Letter to the Editor: First Priority

Letter to the Editor: The Wednesday letter by Dr. Matt Joseph ("Kaiser's Value") is straightforward and answers some of the unfounded remarks by many who can't see the entire issue we face in this changing world of health care.

My wife and I are members of Kaiser Permanente and have been since we were dumped by another HMO that now wants us back. Fat chance.

I admit that Dr. Joseph is our doctor and we would not want to change. He and all the Kaiser Permanente doctors and support staff are able to take care of patients as their first priority -- as they do not have to worry about the first, second and third billings to Medicare, nor the worry of personnel problems nor the plumbing problem in the restroom.

We have e-mailed this doctor on his day off expecting a reply in a day or two, but he has answered our concerns that very day. This has not been a one-time thing.

Are we concerned about some issues at Kaiser Permanente regarding rising costs and high co-pays? Sure, but if our doctor feels we need an MRI, blood work-up or a specialist, he has the place and personnel at his fingertips to get it done.

We want to thank this doctor and all of them and the support staff at Kaiser Permanente for their professional attention.

Donald and Bernice Reed, Cloverdale

August 25, 2008 Press Democrat