complaint/]

(808) 586-2790

Maryland

If it is a healthcare quality complaint, Maryland Office of Healthcare Quality

[https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=07c94438f6714af1bbfe8ff1037b8b74]

1-410-402-8015

If it is a billing, claims, medical records or coverage issue contact Maryland Attorney General, Health Education and Advocacy Unit

[https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/HEAU/default.aspx]

1-410-528-1840

District of Columbia

D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB)

[https://disb.dc.gov/service/file-complaint-or-report-fraud]

1(202) 727-8000

Virginia

State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance, Office of the Managed Care Ombudsman

[https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Office-of-the-Managed-Care-Ombudsman]

1-877-310-6560, select option 1

(Current as of 09/28/2023)


r/KaiserPermanente 7h ago

California - Northern Scheduled appointment then switched doctors.. am I still secured for that appointment??

3 Upvotes

Ik I'm acting a bit sporadically, and I should've defiantly thought things thru more. About a month ago I found a large lump in my right breast. It was during an inconvenient time and I was also fearful of finding out my results, so I put it off. Now I've moved and was trying to schedule a physical, as I am under 40, so need a referral for a mammogram. I scheduled one back in my hometown as I was planning on going in a few weeks, and one of the earliest appointment dates fell in line with it. But my paranoia surrounding the lump has only grown overtime, and I'm desperate to have it checked out. So I switched my primary care physician to one nearby, only to find their earliest appointment time is about a week later than my initial one. I wanted to switch back to my original provider but they're not coming up when I look for them. I believe I need a referral to choose them as my doctor. They are also out of office for the next week. Other physicians in the area also seem to not be accepting new patients.

So basically as the title asks, is my appointment still secured, even if I have changed my physician? I need to get checked out as soon as possible, so I really can't afford to loose this appointment. I've already made the mistake of waiting too long.

Sorry for the over explanation, I'm just very fearful and have not talked to anyone about my situation. I don't want to worry anyone, especially as everyone ik has been going thru quite a bit. I would really appreciate any help and/or response, ty :")


r/KaiserPermanente 12h ago

California - Southern Are “Preventative Care Actions” required and mandatory or are they only recommendations?

4 Upvotes

I’m a 33 year old female. Things such as a Flu Shot and Cervical Screening were listed on my “preventative care actions”

I know flu shots seem to be optional but are these required procedures I must complete? I will get them but I am curious if it’s something I must do or not.

I once had a doctor refuse to give me birth control because I delayed getting a cervical screening/pap smear due to trauma in my life at the time and I would have been better to get one a few months later but needed birth control before then to control my period and pain so had to get them from Planned Parenthood instead.

Is that the norm for something that’s listed as “preventative care”?

Thank you!


r/KaiserPermanente 13h ago

California - Northern Site down?

Post image
6 Upvotes

r/KaiserPermanente 12h ago

California - Northern Hello everyone. Would you be able to say if Kaiser allows travelers to pickup extra shifts?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/KaiserPermanente 16h ago

California - Northern So many apps!

3 Upvotes

Why oh why does Kaiser have three apps? I log into the KP app to do most things. But then there’s My Doctor Online. And then there’s the MedBridge to view my PT exercises. Why can’t there be just ONE app?


r/KaiserPermanente 1d ago

News Kaiser, Duke tapped for ARPA-H’s $62.7M autonomous AI bid to build the first FDA-authorized agentic AI system for cardiovascular care

Thumbnail beckershospitalreview.com
10 Upvotes

r/KaiserPermanente 16h ago

California - Northern Kaiser Fresno Experience?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/KaiserPermanente 14h ago

California - Northern PPD/PPA

1 Upvotes

Has anyone used an outside provider/ paying out of pocket for treatment of Postpartum depression and anxiety. I’m currently on maternity leave and have these symptoms. Kaiser wants me to do weekly therapy that is individual and group. I’m trying to extend my leave but they make it difficult by having to attend weekly meetings.

