Kaiser Permanente is a unique system for the delivery of health care. We have an integrated structure that allows the health plan, the hospital and the physicians and medical group to work together in a coordinated fashion for the benefit of the patient. This level of integration, supported by sophisticated information technology, means that the patient, along with her/his appropriate medical information, can move smoothly from the clinic to the hospital or from primary care to specialty care.
There are many other important features of the Kaiser Permanente system. We have an intense focus on prevention, health education and care management. Using these programs, we have systematically reduced the death rate from cardiovascular disease and colon cancer significantly below the California average. Our goal is to keep people healthy so that they can live long and thrive!
Kaiser Permanente is a physician-driven organization where physicians can practice medicine without the infringement of for-profit insurance companies. This collegial cooperative environment allows us to recruit outstanding physicians and staff. Also, at Kaiser Permanente, our administrative costs are low and that allows us to put more of the health care premium in the actual delivery of care.
The Kaiser Permanente system for the delivery of health care is unique. Our ability to deliver outstanding care for our members has attracted world-wide attention. Health care specialists from around the world frequently visit Northern California to study and learn about us. We are proud of our system of care, but we are not satisfied. We are constantly working to advance our system to better serve our members and improve their health.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We serve approximately 8.9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
