Is Kaiser Open on Veterans Day?
The Short Answer
Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest health care organizations in the United States, follows a holiday schedule for Veterans Day. This means that some Kaiser facilities and services will be closed or have limited hours on November 11th, while others may maintain regular business hours.
What is Veterans Day?
Before we dive into Kaiser’s holiday schedule, let’s take a quick look at what Veterans Day is. Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed annually on November 11th, which is the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Kaiser’s Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here is a breakdown of Kaiser’s holiday schedule for Veterans Day:
• Medical Offices: Most Kaiser medical offices will be closed on Veterans Day. This includes primary care physician offices, specialty care centers, and urgent care centers. However, some offices may have extended hours or provide telemedicine services.
• Hospitals: Kaiser hospitals will have reduced staffing and emergency department coverage on Veterans Day. This means that only emergency and critical cases will be accepted, and non-emergency appointments will be rescheduled for a later date.
• Pharmacies: Kaiser pharmacies will have limited hours on Veterans Day. Check with your local pharmacy to confirm hours as they may vary.
• Labs and Imaging Centers: Kaiser lab and imaging centers will have reduced hours or be closed on Veterans Day.
• Dental Offices: Kaiser dental offices will be closed on Veterans Day.
Important Exceptions
While some Kaiser facilities and services may be closed or have limited hours, there are some important exceptions to keep in mind:
• Urgent Care: Some Kaiser urgent care centers may remain open with reduced hours.
• Telemedicine: Kaiser’s telemedicine services will be available on Veterans Day. You can schedule a telemedicine appointment by calling your primary care physician’s office.
• 24-Hour Nurse Line: Kaiser’s 24-hour nurse line will be available on Veterans Day. You can reach a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-698-8236.
Planning Ahead
To minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of care, Kaiser encourages members to plan ahead:
• Check with your doctor’s office: Before Veterans Day, contact your primary care physician’s office to confirm their hours and any alternative arrangements.
• Schedule non-urgent appointments: Avoid scheduling non-urgent appointments on Veterans Day to avoid disappointment.
• Use Kaiser’s online services: Utilize Kaiser’s online patient portal, Kaiser Permanente HealthManager, to access your health information, schedule appointments, and communicate with your healthcare team.
Conclusion
In summary, some Kaiser facilities and services will be closed or have limited hours on Veterans Day. While this may cause some inconvenience, Kaiser encourages members to plan ahead and use alternative options, such as telemedicine and online services, to maintain continuity of care. Remember to check with your local Kaiser facility to confirm their holiday schedule, and Happy Veterans Day to all the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces!
