How Kaiser Permanente Sees Improved Outcomes Through Systemness

Kaiser Permanente occupies a unique space in today’s healthcare marketplace. It is the largest managed healthcare organization in the United States, providing care to 12.6 million members in eight local markets at 40 hospitals and more than 600 medical offices. With a fully integrated, patient-focused system of care, Kaiser Permanente is realizing improved health outcomes and satisfaction for its patients, while ensuring physician wellbeing and engagement of the entire care team. The integrated, team-based system is supported by an industry-leading electronic medical record system, an embrace of emerging technologies as care support tools, and a commitment to drive optimal, short- and long-term patient outcomes. This article highlights the value of integration and systemness, provides examples of Kaiser Permanente’s unique approach, and outlines the vital roles that technology and team-based care play in ensuring Kaiser Permanente’s innovative and integrated approach, as it achieves improved health outcomes.