Press Releases: National
October 22, 2008
Kaiser Permanente Adds New Online Health Tools for Chronic Conditions to KP.org Member Site
Customized Online Programs Effective in Managing Health
In its ongoing commitment to total health and management of chronic conditions, Kaiser Permanente announced today the introduction of three new online Healthy Lifestyle Programs on the topics of diabetes, depression and insomnia. The new offerings are available to all Kaiser Permanente members at www.kp.org and complement the site's current online health tools and programs on weight management, pain management, smoking cessation and more.
As of September 30, Kaiser Permanente members nationwide have utilized the Healthy Lifestyle Programs 358,355 times, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
- 78 percent of members using the pain management program cite improvement within 30 days
- 55 percent of members using the weight management program experienced weight loss after six months
- 52 percent of members who participated in the smoking cessation program were still tobacco-free six months later
- Early feedback shows that 94 percent of members using the new diabetes program report they are able to better manage their condition, 82 percent said they now communicate better with their doctor, and 77 percent improved their medication habits.
The new programs and existing tools on kp.org make it easy and convenient to connect to caregivers and support services our members need to manage their health," said Christine Paige, senior vice president, marketing and internet services, Kaiser Permanente. "Prevention is critical to total health, and the 2.4 million Kaiser Permanente members who take advantage of My Health Manager – at www.kp.org/myhealthmanager – now have additional tools at their fingertips to help manage chronic conditions and prevent disease."
The Healthy Lifestyle Programs are offered to members on kp.org through My Health Manager – a personal health record and one-stop resource for free, time-saving services, including e-mailing their doctor, refilling prescriptions and checking lab results. Members also may schedule or cancel appointments online, as well as review recent office visits and recommended follow-up steps. This convenient access to a patient's own health history and information is made available by KP HealthConnect™ – the world's largest civilian health care record.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
