Kaiser primary care doctor in Oakland
Does anyone have a female primary care doctor at Kaiser who seems to actually care about them? My awesome doc moved away and the 2 I've had since have been like an insurance company poster child - their first response is automatically "no," they excel in delay, and are pretty dismissive. Ideally I'd like someone older, who actually understands the experience of menopause and doesn't just parrot what some textbook says about it. I'm in Oakland but I guess I'd go to Richmond if there are no Oakland recommendations. Thanks, and sorry for the obvious bitterness, I am so done with Kaiser but can't afford a PPO and do at least like the "all under one roof" convenience (and also the ER folks are all amazing).
Apr 10, 2023
Parent Replies
Well, if it makes you feel any better... I have Kaiser but my partner has a PPO, and every time I get annoyed with Kaiser, I look at the shenanigans he has to put up with and I re-double my appreciation for Kaiser. He has all the problems that you're describing and then some, including having a terrible time just finding a good primary care physician. Sigh. I think it's rough out there for everyone.
My GP at Kaiser is not older (she's maybe 30's or early 40's), but I do find her very responsive and really great at listening and entertaining whatever requests I throw her way. I'm not sure if she is taking new patients, but her name is Kara Durand, and she's in Oakland.
That is so frustrating. I have had a couple of similar experiences with Kaiser (the first doctor I saw back when we lived in SF was AWFUL). And just as frustratingly I have now had two wonderful OB/GYNs in Oakland who have shifted to more specialized care and out of general practice. So I can really relate to the difficulties of finding someone you really like within Kaiser. With that said, my GP here in Oakland is a male (Dr Steven Nash) so he doesn’t exactly fit the bill for you. I do find him to be extremely empathetic and a great listener, and he has never said no to an ask that I have had. He also does pediatrics and sees my daughter. If you are comfortable with considering a male, I’d recommend trying to see him.
I just moved away and was bummed to let go of my GP at Kaiser Oakland - Dr. Nancy Palmer (in the Fabiola Bldg). She has been excellent for the past 10+ years. She actually remembers me between visits, is genuinely kind and thoughtful, very responsive over messaging, and I never worried about her conclusions or assessments (and I'm a Pedi Nurse Practitioner and quite picky!) I've never experienced a delay in care from her or found her to be dismissive. Good luck.
My Kaiser doc isn't older but she is caring--Ru-Huey Yen. I went through menopause with her as my doc.
I've been with Dr. Cua at Oakland about a decade, and she manages to make her care feel personal. I've been very happy with her responsiveness when I needed something from her.
Dr Carla wicks at Richmond Kaiser. I have only seen her a few times so far but very impressed.