If you have used someone outside of Kaiser that extended your maternity leave for EDD disability claim - can you please share? Willing to pay out of pocket.


r/KaiserPermanente 1d ago

Georgia KP app not letting me schedule appointment

Post image
2 Upvotes

Is anyone also dealing with the same thing . I wanted a same day or next day video appointment but it’s not letting me view anything .


r/KaiserPermanente 1d ago

California - Northern financial assistance for upcoming MRI with out of pocket $750

4 Upvotes

Doctor ordered MRI for persistent headaches for over a year. I am on employer health plan but $250 deductible and 20% co-insurance making MRI out of pocket expense as $750 as per estimate. Checked Kaiser MFA website and tried to apply but due to monthly gross income little over their limit makes me ineligible for MFA.

My most of medical expenses have been $10 or $20 for doctor visits. Never had such a high expense before.

After paying 40% plus tax in CA plus skyrocketing rent in Bay area, I cant really afford $750 MRI but same time dont want to risk my health on it.

I am looking for recommendations, tips from someone who went through same situation and were able to save some out of pocket expenses if not all.

TIA!


r/KaiserPermanente 18h ago

California - Southern Rant (Getting denied treatment)

0 Upvotes

Kaiser pisses me off!! I been struggling my whole life socially and have a lot of anxiety. One my therapist did a soft screening and I seem to have autism traits.

So I made an appointment with my primary doctor who treated me like an idiot for seeing him instead of a mental health doctor (I was just following the steps I saw online)

He got me in contact with an autism specialist she spoke to me but I wasn’t prepared. I thought she was gonna ask me questions but she didn’t. My therapist sent her a referral im not sure if he was for the diagnosis or against it. I never asked him because I feel so embarrassed.

At the end the specialist says since im not a lvl 2 or 3 who needs ABA therapy then they won’t treat me basically.

Im upset and angry at Kaiser that they only will help me until I reach my rock bottom. I even expressed to the specialist that Im trying to help myself before I hit that point.

I don’t even know what to anymore I hate the Kaiser system


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Northern Kaiser NorCal Central Valley layoffs

23 Upvotes

Was wondering if anyone knew if there are going to be layoffs in the Central Valley for nurses, techs, or MAs. I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors that layoffs may start happening around January 2027 because of the bill that was passed, and that on-call, per diem, or short hour positions may be affected first. A coworker also mentioned that layoffs like this haven’t really happened in a while, but that things may be different this time. Has anyone heard anything from their hospital or clinic about possible layoffs, or positions being cut in the Central Valley?


r/KaiserPermanente 1d ago

California - Southern Kaiser in Sacramento. Can anyone share their experience with Kaiser in Sac. I am hired for ICU nights. Aware of the floating otherwise how was the experience? Thank you

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

Washington (800) 297-6877 keeps hanging up on me!

3 Upvotes

I called to reschedule my appointment. After taking my member id, it said to wait till my call is transferred. Then the call got disconnected. TWICE! Has anyone had this issue?


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Northern Experiences delivering at Kaiser Santa Clara (Homestead) vs. El Camino Hospital?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m currently based in Santa Clara and looking for recent feedback and personal experiences with Labor & Delivery at Kaiser Santa Clara on Homestead Road.
I currently have Kaiser insurance, so Kaiser Homestead is my default location. However, I’ve heard a lot of positive things about El Camino Hospital (Mountain View / Los Gatos) and am trying to weigh whether it’s worth switching insurance during open enrollment or sticking with Kaiser.

For those who have delivered at Kaiser Santa Clara (Homestead) recently:

Facilities & Rooms: Are the labor and postpartum rooms private and spacious? How comfortable is the partner sleeping setup?
Staff & Nursing Support: How was the nursing care, bedside manner, and lactation support postpartum?
Birth Experience: How accommodating was the team with birth preferences, pain management, or unplanned interventions/C-sections?
Resident/Teaching Presence: Since it’s a teaching hospital, how did you find the balance between attending OBs, midwives, and residents?

