[FreeNatalie]

I'm looking for someone that has GHC for insurance and can give me their review as far as their experience with GHC and if they like their insurance or not, what they like or dislike, etc. I'm considering switching, but don't know of anyone else that has GHC that can give me info.

Thanks!

[green union terrace chair]

I'm looking for someone that has GHC for insurance and can give me their review as far as their experience with GHC and if they like their insurance or not, what they like or dislike, etc. I'm considering switching, but don't know of anyone else that has GHC that can give me info.

Thanks!

I've had GHC for years and have had positive experiences for check-ups and the limited times I've needed emergency / semi-emergency care / surgery. Also love their "acute care" system for off-hours low-level emergencies (like, you can go get tested for strep on a Sunday afternoon instead of waiting until Monday and it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg).

In my opinion, having GHC warps your impression of the whole federal health care debate, because it is a private HMO (that's also non-profit), gives great care and doesn't gouge for service. Apparently not the norm given what people nationwide say about their insurers and HMOs.

[Goober McTuber]

I’ve had GHC for at least 20 years, and have generally been satisfied. I particularly like that they offer Complementary Medicine (massage therapy, acupuncture, etc), albeit at a slightly higher co-pay, but $32.50 for a full one hour massage is pretty decent.

I have generally been able to get in to see my primary provider within 24 to 48 hours, though I do utilize the DeForest clinic. They are also very good about referrals to specialists at UW when needed.

[Galoot]

I've had GHC for over 4 years now, and I'm generally pleased. My only complaint is the rather poor level of competence in physical therapy, especially at the downtown clinic. For the last several years, I've chosen to pay out-of-pocket and go to Advanced Physical Therapy, on East Wash, based on recommendations from several friends. The guy there really knows his stuff (comparable to the excellent physical therapy I used to get at the UW Research Park clinic, when I had a different insurer and could go there).

[Dairylander]

I had GHC for a while, and I saved hundreds of dollars using their complementary medicine. Acupuncture, reiki, cranio-sacral... all at half the typical rate. I don't have insurance through them anymore, so I'm now paying $70 per visit for those services. I never used their western medicine.

[Madsci]

GHC has been the provider for my family for 26 years. They have actually gotten better over time. My family members are a hearty bunch so we haven't challenged the system.

[jackisonian]

They are a co-op and that is a great thing.

[Violet_Skye]

I've had GHC for at least five years now and I couldn't be more pleased. Appointments are easy to get at short notice, they take their time and listen to your concerns, you feel like a partner in your own care rather than a patient. I've also used the alternative medicine, and I'm also in DeForest. The only thing that isn't so convenient is having to go to Fitchburg for eye care. I've had Physicans Plus in the past, and Dean before that, and I really prefer GHC by far.

[Donald]

My wife has been at GHC for four years, and has been very pleased. Her primary care provider diagnosed a parathyroid malfunction, and recommended a surgical procedure through UW. The whole process was seamless, and ended well with nearly all costs covered without hassles. She's also had back problems from time to time and uses chiropractors and massage therapy at reduced costs.

The drawback with GHC is that they have different medical departments scattered around town, so you can't get one stop shopping as you can at Dean.

[green union terrace chair]

The drawback with GHC is that they have different medical departments scattered around town, so you can't get one stop shopping as you can at Dean.

The only thing that isn't so convenient is having to go to Fitchburg for eye care.

I agree with these, but can't think of a good alternative. Have them all concentrated in one location? Sure, but I'd selfishly want that location close to me!

[Violet_Skye]

It doesn't bother me that much, I can always find other errands to do before and after the drive to Fitchburg. Ideally something closer to central Madison would be great, but you can't have everything...where would you put it?

[TAsunder]

Surprised to hear people claim they can get appointments quickly. While it isn't any worse than other providers in town, I find it frustrating how long it takes to get appointments. If I'm sick I can get an appointment at urgent care, but my primary care doctor takes weeks. Specialists take months.

Took me two months to get a PT appointment for a back problem I described as more painful than it has ever been. I am convinced that PT doesn't actually work for back problems and they just give you far off appointments and then make you come for 10 weeks in order to wait for regression towards the norm. Of course, that doesn't make any real sense since it would cost them money.

[Goober McTuber]

I’ve never been forced to wait for more than a day or two for an appointment at GHC. Last time I looked, they had eye care at the Capitol Clinic on west Wash.

[TAsunder]

I’ve never been forced to wait for more than a day or two for an appointment at GHC. Last time I looked, they had eye care at the Capitol Clinic on west Wash.

Have you seen specialists? e.g. podiatrist, dermatologist, etc.? Those are the people that particularly took forever to see.

If they have eye care at capitol it's new, because I was required to go to fish hatchery last time (January).

[Goober McTuber]

I got new glasses at Capitol Clinic a few years back. Perhaps they moved all of the optometrists out to Fitchburg now. As for the specialists, I wouldn't know. I have good feet and no zits.