Contact the health plan before enrolling to make sure they cover your ZIP Codes and that their provider network is accepting new patients in your area. As a former employee, I know that Kaiser San Francisco has some of the lowest infection rates in the bay area when it comes to cardiac surgery. I just want to call hey I’m sick, ok we can see you this time this week. I have had generally good care and converage from Kaiser. Sutter Health will pay $575 million to settle a closely watched antitrust case filed by California Atty. This is especially true in areas where Sutter and Dignity Health (the old Catholic Health Care West) are dominant. "Well, you know, Kaiser was a really tough competitor when I was at Sutter Health, and now that I’m on the other side Sutter Health is a really tough competitor. First, let's address the big question. Kaiser Permanente says it will administer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible people "regardless of their health … But “what [Becerra] did was bring together hard facts with top-notch scholarship proving there was an overwhelming problem and that Sutter’s strong-arm tactics were the cause of the problem.”, Anthony Wright, executive director of the advocacy group Health Access California, said he wasn’t privy to the settlement details, but that he expected it to include “some meaningful remedies in terms of adjusting some of the anti-competitive practices and contract provisions that Sutter has advanced over the years.”, “While we await the details of the settlement,” he said, “the lawsuit itself sends a strong signal to hospital chains across the nation and all health care providers planning to adopt predatory prices.”, Jaime King, associate dean and a professor of law at UC Hastings College of the Law, said Sutter’s decision to settle “in some ways is not a surprise. On average, Kaiser and Western Health Advantage are the two best priced plans in a given area. If you’re looking for a job in a stable industry, you should probably go into health care. There were audible cheers from the jury following the announcement that the trial, which was expected to last three months, would not continue. Just anecdotally, I have a therapist friend whom I trust who has told me that, in the therapy community, Kaiser has a very poor reputation. Let us know at KHNHelp@kff.org, Hard Bargain: Biden and Congress Agree on Basic Relief, but Chasms Remain on Covid Plan, ‘Cruel’ Digital Race For Vaccines Leaves Many Seniors Behind, A Recipe for Trouble? Surprise Settlement In Sutter Health Antitrust Case, Big Hospitals Dictate Premiums Using Their Clout, As Hospital System Expands, Patient Advocates Worry, California Hospitals: Prices Rising Rapidly, But Quality Varies, Health Giant Sutter Destroys Evidence In Crucial Antitrust Case Over High Prices, California Hospital Giant Sutter Health Faces Heavy Backlash On Prices. Thanks! By comparing employers on employee … You may also use our online service, the Health Plan Search by ZIP Code, available at www.calpers.ca.gov. Here’s what we ask: You must credit us as the original publisher, with a hyperlink to our khn.org site. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. The agreement was announced in San Francisco Superior Court on Wednesday morning, just moments before opening statements were expected to begin. Sutter also disputed that its prices are higher than other major health care providers, saying its internal analyses tell a different story. If possible, please include the original author(s) and “Kaiser Health News” in the byline. Gary Caine joined the Sutter Health Board of Directors in August 2018. If you have a low deductible and/or you hit your deductible anyway, that might be less of an issue. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. While representatives for both sides confirmed they had reached a tentative settlement, they would not divulge details of the agreement, which must be approved by the court. Nov 22, As Hospital System Expands, Patient Advocates Worry Over at the New York Times, Elisabeth Rosenthal continues her terrific series on the high cost of health care in America. On Thursday, many Bay Area seniors struggled to sign up for COVID-19 vaccines, while others found quick success. We don't really have anything else to base major services on, so we'll continue down this path unless something changes our minds. Large health systems like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health; The county’s health department that receives between 100 to a few thousand a week – a small number of doses, … There are a lot of very large health systems that are charging a lot of money for their services, and this case had the opportunity to give us much more insight into what we’re spending our health care dollars on.”. All rights reserved. We appreciate all forms of engagement from our readers and listeners, and welcome your support. Our son was born in the Kaiser health system and everything went off without a hitch. The lowest-cost silver-tier plan costs 26 percent more in Alameda County vs… It’s usually when I have the flu or something and I want to see a doctor now. My family loves kaiser and that’s the big selling point. Enter City or … The Sutter Health Plus provider network in the greater Sacramento, Central Valley and Bay Area communities includes 29 hospitals and campuses, more than 7,000 providers, Sutter Walk-In Care … Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine from Sutter Health. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Compare Sutter Health vs Kaiser Permanente BETA See how working at Sutter Health vs. Kaiser Permanente compares on a variety of workplace factors. Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health are administering vaccines in the Bay Area with supplies issued directly from the state rather than the county. State releases latest COVID-19 statistics On Friday, the state of California announced just over 50,000 new cases of coronavirus, … Open enrollment at work and I have to get away from WHA. Everything is under one roof and they don't spare the wellness services, pharmacy, lab, x-ray, etc. In addition to its 24 hospitals, Sutter’s nonprofit health system has 35 surgery centers, 32 urgent-care clinics and more than 5,000 physicians in its network. The nonprofit giant has 24 hospitals, 34 surgery centers and 5,500 physicians across Northern California, with $13 billion in operating revenue in 2018. I've used both, I like both. They've also been the most transparent in my experience, and since everything is essentially under one roof, you're less likely to be surprised by something that wasn't covered, or have to burn a bunch of time trying to figure out if a given procedure is covered ahead of time. The state’s lawsuit alleged Sutter has aggressively bought up hospitals and physician practices throughout the Bay Area and Northern California, and exploited that market dominance for … If you have no issues, Kaiser is great. Also set me up with physical therapy once a week for a month and a half. I don’t want to email them and ask questions. Of course, I had no idea since I