Ross–Loos Medical Group

Ross–Loos Medical Group is recognized as the first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the United States. It was established in 1929 by two physicians, Dr. Donald E. Ross and Dr. H. Clifford Loos. The group was based in Los Angeles, California.

History

The Ross–Loos Medical Group was founded with the aim of providing prepaid health care services to employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. The concept was revolutionary at the time, as it introduced the idea of prepaid health plans, which later evolved into the modern HMO system.

In 1947, the group expanded its services to include the employees of the Southern California Telephone Company. By the 1950s, the Ross–Loos Medical Group had grown to serve over 35,000 members.

Impact and Legacy

The Ross–Loos Medical Group played a significant role in the development of the HMO model in the United States. Its success demonstrated the viability of prepaid health plans, which led to the establishment of similar organizations across the country. The group's innovative approach to healthcare delivery has had a lasting impact on the American healthcare system.

See Also

• Health Maintenance Organization
• Healthcare in the United States
• History of Health Maintenance Organizations in the United States