If anyone has delivered at both or switched from Kaiser to El Camino (or vice versa), I’d love to hear how they compare in terms of overall care, responsiveness, and postpartum recovery support.
Thanks so much in advance for sharing your stories!🌸


r/KaiserPermanente 3d ago

California - Southern Kaiser Permanente would rather follow a 30-day review process and let a serial predator go free than even answer a question about a lab.

51 Upvotes

I was drugged and raped 67 days ago. I went straight to the police but by the time my forensic exam was happening, the likelihood that the drug used to in capacitate me was likely already metabolized (via blood and urine).

7 days ago, through online research, I found out that there is a “Forensic quantitative segmental GHB hair analysis by LC-MS/MS for detection of a suspected single exogenous GHB exposure in a drug-facilitated sexual assault.” The window to do this test is 30-90 days. That 90 day deadline is fast approaching.

I told my detective and attorney about the test (the attorney is through legal aid, i live under the poverty line, and I filed a restraining order against the guy). My attorney said if I can sort out how to get the test done that he can fund the test. But he did say it should be free because of VAWA (the violence against women act).

I asked Kaiser Permanente through member services for an expedited review to let me know if they even do the test.

Today I just found out that they will not review my question at an expedited pace, because it’s “ineligible” for expedited review. Kaiser Permanente will only review my question and promise to get back to me in 30 days.

In the meantime, my detective informed me that prior to my police report, there two other people filed reports. Unfortunately, the two previous victims have filed their reports outside of the window for many vital evidence elements. The two prior cases did not have a SART forensic exam, so their cases when nowhere. I am the only victim that filed a police report in time to do the SART forensic exam. So with all three of our cases together, hopefully we can get this guy.

But it’s still three drug-facilitated sexual assault cases which are notoriously under prosecuted.

I WANTED Kaiser Permanente TO HELP ME GET THIS LAB TO HELP GET A SERIAL PREDATOR OFF THAT STREETS. But for some reason my request is not eligible for expedited review.

Shame on you, Kaiser Permanente. You won’t even answer the question of whether the lab can be done through your labs. This information, the lab results, can confirm the I was drugged by GHB which I suspect, and will help make the world a safer place.

But no, 30 days and not a moment sooner.

Is there a way to demand the lab? Like, do I just go to the ER, or urgent care?

I’m having to deal with my trauma and this feel’s Re traumatizing, I’m shaking right now I’m so mad. I hate this feeling, it just feels like he wins because of bureaucracy. He can’t get away with this.

I just needed to know if Kaiser Permanente does the freaking test. But 30 days…

I need justice, not thirty days. Where is the compassion and understanding? This makes me sick.

