Frequently Asked Questions

Our physicians are recruited from the top medical schools in the nation and rigorously vetted before joining Kaiser Permanente, and only 1 in 10 applicants become Kaiser Permanente physicians. Because of our unique care model that allows them to focus solely on their patients, many doctors actively pursue opportunities to work at Kaiser Permanente and every Kaiser Permanente doctor is board-certified.

Kaiser Permanente offers a plan for every budget and every lifestyle. Whether you’re single and healthy, have a family, or manage an ongoing condition, you can find a plan that will fit your specific financial and medical needs.

Rather than having a limited choice, Kaiser Permanente members are actually freed from the uncertainty of knowing whether they’re getting quality care. Our doctors are recruited from the top medical schools in the nation — so you can be confident that you’re getting the care you need, no matter who your physician is.

If you would like to see doctors that are not in-network for specialty care, you can choose a plan that gives you not only access to the Kaiser Permanente physicians throughout metro-Atlanta, but also thousands of physicians who have private practices in the community. No matter which doctor you see, your plan will still be part of Kaiser Permanente’s integrated system, where you can take advantage of our telehealth options, get medical attention at any of our 24/7 Advanced Urgent Care centers, use kp.org to manage your care, and much more.

This means that your health care is connected — all of your doctors work in sync to support your care, sharing your information via an electronic medical record. And because your doctors and your health plan work as one, you don’t have to worry about managing your own care — you don’t have to call around to see what’s covered, tote paperwork to appointments, or find a specialist on your own. This integrated structure means your care is seamless — as it should be.

You can change doctors anytime, for any reason, without having to transfer your records on your own. Just search our doctor profiles and choose one that best fits your needs. Your new doctor will have access to all of your health history right away.

Most Kaiser Permanente plans permit you to get prescriptions only from a Kaiser Permanent pharmacy. Some plans allow you to get prescriptions out-of-network, but when you get prescriptions from a Kaiser Permanente pharmacy, rest assured they’re coming from one of the most advanced, evidence-based formularies in the world.  And because our pharmacy is another part of our connected care system- you get the benefit of seamless communication between your pharmacist and your doctor. And you can easily fill them online and even have them delivered right to your door.2

If you have an immediate care need that is non–life-threatening, you can go to any of our three 24/7 Advanced Urgent Care Centers in the metro-Atlanta area. You can receive care for minor injuries and illnesses, and the doctor you see will have access to your electronic health record, including medications — they can even see what appointments you have scheduled.

Our multiple telehealth options — 24/7 nurse advice by phone, 24/7 video visits,3​ email, e-visits, and online Chat with a Doc — make it easy for you to get the care you need at the time you need it, without disrupting your day. Unlike other health plans, our telehealth options are simply extensions of your integrated care — not third-party platforms. Only Kaiser Permanente clinicians will access your electronic medical record, allowing them an informative history of your medical situation from the beginning.

You can schedule a video visit³​ with your primary care physician. Or, if you need care that can’t wait for a scheduled visit, you can book a virtual visit with any available Permanente doctor. Any doctor you see has access to your electronic health record, so you’ll always receive the same quality of care.

If you’re hurt or sick while traveling, we’ll help you get care. Before you leave for your trip, we’ll make sure you have what you need, including vaccines, prescriptions, and more. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 Away from Home Travel line at 951-268-3900.

Every Kaiser Permanente physician is board-certified, which means they demonstrate a mastery of knowledge and skills in their chosen area of medicine.

If you require specialty care for a health concern, your primary care physician will refer you to the right specialist. They can even make the appointment for you. Your specialist will have access to your health history, including medications prescribed, past surgeries, procedures, and more.

Many surgeries can be performed as outpatient procedures at our Comprehensive Medical Centers. For scheduled hospital stays, you’ll likely get your care at Emory University Hospital Midtown or Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. There, Kaiser Permanente doctors — with access to your electronic medical record — will be on site to provide our celebrated model of coordinated care.

You also have access to some of Atlanta’s other most respected hospitals including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Members with plans that include the Athens service area also have access to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.

When you’re living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, we help you manage your condition and stay on top of the care you need. Your primary care doctor works with your specialist to personalize your care based on both your specific care needs and your lifestyle.

Kaiser Permanente supports not only your physical health, but also your mental health. Since your mind and body are connected, we offer care that keeps your mind, body, and spirit at their healthiest. You can see a behavioral health specialist without a referral at Kaiser Permanente.

Kaiser Permanente currently has over 26 medical centers located throughout the metro-Atlanta area. Explore our locations here.