[porwolf]

I have been wit Kaiser in Los Angeles for a long time. When I had a specific need for a doctor I could get a reasonably quick appointment, mostly with specialists, after talking to a nurse administrator. I like their after hours walk-in program with no need for an appointment and they are connected to the emergency department. In a couple of cases I went directly into the emergency department and got quick and thorough treatment. I like the idea that all services are under one roof and the doctors are on salary. I always found the staff to be courteous, helpful and knowledgeable. A shoulder surgeon once treated and advised me. He was not anxious to do surgery because there is no money in it for him, he gets paid anyway, I guess. A long time ago I was with Blue Cross but I found their whole system to be too complicated, too many exemptions and exceptions. And I don't like to go from one medical service to another for the same treatment.