I had been sick for over 6 years and was in the "care" of doctors at Kaiser. Kaiser doctors NEVER provided a diagnosis and in the end, told me my symptoms were in my head.
Last year, I developed neurological disorders that rendered me unable to work. A friend recommended Open Medicine Institute. I called and they had a 6 months waitlist! I was shattered. So I sent OMI a video of my seizures and they squeezed me in within 2 weeks.
Doctors at Kaiser, in 6 years, never diagnosed me. Within 28 days (the time it took to run my complex blood cultures - cultures take a long time), I finally got answers and started treatment. That was a year ago.
Since being in the care of OMI, my neurological symptoms have decreased, stamina stronger and I am improving. OMI specializes in hard to solve cases and I am forever grateful for the care I have received there.
Regarding insurance, they do not accept insurance, but I am able to file for out of pocket reimbursement with my new health insurance. Also, OMI will accommodate which labs are used based on what your insurance covers (but you have to call your insurance and ask which lab corporations are covered).
Blood draws have always been very easy there and I've had 24 draws in the past year from 3 different labs, 2 other medical facilities and from OMI. The phlebotomists there are wonderful. There was one time, when they were replacing a phlebotomist that a temp didn't do as clean of a draw, but it was tolerable.
My father was a medical researcher, and I use to assist him with heart taps and blood draws on animals, so I am very familiar with various procedures. I'm also familiar with why external labs are needed (especially for specialized cultures and studies). I liken it to the eyewear industry - those with specialized prescriptions, like prismatic lens, require external labs to fill the orders - and believe me, it is best to have labs that specialize.
I also appreciate that my doctor at OMI is very open to my concerns about procedures and whenever I've written my doctor with side effects from medication, he responds promptly. I am very happy with all of the care I have received there. read more