Kaiser awarded contract for city physicals

DOWNEY - The city of Downey has struck a deal with Kaiser Permanente to conduct physical exams on police and fire personnel.Downey has contracted with Santa Fe Springs-based Health First Medical Group since 2005, but Downey officials said they liked Kaiser's medical facilities and its location within the city limits. Kaiser's rates are "competitively priced," said Irma Youssefieh, Downey's human resources director. Kaiser's rates are higher in some areas due to itemized costing rather than a bundled rate as provided by Health First Medical Group, Youssefieh said. According to the city's contract with Kaiser, a pre-placement medical exam for a non-sworn employee will be $200.25; a pre-placement exam for a police officer or firefighter will average $1,002. A return-to-duty evaluation will be billed at approximately $335. Physicals for police and fire personnel under age 45 will be $772. The price becomes $1,075 for personnel over age 45.

********** Published: June 24, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 10