DEXA Bone Density Test today
For at least ten years, I have been told that I have osteoporosis in my backbone. On my last doctor's visit, I asked whether it is safe for me to buy and carry 48 pound bags of dog food without causing damage to myself. Before answering my question, the doctor ordered a bone density test which I had an hour ago. I was given a handout about osteoporosis and the test that I will gladly share if someone is interested. As usual, I expect to obtain an email in due time asking me to check my Kaiser account where I will find the results of today's test.
BTW, I have been with Kaiser since 1970. In those days, Kaiser was heaven. I had a dozen surgeries, and their specialists are top notch; I only have praise for them. But I do develop nowadays concerns about their Primary Care Physicians (PCP) because they start penny-pinching. Luckily, Kaiser permits a second opinion with a different MD which helps, and it is easy to switch to another physician.
After I retired, I had Medicare for ten years to see what non-Kaiser Medicare providers do, while at the same time continuing with Kaiser through my wife's employer (double health coverage that was expensive.) So, the non-Kaiser PCP urged me to have a prostate biopsy based on my increasing PSA curve, at that time 4.2. But my Kaiser PCP wanted to order a biopsy only after my PSA would have reached, I think, 6.4.
The non-Kaiser facility went ahead with a biopsy and, on basis of that result, Kaiser then removed my prostate within two weeks with the robotic Da Vinci method. Yes, once there is a clear problem, then Kaiser swings decisively into action. The Kaiser surgeon told me afterwards that my cancer had grown to within one millimeter to my bladder. If I had waited, as recommended by my Kaiser PCP, the cancer would have spread with dire consequences.
Conclusion, after experimenting with three non-Kaiser Medicare healthcare providers, I stayed with Kaiser. Primarily because of easy access to PCP's and a basically well-run healthcare system. At non-Kaiser health facilities, I had to wait for weeks to see a PCP, and their urgent care facilities were almost hopeless. That has been my experience.
