Developing concepts and patterns of primary care.

Kupat Holim, the Health Insurance Institution of the General Federation of Labor in Israel, provides prepaid health insurance and comprehensive, nationwide health services for approximately 80% of the population of Israel. New concepts and patterns of care developed and implemented by Kupat Holim over recent years include an extended team with new kinds of primary care providers, health education activities, prevention, increased home care, and changes in the schedules and in the planning of clinics. These changes have required new concepts of training and education with close cooperation between services and academic institutions.