[A large network of integrated medical care: the example of Kaiser Permanente in California. First-hand report by a physician].
The Kaiser Permanente (KP) system of integrated medical care is a unique model of medical organization in the USA which achieves the twin goals of economic efficiency and first-rate care. Organizationally, it is quite different from most health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The doctors remain independent, but in an exclusive marriage with the Kaiser Hospitals and the Kaiser insurance, both of which are non-profit. KP cares for over 8 million members. KP ensures continuity of patient care whether at home, as an outpatient, or when hospitalized, and promotes prevention among healthy members. The integration of all services produces very high indices measuring quality of care, as investigated by both the press and official government agencies at a surprising low cost. The system also was found to be more cost-effective than the National Health System in the United Kingdom.
Aelony
Yossef
Y
Habor-UCLA, Torrance, California, USA. y.aelony@cox.net
Tschopp
Jean-Marie
JM
D002140:California; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D009313:National Health Programs; D017149:Private Sector; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013557:Switzerland