For helping pave the way for change in the health care industry, Kaiser Permanente was named the fifth most innovative health care company in the world by Fast Company magazine.

In the publication's annual 2010 Most Innovative Companies issue, we were recognized for pioneering a shared electronic health record [...]]]>

For helping pave the way for change in the health care industry, Kaiser Permanente was named the fifth most innovative health care company in the world by Fast Company magazine.

In the publication's annual 2010 Most Innovative Companies issue, we were recognized for pioneering a shared electronic health record system with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as for the cutting-edge research being done at our Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center.

The shared health record system with the VA

The pilot program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs enables clinicians from the VA and Kaiser Permanente to share patient data, such as medical history and medication and allergy information, to obtain a more comprehensive view of a patient's health.

This groundbreaking program is the first to tackle the challenges of sharing data across different electronic health information systems. With the ultimate aim of improved quality of care, patient safety, and overall efficiency, the program could become a model for information exchange among medical institutions nationwide.

The Sidney R. Garfield Health Care Innovation Center

Opened in 2006, the Garfield Center is a one-of-a-kind testing ground for the development of new technologies, practices, physical environments, and clinical operations in health care.

Bringing our doctors, nurses, and volunteers together in a common research setting—which includes the unprecedented Digital Operating Room of the Future—research at the center identifies promising new products and practices to be piloted in the clinical environment.

Current and past initiatives have included an award-winning medication error reduction program, simplified exam room and mini family clinic concepts, a handheld computer tablet for nurses and physicians, and a knowledge exchange program for nurses that allows for more efficient data transfer between nursing shifts.

Making the list

In selecting those companies worthy of the "world's most innovative" designation, Fast Company’s editorial team analyzes information on thousands of businesses across the globe. Beyond revenue growth and high profit margins, they seek to recognize companies with creative models and progressive cultures that define innovation across the business landscape.

One of the most radical ways to reform health care is probably the least controversial.

Electronic health records are saving both time and money while revolutionizing and improving the way we treat you when you need care. Following are just some of the benefits of electronic health records:

Efficiency • Diagnosis and treatment [...]]]> One of the most radical ways to reform health care is probably the least controversial.

Electronic health records are saving both time and money while revolutionizing and improving the way we treat you when you need care. Following are just some of the benefits of electronic health records:

Efficiency
• Diagnosis and treatment written down on paper can sometimes be hard to read or can be incomplete. Having your total medical history (including all your prescribed medications, for example) can often be the key to solving a medical puzzle.

Coordination
• Electronic records mean doctors can communicate more easily, improving diagnosis and the quality of care. For example, your family doctor can share vital information with a specialist (or number of specialists), saving you time in the office or maybe even your life in an emergency.

Safety
• Without electronic medical records, every time you go to a doctor's office you have to fill out new forms that include personal information. Every time that paperwork is handed back and forth or moved from office to office there is a chance that your private information might be compromised.

Portability
• If you move or change jobs, electronic health records make it easier for your medical history to go with you. And if your doctor retires or changes practice, those records won't get lost in the shuffle.

Empowerment
• Having access to important parts of your own health record when you want them will help you make vital decisions, such as treatment options, and stay informed so you can get well and stay well.

Learn more about our electronic health record.

Since the beginnings of the environmental movement in the early 1960s, we’ve been dedicated to "greening" our organization and helping others do the same.

Our Modesto Medical Center, which opened last fall, is one example of our effort to be environmentally conscious. Nationally recognized as one of the "greenest" health care [...]]]>

Since the beginnings of the environmental movement in the early 1960s, we’ve been dedicated to "greening" our organization and helping others do the same.

Our Modesto Medical Center, which opened last fall, is one example of our effort to be environmentally conscious. Nationally recognized as one of the "greenest" health care facilities in North America, this 670,000-square-foot facility—situated amid farms and orchards—features materials that reduce energy use as well as earth-friendly furnishings and fixtures.

Other green features include:

• Strategically designed windows and skylights that maximize natural sunlight, which also promotes better health.
• Our fully functioning electronic health record, which eliminates the need for paper files.
• Permeable paving in the parking area, which filters rainwater and prevents runoff into sewers.
• Rubber flooring that doesn’t release toxins or require harsh chemicals to maintain.
• Rooftop solar panels that generate enough electricity to power 50 homes.

Watch the video and take a tour of the Modesto Medical Center.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Electronic records2 can save lives when seconds [...]]]>

Click here to view the embedded video.

Electronic records² can save lives when seconds count, and what we’ve learned from them has led to important medical discoveries.

Kaiser Permanente has long recognized the value of electronic records, and our new television commercial highlights some of the key benefits.

1 Electronic health records improve chronic disease management

2 Kaiser Permanente Northwest recognized for work to prevent heart attacks

Click here to view the embedded video.

In a flash, your doctor can share information or consult with other doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and pharmacists—all working for the [...]]]>

Click here to view the embedded video.

In a flash, your doctor can share information or consult with other doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and pharmacists—all working for the good of your health.

We’ve also connected parts of your electronic health record to secure online tools that make it easy for you to e-mail your doctor, view most lab results, request prescription refills, and make or cancel routine appointments electronically.

Our new television commercial shows how these kinds of connections benefit our members, helping them lead healthier—and happier—lives.

It’s all new. All inclusive. And all about what it takes to thrive.

Here you will find the latest tools, information, and daily posts required to help you live a better, healthier life.

There are six sections to the new site:

Can your e-mail make you healthier? A new study from Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research says yes.

In the study, more than 300 people received weekly e-mails at work urging them to make small health changes, such as eating fruit or walking for 10 minutes on their lunch [...]]]> Can your e-mail make you healthier? A new study from Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research says yes.

In the study, more than 300 people received weekly e-mails at work urging them to make small health changes, such as eating fruit or walking for 10 minutes on their lunch break. By the end of the 16-week program, these people were more active, were eating more fruits and vegetables, and had reduced their intake of trans fats and saturated fats.

"The takeaway message here for people who want to improve their diet and physical activity, and for employers who want a healthier workforce, is that e-mail intervention programs are a very cost-effective way to get healthy," said study lead investigator Barbara Sternfeld, Ph.D., a senior research scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research.

Find out why this e-mail intervention program was so successful.

Would you like to access your health records from home, e-mail your doctor, order prescriptions and better manage your health online?

You can with My health manager. An online program available to members.  In fact, more than 3 million Kaiser Permanente members are already taking advantage of this unique application.

In addition [...]]]> Would you like to access your health records from home, e-mail your doctor, order prescriptions and better manage your health online?

You can with My health manager. An online program available to members.  In fact, more than 3 million Kaiser Permanente members are already taking advantage of this unique application.

In addition to the existing health tools on weight management, pain management, and  smoking cessation that are a part of My health manager, Kaiser Permanente recently introduced online healthy lifestyle programs for diabetes, depression, insomnia, and back pain to the site, and more.

See how members are using My health manager to improve their health.

Having your medical records with you on the road isn’t easy. But some residents of Hawaii are about to find out how easy it is when your records are electronic.

Those residents will be receiving care via a new, portable 500-square-foot, 10-wheel mobile health vehicle from Kaiser Permanente. The [...]]]> Having your medical records with you on the road isn’t easy. But some residents of Hawaii are about to find out how easy it is when your records are electronic.

Those residents will be receiving care via a new, portable 500-square-foot, 10-wheel mobile health vehicle from Kaiser Permanente. The vehicle will provide a full range of medical services, plus allow the medical team to access Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect™ — an electronic health record system with critical information on each member.

This mobile vehicle is bringing a new level of care to the island.