A Change to Our Relationship with Kaiser Permanente
We want to share an important update about our relationship with Kaiser Permanente.
For the past 15 years, SageMED has participated in Kaiser's PPO network, allowing Kaiser PPO members to see our providers as an in-network benefit.
Kaiser recently notified us that, in order to remain in-network, our practice would need to join Kaiser's HMO network rather than continue under our current PPO arrangement. Our providers do not want to practice under HMO guidelines, and we are not Kaiser providers.
We asked Kaiser whether we could continue caring for the patients we already serve under our existing PPO arrangement while simply no longer accepting new Kaiser patients. Unfortunately, Kaiser denied that request.
As a result, we are being removed from the Kaiser PPO network effective August 31, 2026.
What This Means for Kaiser PPO Patients
Beginning August 31, 2026, SageMED will no longer be an in-network provider for Kaiser PPO plans.
Visits on or after this date will be considered out-of-network under your Kaiser PPO plan. Depending on your specific plan, this may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
We understand that this change may be difficult, especially for patients who have been receiving ongoing care with our providers.
What You Can Do
We encourage you to contact Kaiser Member Services using the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about your specific coverage.
You may want to ask Kaiser about:
Your out-of-network benefits
Whether your plan allows you to see out-of-network providers
Whether you can submit a superbill for reimbursement
What percentage of out-of-network care may be covered
Whether continuity of care provisions may apply to your situation
Continuity of care provisions may sometimes be available for patients who are pregnant, receiving active treatment, or managing a chronic condition. Kaiser can confirm whether any of these provisions apply to your specific situation.
If You Would Like to Continue Care at SageMED
If you would like to continue seeing your SageMED provider as a self-pay or out-of-network patient, please contact our office. We can discuss what that may look like and, if your plan provides out-of-network reimbursement, provide a superbill for you to submit to Kaiser.
If You Would Prefer to Transition to a Kaiser Provider
If you would prefer to transition to an in-network Kaiser provider, we are happy to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
Once you have selected a new provider, contact our office and we can send your records promptly.
We Are Here to Help
We are genuinely sorry for the disruption this change may cause.
This is not a change we sought or wanted. We worked to find a path that would allow us to continue caring for our existing Kaiser PPO patients, but Kaiser did not make that option available to us.
We value the relationships we have built with our patients and remain committed to helping you navigate this transition.
Questions?
Call or text: (425) 679-6056 | Billing: Select option 2
Email: info@sagemed.co
If you have questions about your care or how this change may affect you, please don't hesitate to reach out to our office.
Sincerely,
SageMED
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