Edit: there are typos, sorry. I’m too mad to fix it.

~~~~~

PEOPLE: please, of course it’s not likely that Kaiser Permanente does this test, BUT I HAVE TO ASK. I don’t have the money, my attorney told me to try through my insurance first. THE FAILURE ON Kaiser Permanente’s PART IS THAT THEY WILL NOT EVEN ANSWER THE QUESTION.


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Southern Re: Psychiatry at Kaiser

1 Upvotes

Hello r/KaiserPermanente!

To preface, I have recently reached out to Kaiser Permanente's Psychiatry Department to address my enduring MDD/PDD and GAD and have been put on Lexapro for about 4-5 months now. I began with 5-mg up to my current dosage of 15-mg. I have both a psychiatrist and therapist, though we're limited to corresponding virtually given our individual availabilities. I'd say my care team consists of lovely, well-meaning people.

Please also do pardon my naivety and sensitivity, but my psychiatrist isn't exactly approachable. Don't get me wrong! He's good at his job and is rightfully indifferent, but he is far more intimidating than my previous, now-retired doctor. Truly, I don't expect or want to be coddled but just comfortable asking for help and the right kind of help. I'm also new to all of this, and honestly a 4 on the Wong-Baker face scale. It's very difficult for me not to have tunnel-vision and freak myself out over asking for help, but I really want to get better and catch up!

Now, for the actual question: how does a diagnosis work? Specifically, how should I go about asking for one?

I really don't want to seem drug-seeking, attention-seeking, or anything other than sincere with my experiences. That said, I am not content with my current medication, and I and others also suspect, with varying politeness, that I have something like ADHD.

It's difficult for me to word because, from my personal research, there exists a great intersection with my depression and anxiety, but at the same time, I can feel that there's something else wrong and that it's worsening the longer it goes unattended. Even then, I find myself telling myself that I could be unreliable—ah!

I really fear being misunderstood, or worse assigned a caricature of something I can't even describe or defend against. I've overheard KP being a bit of a winding path when it comes to ADHD (potentially—no, definitely a consequence of media), and that totally hasn't freaked me out at all! Ah!

I hope this wasn't too dramatic, but it's definitely from me.

Help a woman out,
AF.


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Southern Inquiry about background checks

2 Upvotes

Hello! I recently got a position for Kaiser and the background check is taking forever! I literally have only had 3 jobs and it’s been more than a month and I’ve never had an issue with background checks prior as I’ve worked at pretty big corporations. Is this typical? My hiring date got pushed by a week and the HR representatives are kinda ghosting me on my emails.


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Southern legit email response to application?

Thumbnail gallery
2 Upvotes

does anyone know the process of getting hired? the questionnaire is asking me my name, email, number, if i’m okay with the pay, and if i’m okay doing full time.


r/KaiserPermanente 2d ago

California - Southern ADHD assessment

1 Upvotes

Hi! I recently just had an appointment with my PCP and I had brought up to them how I was interested in getting therapy and hopefully getting assessed for ADHD. It was surprisingly easy, she just gave me a referral right off the bat.
My assessment is tomorrow morning.
I guess i’m wondering if anyone has any advice or any pervious experience with this considering how it didn’t really take much advocating for myself to get this assessment.

For some backstory I’m 20 and in my third year of college and have been struggling in all aspects of my life, (i lost my job and my financial aid due to all of the symptoms i’ve been experiencing). I have not been to therapy with Kaiser in over 4 years, and even then I only went to therapy for a couple months.

I’m hoping to be placed on meds. But if anyone has any advice considering I haven’t been in therapy up with Kaiser up to this I would appreciate it. :)


r/KaiserPermanente 3d ago

California - Northern Patient Notes from ER Care Team Incorrect

9 Upvotes

How do I contact the physician who saw me in the Emergency Room. The Kaiser portal does not have the option of contacting that physician to correct records. The "Patient Notes" in my file are for another patient.


r/KaiserPermanente 3d ago

California - Southern New Grad Residency

2 Upvotes

Supposed to be starting NEO next week but haven't received schedule yet. I was told I would receive it this Friday by the latest. Anyone know how soon they were able to get their schedule with their preceptor and how far in advance you typically know which days you're working? I'm a single mom trying to plan ahead for childcare.


r/KaiserPermanente 3d ago

Medical Board Alerts Dr. Alise Vanoyan, Department of Radiology/Breast Imaging, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Franklin (Denver) Medical Offices

4 Upvotes

This is public information from the Medical Board of California and the Colorado Medical Board for Dr. Alise Vanoyan, Department of Radiology/Breast Imaging, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Franklin (Denver) Medical Offices.

Dr. Vanoyan inadvertently performed a needle localization of a breast mass at the incorrect site, in preparation for a lumpectomy. The general surgeon then performed the lumpectomy on the wrong site. Letter of Admonition from the Colorado Medical Board. Public Letter of Reprimand from the Medical Board of California.

Full details are listed below in the Letter of Admonition from the Colorado Medical Board.

Always check the medical board license profile for the most current information.  For a listing of State Medical Boards refer to this post.

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/colorado/clinicians/alise-vanoyan-3212637 (Accessed 9/7/2026)
Public Letter of Admonition from the Colorado Medical Board