This is regarding the letter from the Group Health member and the long drive for services. (“Travel to see specialists a burden.”) I have been a Group Health subscriber since the mid-’80s. When I get a referral for a specialist, I usually start by asking questions. Do any of these specialists go to Everett or Lynnwood is my first question. I see a dermatologist in Lynnwood. I have had biopsy and skin cancer removal at that facility. I see my cardiologist in Everett, he travels from Seattle, saves me and others a trip. I see a rheumatologist in Lynnwood; she also travels.
One if the reasons I chose Group Health is because they don’t duplicate expensive equipment that they can “borrow” from others they contract with. I usually choose to go to central if it’s necessary and I don’t have a problem with that. My premiums and copays are reasonable, I’m not subjected to unnecessary tests, just to make the bill higher. If at some point if I do need hip/knee replacement I will go to the facility that GH contracts with. Starting in 2016 it will probably be Swedish. If I found this to be problematic, I would change insurance carriers rather than expect the insurance carrier to change procedures.
Carla Klosterman
Mountlake Terrace
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