From virtual care to new technologies to healthcare going retail to medical breakthroughs to changing employee expectations, employers struggle to design healthcare programs that remain relevant and flexible while keeping them affordable. Relevant means employees experience the most significant impact on their health. Flexible means the program meets the needs of a modern and diverse workforce. Affordable is two-sided, referring to employee and employer costs. Healthcare programs must be value-based on many levels, beginning with determining what employees want and expect.
Recognizing the Transformational Factors and Must-Haves for the Future
So much is changing in the healthcare industry. Virtual healthcare usage continues to grow, so employers need insurance companies willing to pay for this kind of service. More medical services are delivered in outpatient clinics than hospitals. Healthcare tools are linking the Internet, portable technologies, and digital wearable devices in new ways. Big data and AI generate insights and predictive analytics, but knowing how to use those analytics for informed decision-making requires knowledgeable business leaders.
There are more changes as healthcare moves towards fewer hospitals and more freestanding clinics and urgent care. Healthcare is also moving towards becoming “retail-ized.” For example, CVS Health offers walk-in clinics that are less expensive and faster than an urgent care visit. CVS says walk-in clinics can save 40% over the cost of urgent care services. Employers can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure these services are covered and encourage employees to use the clinics when appropriate.
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