Scripps Vs. Sharp Healthcare (San Diego: credit card, centers, moving to)

[RosieSD]

Thanks to everyone who responded.

Dave and AADad, thanks especially for your personal insights into what's going on behind the scenes. I think the new computer system might be part of the issues we've had, as well as the centralization of calls rather than routing directly to the doctor's offices like they used to.

I think the other issue for us is that we had a really excellent primary care physician for so long. If we needed a specialist, she would refer us to specific doctors and not just the department which seemed to streamline things. Now that she's retired, we are feeling a bit adrift in the system. So, maybe once we get more familiar with our new primary care doctor, we'll feel better about things.

So, my husband and I talked it over last night, and we'll stay with Scripps for now.

Thanks again everyone for your sharing thoughts and experiences.

[loveautumn]

I can relate...had a primary for many many years, then he went concierge! His nurse recommended a primary to me and he has been really awesome, sometimes it's good to get a new, fresh outlook. Course now he's quite popular and books up fast.

[malcorub16]

Originally Posted by mauialoha

Hi Rosie,
My wife works for Scripps and we've been with them for 14 years. I had very succesful treatment a couple years ago at Green Hospital and I am not impartial, I think Scripps is the best

That said, Scripps has just recently switched over to an entirely new copmputer system software, called Epic. My wife is dealing with the transition and it has not been smooth. So these issues could very likely be involved in what you are experiencing. Hope it works out for you - personally I haven't had any trouble making appointments.
Dave

Like mauialoha, my wife works directly for the healthcare provider which in our case is Sharp, so our entire family is covered through Sharp Health Plan (much cheaper and better benefits than going through my work's health plan). No complaints about Sharp and we've been with them for about 9 years.

My wife has had a few OP procedures, 4 births and several routine visits for myself, wife and kiddos. Nothing bad to report as far as treatment or access to care. The kids all get stellar service though Rady's Medical Group.

I can't compare to Scripps since we've never been on that plan so I am not suggesting the switch.

[wh15395]

I moved here recently and go to Sharp. They've been great as far as getting appointments and scheduling is concerned. I also like my doctors and go to the Downtown office. Their billing department leaves something to be desired, but it's not horrible. They also are technologically advanced. All of my tests and doctors notes appear on their app, and you sign into appointments with a palm scanning kiosk at their offices. The most I've waited past a scheduled appointment time is 15 mins, which is amazing compared to my doctors in Indianapolis. I'm not from SD though, so I have no insight into how Sharp compares to Scripps.

[hawaiishrimp]

Scripps > Sharp. Period.

[moved]

I use UCSD, and have been considering switching to Scripps. It's getting harder to make appointments, and sometimes I feel like I'm in a factory, because the doctors are rushing.

Today I called to make an appointment with the dermatologist, and the first appointmentt they have in Hillcrest is on August 28, unless I want to go to La Jolla, which I refuse to do. So they told me to go to Urgent Care, so I guess I'll just wait until I go to my dentist in TJ in a couple of weeks, and see the doctor in the office below the dental clinic.

[RosieSD]

So, a quick update. As I mentioned, Scripps called me back the next day with an appointment with the specialist set for four days later. I saw the specialist last Friday at the Torrey Pines location and was reminded of all of the things I like about Scripps -- great treatment from the staff, excellent attention from the specialist, and easy and immediate referral for further tests (and, thankfully, the results of those tests have already come back and were positive news).

I did notice that Scripps is installing self service kiosks for check in, which I guess is part of the roll out of the new system. I think the new system is part of the recent crunch with scheduling that I've been experiencing at Scripps so perhaps once they get the bugs ironed out with that, things will get back to normal with scheduling.

But, I am feeling much better about Scripps this week, and we've decided to stick with them. Thank you again to everyone who responded, both here and through private message. I really appreciate it!

[Kompass]

HI Folks, reviving an older thread that I saved a couple of years back because now it is relevant to me. I am moving to the North County area in 3 days. It has been a whirlwind of activity buying a house in CA and selling one in another state. Things like shopping for healthcare seems to have fallen to the last minute category.

Looks like my two closest hospitals are Scripps and I want to make sure that is still in the "probably best" category. I am also wondering what medical insurance would be best to use there. I honestly do not use much in the way of medical services (lucky) and will likely just get a Bronze plan, but want it to be widely accepted just in case.

What would the group suggest?

[RosieSD]

The list of healthcare plans Scripps accepts is on their website here:

https://www.scripps.org/patients-and...ted-at-scripps

I'm sure Sharp Healthcare also has a similar page. And, you may want to also look into which plans Palomar Health and Kaiser Permanente accept too. Just to give yourself options.

Good luck with your move.

[CNYC]

I use Scripps and have been pleased with the level of service. Someone always tries to squeeze me in.

As far as specialists go and referrals luckily I haven't needed one I was not able to find myself. I get the hunch that my primary Doc wants to keep all the business for himself so he does skin exams and all the rest (?). One stop shopping sounds great but I prefer to use specialists.

I also have doctors in Tijuana which are a huge help to me when maneuvering when the "system" gets difficult.

Healthcare really isn't CARE. They give you enough service without giving you the best. The wouldn't make money otherwise. I think EVERYONE is like that.

Someone in the healthcare field told me that she thinks we are expected to pay for more out o pocket these days . Seems to be the norm..... So hey wait a minute " I pay for insurance , yet I need to go out of network for the most part ? " YEP.

** I hate recommendations to use Urgent Care Clinics.....WHY ? BECAUSE I ALREADY PAY FOR INSURANCE.