Tehachapi's Online Community News & Entertainment Guide

Clients cheer new Kaiser medical office

The Forde Files No 113

Kaiser Permanente unveiled its new medical office in the Tehachapi Junction mall (Starbuck's) Jan. 19, 2016, to the accolades of Kaiser members who live in the Greater Tehachapi area. An estimated 700 of the 5,000 local Kaiser members dropped in during the grand opening of the new facility, which will be staffed with doctors four days a week and a nurse practitioner five days a week. The hours may be extended to Saturdays, depending on demand.

"It's a godsend," said Bill Durr, a 15-year Kaiser member, as he toured the 2,500-square-foot building that is outfitted with the latest medical technology.

A mobile medical unit has been serving the Kaiser members in Tehachapi.

The small medical office concept is unique in the Kaiser system and may become a model for service to small communities, Kaiser Senior Vice President David Womack said. "There's nothing like this in Kaiser Permanente."

The city of Tehachapi, World Wind and Solar and Tehachapi Hospital staff recently have signed up with Kaiser. The facility opens for business on Feb. 1.