Because of a change in jobs, and the way our health care system is tied to our careers here in America (the insanity of it all!), I have to switch from Kaiser to an independent derm through Blue Shield.
What happens when you do this, when you switch docs? Do you just visit the new doc and say you've tried this and this and this and it didn't really work but now your doing this and this and this and it is, and they say good, keep it up, here's your new prescrips? Or is it more complicated than that?
We still have our Kaiser coverage until we can find new docs, but would like to drop it soon.
BTW the NBUVB works really well for me!

When I had to switch Docs, I signed a paper to have all my records sent to the new Doc so he would have all the tests, meds and information on me from the previous Doc so that tests do not have to repeated. That way the new Doc knows what you have tried and he can go from there.
Hope this helps!
Cindy

When I had to switch Docs, I signed a paper to have all my records sent to the new Doc so he would have all the tests, meds and information on me from the previous Doc so that tests do not have to repeated. That way the new Doc knows what you have tried and he can go from there.
Hope this helps!
Cindy
I agree with Cindy that you need to find a dermatologist and then have your records transfered over. If you are using UVB with your current dermatologist then make sure your new dermatologist provides UVB before making the switch.

On the upside you get a fresh set of eyes looking at your treatments....
I agree, this is what I have done in the past & doing right now... Only wanted to add, if you REALLY LOVE your current Dr. - ask for suggestions. I told my Derm why I was having to change & he not only gave me a name, but had his nurses look up her number & address.
Good Luck!!

I just made the switch from Blue Cross to Kaiser - sounds like the reverse of what you are doing! So far I have been VERY happy with Kaiser and find that the system is far better organized, referrals are easier, etc. With Blue Cross, every doc is independent and very little communication.
Just one thought, if you are anticipating that you might at some point be on one of the biologicals, check your policy carefully. With Blue Cross, my copay for Enbrel or any of the injectibles would have been almost $800 per month.

Thanks folks. I was very happy at Kaiser and so was my wife and our 5 month old! We hate to leave and I wish I could change the healthcare system in America so I could have a real choice in coverage. I do not like the fact that health insurance is based on what job you have.
We now have Blue Shield, which is apparently far better than Blue Cross. I'm not looking forward to having to deal with insurance forms. With Kaiser, it's painless and seemless.
I'll ask my doc for a rec.

Just a thought.......... but at my work it was an option during open enrollment once a year - or I suppose if this is a new job you could choose at the beginning - they offered more than one insurance plan. They don't actually tell you this, I had to ASK if there was any way I could get Kaiser. Is that a possibility for you?
Also, the main difference that I am finding is that with Kaiser, if a doc prescribes something, that's what you get. The docs apparently make the decisions. With other insurance plans, the doc can prescribe something, but then you have to find out if your insurance will actually COVER it.