Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center

About: Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Oakland, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Retrospective cohort study & Population. The organization has 312 authors who have published 396 publications receiving 9869 citations. The organization is also known as: Kaiser Oakland.

A clinical approach to diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis

Abstract: Summary Encephalitis is a severe inflammatory disorder of the brain with many possible causes and a complex differential diagnosis. Advances in autoimmune encephalitis research in the past 10 years have led to the identification of new syndromes and biomarkers that have transformed the diagnostic approach to these disorders. However, existing criteria for autoimmune encephalitis are too reliant on antibody testing and response to immunotherapy, which might delay the diagnosis. We reviewed the literature and gathered the experience of a team of experts with the aims of developing a practical, syndrome-based diagnostic approach to autoimmune encephalitis and providing guidelines to navigate through the differential diagnosis. Because autoantibody test results and response to therapy are not available at disease onset, we based the initial diagnostic approach on neurological assessment and conventional tests that are accessible to most clinicians. Through logical differential diagnosis, levels of evidence for autoimmune encephalitis (possible, probable, or definite) are achieved, which can lead to prompt immunotherapy.

The Covid-19 Pandemic and the Incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Abstract: Acute Myocardial Infarction and Covid-19 Data from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system were used to compare rates of hospitalization for acute MI from March 4 through April...

Improved Blood Pressure Control Associated With a Large-Scale Hypertension Program

Abstract: Importance Hypertension control for large populations remains a major challenge. Objective To describe a large-scale hypertension program in Northern California and to compare rates of hypertension control in that program with statewide and national estimates. Design, Setting, and Patients The Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) hypertension program included a multifaceted approach to blood pressure control. Patients identified as having hypertension within an integrated health care delivery system in Northern California from 2001-2009 were included. The comparison group comprised insured patients in California between 2006-2009 who were included in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) commercial measurement by California health insurance plans participating in the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) quality measure reporting process. A secondary comparison group was included to obtain the reported national mean NCQA HEDIS commercial rates of hypertension control between 2001-2009 from health plans that participated in the NCQA HEDIS quality measure reporting process. Main Outcomes and Measures Hypertension control as defined by NCQA HEDIS. Results The KPNC hypertension registry included 349 937 patients when established in 2001 and increased to 652 763 by 2009. The NCQA HEDIS commercial measurement for hypertension control within KPNC increased from 43.6% (95% CI, 39.4%-48.6%) to 80.4% (95% CI, 75.6%-84.4%) during the study period (P Conclusions and Relevance Among adults diagnosed with hypertension, implementation of a large-scale hypertension program was associated with a significant increase in hypertension control compared with state and national control rates. Key elements of the program included a comprehensive hypertension registry, development and sharing of performance metrics, evidence-based guidelines, medical assistant visits for blood pressure measurement, and single-pill combination pharmacotherapy.