Innovative Programs by Geisinger Health and Kaiser Permanente Are Moving Providers in Unexplored Directions in Support of Proactive Clinical Care

These initiatives are a call-to-action for clinical laboratories to contribute their expertise in support of wellness programs

Two of the largest healthcare systems in America are moving in non-traditional directions to proactively address certain healthcare populations. Most recently, Kaiser Permanente announced it will be investing millions of dollars to tackle homelessness and the disease outbreaks associated with it. The health system is even investing in a housing complex in Oakland, Calif., which it hopes will help patients in that area who face housing insecurity.

Kaiser’s new direction mirrors a similar project by Geisinger Health designed to address the health of certain populations. In 2017, Geisinger launched what it calls the “Fresh Food Farmacy” for its adult diabetic and obese patients to give them access to healthy foods. Geisinger finds this service saves substantial money in downstream medical expenses because the patients are healthier.

If these programs are harbingers of things to come, clinical laboratories open to supporting such wellness programs will find opportunities heading their way.