Kaiser Permanente Building Back in Full Use

After caused Kaiser Permanente to partially close its main building in Milpitas and relocate several departments, both floors are now back in use as of this week.

"We are thrilled to be back, with our building completely opened," said Dr. Ravita Saluja, the physician in charge of the .

A few surprises are in store for patients, too.

"Our members will be happy to see the new carpets and the refurbished waiting areas, new furniture is on the way, and our new digital mammography suites are beautiful," she said. 

The first-floor suite offers new digital mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, using computerized images and replacing the use of X-ray film. 

It's also part of a new system that allows easier study of mammograms over time: Pictures from two years ago, last year and today are all available on the computer, according to Dr. Susan Kutner, who chairs Kaiser Permanente's Regional Breast Care Task Force.

Because of Kaiser Permanente's electronic medical record system, KPHealthConnect, any Kaiser Permanente physician in Northern California can call up and view  the images, she said. The digital system allows for instantaneous magnification as well, so a patient doesn't have to be recalled for a close-up.

According to Robert Herrera, radiology manager, the machines are much faster, meaning the patient receives less radiation. They offer instant images where any glitches can be detected right away so a re-take can be done.

Because no film is involved, there's no film processing and no chemicals, so digital mammography is more "green." The images are stored on computer servers, so there's no need for racks and racks of pictures, said Herrera.

"Patients love it," he said, "because the exam is faster and more comfortable." 

The departments that were located in Building 770 before the construction are back again. They include Adult Medicine, the Adult Injection Clinic, Forms Intake, Minor Injury Clinic, Occupational Health (MD appointments) and Member Services.

The Adult Travel Clinic and Occupational Health (non-MD appointments) have moved to 700 E. Calaveras Blvd.