Recap: Primary Care in Value-Based Care System
Healthcare leaders from across the globe came together to learn about Kaiser Permanente’s approach to primary care in a value-based care system. During three packed days in the San Francisco Bay Area, participants learned about Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model care that provides high-quality, patient-centered care while also promoting value and innovation.
With increased emphasis on value-based care worldwide, and a recognition that more care needs to move upstream, we flipped the perspective and started through the lens of primary care and how our general practitioners play a coordinating and unifying role within the entire health system.
This is so valuable for people that are looking to learn more about Kaiser and how it has been so successful.” – October 2024 Primary Care in a Value-Based Care System participant testimonial.
Day one focused on the foundations of the Kaiser Permanente model and how the model is designed. It began at our Oakland headquarters, where Sam Glick shared our new enterprise strategy, with a discussion about how Kaiser Permanente is working to expand value-based care within the United States through Risant Health. Carol Cain showcased our commitment to quality and clinical innovation, highlighting how enterprise-wide capabilities provide easy access to clinical guidance and care pathways making the best care the easiest thing to do. Discussions throughout the day emphasized our digital-first transformation journey led by Peter Richter, sharing how we use technology to help guide patients to the most convenient and appropriate care. The Care Experience team with the Permanente Medical Group, led by Jason Guardino, MD concluded with an inspiring presentation in which he elaborated on how we prioritize exceptional patient experiences and place our members at the center of everything we do.
On the second day, we visited our cutting-edge Mission Bay medical office, where attendees explored the practical implementation of our primary care model. Jafer Jeelani, MD and his team shared how starting in 1997, the Appointment and Advice Care Center (AACC) at Kaiser Permanente has been increasing access and providing virtual care to members, often as the first step in receiving care within our system. See the video to the left for an overview of our AACC.
Dr. Aana Brenman and Mary Clare Oleshki’s insights on Quality and Population Health highlighted our commitment to preventive care and maintaining health rather than just treating illness. That afternoon was dedicated to discussing our innovative Health Education initiatives and the essential contribution of Patient Advisory Councils in influencing both our care delivery methods and patient-centered strategies.
On the final day of the program, we looked toward the future of healthcare, and considerations in shifting to value-based care. Conversations on financing value-based care and change management identified key considerations when making shifts to new models of care. The session on collaborative care in mental health, led by Dr. Maria Koshy and Carrie Lee, was particularly impactful, showing how we address the full spectrum of health needs, starting with primary care. This mental health program at Kaiser Permanente builds on the research and outcomes from the IMPACT Study and multiple trials, which showed improved response to treatment symptoms of depression. A highlight for many was our visit to the Berkeley medical offices, where our multidisciplinary team, including Drs. Linsey Pierce and Jennifer Tenney, and Associate Chief Administrative Officer Laura Peterson demonstrated how our integrated care principles are applied in a primary care setting.
The program wrapped up with insightful and forward-looking discussions on social health led by Dr. Anand Shah and Nancy Taylor, followed by Vivian Tan’s compelling exploration of the future of healthcare, looking into artificial intelligence, precision medicine, new care settings, and healthy behaviors.
These discussions provided participants with a view of how Kaiser Permanente is approaching the future of integrated, value-based care. Kaiser Permanente is continually working to get better at what we do, from improving health outcomes to increasing affordability of health care.
Our next Integrated Care Experience program will be in May 2025 in the Southern California Area. We hope to see you then!
The entire program was very well organized, and the connection between theory and practice was very well timed.” – October 2024 Primary Care in a Value-Based Care System participant testimonial
