Which model of healthcare began with Kaiser Permanente?

The model of healthcare that began with Kaiser Permanente is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). This model was designed to provide a more integrated and comprehensive approach to healthcare, emphasizing preventive care and a coordinated system of services.

Kaiser Permanente was established on the principles of offering a fixed fee for a range of services, which fundamentally differs from the traditional fee-for-service model that charges for each service provided. The HMO structure encourages the use of primary care physicians who act as gatekeepers, managing patient care and ensuring that it remains within the network, helping control costs and improve the quality of care. This approach aimed to promote preventative healthcare measures while ensuring that patients receive necessary treatments without incurring exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.

The successful model established by Kaiser Permanente led to the proliferation of HMOs across the United States, focusing on providing coordinated care and reducing healthcare inefficiencies.