thought I had done all the right things... now I’m stuck with a huge bill. In many areas, this is THE title fight! Good points here. Gen. Xavier Becerra, whose office had accused the nonprofit healthcare giant of using … Maybe change doctors or something? Nov 21, California Hospitals: Prices Rising Rapidly, But Quality Varies Even with details of the agreement not yet public, attorneys and patient advocates said they expect the settlement to mark a pivotal moment. Kaiser and Blue Shield of California. Nov 17, California Hospital Giant Sutter Health Faces Heavy Backlash On Prices If a story is labeled “All Rights Reserved,” we cannot grant permission to republish that item. Sutter stood accused of violating California’s antitrust laws by using its market power to illegally drive up prices. Comparing Kaiser and Western Health Advantage . Jenny Gold: Reversal of California Outdoor Dining Ban Has Heads Spinning, Covid-Certified Businesses Try to Woo Leery Patrons. Price is less an issue than quality and availability of care. It's great for preventative and routine but don't actually get sick. Sutter, Kaiser among hospitals hit by Northern California blackouts ... including parts of Sacramento and the Bay Area. For mental health be VERY careful, they go through Optum and it’s a complete shitshow. We distribute our journalism for free and without advertising through media partners of all sizes and in communities large and small. So, personally, even though I use Kaiser for my own physical health needs, I go to a private therapist and pay for it out-of-pocket. I'm a nurse and when it came time to choose my plan, I went Sutter all the way! A forum about Sacramento, for Sacramento. Kaiser … Everytime I request something, from x-rays of an injury to antidepressants, they deny my request and just give me a shitty pamplet. © 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation. Pricing! Subscribe to KHN’s free Morning Briefing. If you have any major maladies, I'd do a bit of research before committing to Kaiser. All things equal, Kaiser is usually one of the cheaper options. Sutter continues to face trial on a separate federal antitrust lawsuit. If you and/or your family are in general good health, Kaiser is fine. If that’s a factor, I would take Sutter without question. David Balto, a former federal regulator who is now an antitrust lawyer in Washington D.C., called the developments “precedent-setting.”, “You have all these metropolitan markets where you have large hospital systems, but Sutter Health in the Bay Area is like the filet mignon of the problem,” Balto said. Some health plans are available only in certain counties and/or ZIP Codes. "Sutter patients who are healthcare workers or aged 75+ can now schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments," the health care provider said in a statement. Officials with the attorney general’s office and Sutter Health declined requests for comment. They have, fairly recently, received record-breaking fines for the length of their delays for patients' receipt of mental health treatment and, especially troublingly, for discouraging patients from seeking mental health … Sutter Health (Palo Alto Medical … If you require some specialized care, I would say opt for Sutter or UCDMC. Health care costs in Northern California, where Sutter is dominant, are 20% to 30% higher than in Southern California, even after adjusting for cost of living, according to a 2018 study from the Nicholas C. Petris Center at the University of California-Berkeley that was cited in the complaint. “The problems in San Francisco are bigger than anywhere else. Is price a consideration? The state’s lawsuit alleged Sutter has aggressively bought up hospitals and physician practices throughout the Bay Area and Northern California, and exploited that market dominance for profit. Seems odd. Kaiser is allowing health care workers, long-term care patients and staff and emergency medical services workers to set up an e-visit to book a vaccine. But I rarely go to the doctor. So which give better health care overall, Sutter Roseville or Kaiser Roseville? There are areas … Hourly pay at Sutter Health ranges from an average of $18.75 to $66.08 an hour. Cookies help us deliver our Services. The case was a massive undertaking, encompassing years of work and millions of pages of documents, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said beforehand. Thank you for your interest in supporting Kaiser Health News (KHN), the nation’s leading nonprofit newsroom focused on health and health policy. Sutter Health Plus is an HMO health plan affiliated with not-for-profit Sutter Health, offering health plans in the greater Sacramento, Central Valley and Bay Area communities. "We’re currently vaccinating … Click the button below to go to KFF’s donation page which will provide more information and FAQs. Do you have a psychiatrist through Kaiser? IE: diagnostic tools such a MRI are only scheduled after months of failed treatment (and ongoing pain). We encourage organizations to republish our content, free of charge. They have, fairly recently, received record-breaking fines for the length of their delays for patients' receipt of mental health treatment and, especially troublingly, for discouraging patients from seeking mental health treatment. They really fuck their mental health patients around. We typically see Western Health … Oct 18, Health Giant Sutter Destroys Evidence In Crucial Antitrust Case Over High Prices Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo told the jury impaneled for the case that details likely would be made public during approval hearings in February or March. If the plaintiffs prevailed, Sutter was expected to face damages of up to $2.7 billion. SAN FRANCISCO — Sutter Health has reached a tentative settlement agreement in a closely watched antitrust case brought by self-funded employers, and later joined by the California Attorney General’s Office. It’s important to note, not everything on khn.org is available for republishing. @JennyAGold, By Jenny Gold If they need (and often do) need things like blood work they just get it done quickly. Kaiser is the fast food of health care. Sutter Health consistently denied the allegations, saying its large, integrated health system offers tangible benefits for patients, including more seamless, high-quality care and increased access for residents in rural areas. Sutter Health pays its employees an average of $35.12 an hour. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) I can only speak for myself, but I've had great experiences with Kaiser. His work experience includes 39 years with Deloitte & Touche in the San Francisco Bay Area, where most recently he was … Not Kaiser! On the eve of trial, we often see big settlements.”, Still, she said, it comes at a cost: “I think it’s a shame we won’t ever get to see the evidence that would have been brought forward in this case about Sutter’s contracting and pricing practices. I'm not sure about Sutter, but Kaiser's mental health treatment is pretty renowned for being quite poor. 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