Estimated read time: 3 minutes
The cost of employer-sponsored health care is a concern for many organizations. Research shows that employers want to provide value while still managing high-cost claims and pharmacy prices. Expanding on-site health services could be the answer.
Traditionally, on-site health centers have focused on occupational health, primary care and urgent care. But, new health innovations provide employees with additional care access and help employers manage conditions that fall outside of conventional services.
If you’re researching what’s next for your current on-site health strategy or looking to implement a health center at your location, consider these five service lines:
1. Musculoskeletal health: Musculoskeletal conditions ─ such as tendinitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions related to muscles, nerves, tendons and joints ─ account for 31% of the injuries and illnesses that cause people to miss work. Untreated, musculoskeletal issues can lead to specialty care visits, physical therapy, imaging, prescriptions and surgery. Innovative motion capture technologies and services can help identify and address these conditions. Adding physical therapy as an on-site service is also an option.
2. Behavioral health: Each year, mental health conditions cost employers about $17 billion and 217 million days of lost work. The presence of on-site behavioral health therapists can encourage employees to seek mental health services they may not otherwise. It’s a proactive service that can help reduce costly interventions and also serve as a direct treatment option with a trusted care team staff.
3. Well-being: Health coaches or nutritionists within the on-site health center can help prevent and control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. When labs, biometrics and other assessments are completed on-site, the health center care team can work with employees to review results and set goals. Incorporating wellness into your overarching strategy will address prevention, not just treatment.
4. Pharmacy: Pharmacy costs, especially specialty drugs, continue to be a top driver of increasing employee health care costs. Specialty drug costs account for 20 to 25% of the total price of employer-sponsored medical benefits. An on-site pharmacist can work closely with on-site health providers to discuss medicine options and collaborate on care planning. This can increase the use of generic prescriptions and promote medication adherence.
5. Virtual health: It’s common for people to travel for business or work remotely. Virtual services such as video visits, virtual coaching and member advocacy can help you meet your employees’ health care needs wherever they are. Virtual services can also enhance convenience and overall patient experience.
While not every health condition can be managed on-site, these five service lines have the potential to improve the well-being of your workforce and save money for your organization.
Our on-site health center model follows a patient-centered approach that manages costs and engages employees in their health. Learn more here.
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