Kaiser Extends Cardiac Care Services Outside of Network
Kaiser Permanente on Thursday announced that it will extend its cardiac care intervention programs and resources to out-of-network clinicians and residents, the Oakland Tribune reports.
Robert Pearl, CEO of the Permanente Medical Group, said the deal marks the first time that Kaiser is offering cardiac services to all residents and clinicians in California.
Lt. Gov. John Garamendi (D) said that if every health system and clinic in California adopted Kaiser's cardiac care program, the amount generated in savings could pay for health care expansion to all of the state's uninsured residents.
Kaiser will provide grants to community clinics and public hospitals to expand their cardiovascular intervention programs. The HMO last year spent $10 million on such grants.
Kaiser also will offer free consulting services and resources to clinics.
Kaiser members are 30% less likely to die from heart disease than the general public, according to a 2002 independent study. The HMO estimates that its cardiac services have prevented 6,000 heart attacks and 5,500 strokes annually among its members.
Kaiser on Thursday also launched a new Web site aimed to reduce the risks of heart disease. The site provides users with tips about improving their cardiovascular health and also assesses their risk factors based on age (Vesely, Oakland Tribune, 4/27).
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