While visiting family in the summer of 2021, Kaiser Permanente member Rich Maloy nearly blacked out. He promptly went to see his primary care doctor, who was already aware of Rich’s congenital heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve. His doctor performed an echocardiogram and immediately referred him for valve replacement surgery after seeing the test results. Now Rich says, “I feel great today.”
Prompt cardiac care saved Rich’s life. We at Kaiser Permanente — the exclusive health care sponsor of the Colorado Golf Association — know how to protect and heal hearts with collaborative, team-based cardiac care. Our primary care doctors, specialists, and clinicians work together to help our members avoid heart disease or — like in Rich’s case — live longer with heart conditions. This is why our members are 33% less likely to experience premature death due to heart disease.*
Kaiser Permanente cardiologist Mark Jeong, MD, explains, “The beauty of cardiac care at Kaiser Permanente is the integrated nature of the practice. It’s that integration that makes timely, expeditious care possible.” Rich agrees and adds, “This is a unique aspect of Kaiser Permanente with this integrated model, because the doctors are focused on the patient.”
Looking back on his experience, Rich is thankful for the relationship he has with his primary care doctor and the care he received during a very scary time in his life. “Being able to just sit down and have a conversation with a doctor for an hour to go through everything that could be happening is incredibly important. And in this case was lifesaving.”
Visit kp.org/co-stories to watch the video about Rich’s lifesaving Kaiser Permanente care, including early detection and surgery.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of Colorado’s largest nonprofit health care organizations. We offer health care and coverage together. In our integrated health care system, connected teams coordinate your care seamlessly to keep you healthy and doing what you love. Learn more about our approach to simple, personalized health care at kp.org/co.
