Kaiser Permanente is one of America's leading integrated healthcare organizations. Founded in 1945, this nonprofit, group-practice, health-maintenance organization (HMO) serves the healthcare needs of members in nine states and the District of Columbia.
After a 1999 net loss of $6 million, KFHP/H reported a net income of $584 million for the year 2000. Dale Crandall, organization president, says the company has focused on quality and safety to improve management of hospital utilization and patient care in its member facilities.
Reaching a national base of 8.1 million voluntarily enrolled members. Kaiser, through its regionalized divisions, operates 29 medical centers and 42 medical offices.
The company has entered into group purchasing arrangements and is instituting a national clinical information system that encompasses electronic medical recordkeeping and other related clinical guidelines in all Kaiser facilities.
