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Summary
The Kaiser Permanente Health Appraisal System uses high-technology for efficient, cost-effective routine physicals. This automated system provides comprehensive health data at a lower cost than standard outpatient visits.
Area of Science:
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- The Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program implemented a Health Appraisal System to manage a high volume of routine physicals for a growing prepaid membership.
- Traditional approaches to large-scale physical examinations present logistical and economic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and economic viability of a high-technology Health Appraisal System.
- To demonstrate the system's capacity for comprehensive data collection and patient evaluation.
Main Methods:
- The system involves a two-part process: patients complete an in-depth health questionnaire prior to their visits.
- On-site clinical testing and evaluation are conducted over two separate clinic visits.
Main Results:
- The Health Appraisal System has successfully served over 100,000 adults in the San Diego area over five years.
- The system provides a comprehensive database, detailed physical examination, and extensive laboratory studies.
- The cost per patient is less than the average outpatient visit.
Conclusions:
- High-technology systems can significantly alter traditional diagnostic approaches in high-volume settings.
- The Health Appraisal System is technically reliable, well-received by patients and staff, and economically advantageous in the long run.
- This automated approach offers a cost-effective solution for large-scale health assessments.