News release: National

July 31, 2003

For more information, call:
Dena Durkin
Kaiser Permanente
Phone: (626) 381-5845
E-mail: Dena.M.Durkin@kp.org

Kaiser Permanente wins top accreditation for Web site

Kaiser Permanente’s new Web site for members, members.kaiserpermanente.org, has received the highest accreditation award in the industry by URAC, a Washington, DC based health care accrediting organization and a leader in the accreditation of health Web sites. The accreditation acknowledges that the Web site incorporates rigorous standards that protect consumers’ interests while providing quality information and services.

“URAC Health Web Site Accreditation is a visible and highly regarded sign to our members and the public that our Web site provides reliable information and services, while maintaining important safeguards for their privacy,” said Kate Christensen, MD, medical director of Kaiser Permanente’s Internet Services Group. “We are very proud to have won accreditation for our new Web site.”

According to Garry Carneal, president and CEO of URAC, Web sites that achieve URAC accreditation must comply with 53 comprehensive standards that govern a health related Web site in the areas of privacy, security, health content, disclosure, and other important issues. Accredited sites also must provide a vehicle for consumer complaints.

“We applaud Kaiser Permanente on achieving URAC’s Health Web Site Accreditation,” said Carneal. “Consumers are increasingly turning to their health plan’s Web site for health information, and it is important that organizations benchmark themselves against strict quality standards. This achievement demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to providing quality online health information and services to consumers.”

URAC Health Web Site Accreditation provides a seal of approval that ensures a Web site meets privacy and security standards, provides accurate, up-to-date content and discloses financial relationships. The URAC review committee is made up of an independent committee comprised of health Web site experts, health care providers and consumers. The committee reviews Web sites that provide health information and sets standards for health information online.

Launched on July 16, 2003, Kaiser Permanente’s redesigned site for members represents an integration of information and services that formerly existed on two Web sites designed for members and the general public. The integrated site provides current, physician-approved health information and health care services for Kaiser Permanente members on the Web. Many features of the Web site, including extensive health information, are also accessible to the general public.

Kaiser Permanente is America's leading integrated health plan. Founded in 1945, it is a non-profit, group practice prepayment program with headquarters in Oakland, California. Kaiser Permanente serves the health care needs of 8.4 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Today, it encompasses Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Hospitals; and the Permanente Medical Groups.