Leveraging Virtual Care Resources to Improve Employee Health

Virtual healthcare represents a significant advancement in patient accessibility to healthcare, offering numerous benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, virtual care options can lead to reduced healthcare costs due to fewer in-person visits and lower overhead expenses. It also allows for greater flexibility in employee benefits packages where employees can enjoy the convenience of accessing healthcare services where and when they need them, leading to increased satisfaction and productivity. These virtual healthcare options can provide quicker access to medical professionals than on-site visits, reducing the number of unnecessary emergency room visits, while also providing  quick diagnosis of common conditions . This innovative approach to healthcare is not only cost-effective but also promotes a healthier, more engaged workforce. Let’s take a deeper look into how these care options make an impact on your employees and your bottom line.

The Rise in Virtual Care Utilization

The rise in telemedicine and virtual care got a significant boost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With many Americans weary about going into public spaces, including healthcare centers, many turned to virtual options to access the care they needed. A national study from the National Library of Medicine, including 36 million working-age individuals with private insurance claims data showed that telemedicine encounters increased 766% in the first 3 months of the pandemic, from 0.3% of all interactions in March to June 2019, to 23.6% of all interactions in the same period. This trend matches the surge of healthcare providers and centers offering virtual care scheduling options, estimating with private claims data that approximately 20% of all US health care visits in 2020 were conducted by telemedicine. There are several benefits that virtual healthcare presents to an organization and its employees. Let's take a look at some of the scenarios where virtual care can be a valuable asset to both employers and employees alike:

• Reduction in unnecessary and costly emergency room visits. Those who drive to the ER will endure a two-hour wait, on average, along with duplicative testing and wildly inflated prices. ER services are 12 times as expensive as visiting a physician’s office and waste more than $32 billion each year, according to an analysis by UnitedHealth Group.
• Chronic Disease Management. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, accounting for seven in 10 deaths. Virtual care options provide patients and care providers the opportunity to more frequently and conveniently check in on the status and progress of many conditions. This avenue provides an avenue to address concerns when they're occurring and make adjustments in care in a timely fashion.
• Increased Access to Care. For many employees the most common barrier to care is access. Whether that be a time allowance barrier, or physically barrier, allowing healthcare to meet the employer where they are can help close that gap. This can also eliminate some geographical challenges and increase access to providers who may be outside of a local commuting range for the patient. In 2017, the percentage of hospitals offering at least one telemedicine was 46%, rising to 72% in 2021, according to the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

Understanding the Versatility of Virtual Care

Virtual healthcare services can include a wide range of medical care options that can be accessed remotely. Telemedicine appointments have seen a dramatic increase in utilization, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers via video or phone calls. The segment with the most significant growth is the family health segment, which has grown by nearly 30%, according to a recent report. Remote patient monitoring can enable healthcare professionals to track patients' health data in real-time.

Other virtual healthcare services include:

• E-emergency services provide critical care consultation for emergency situations  
• Second opinions to confirm diagnoses or treatment plans 
• Remote surgery assistance and virtual physical therapy sessions  
• Virtual mental health services offer support for those dealing with behavioral and/or mental health challenges 
• Online pharmacy services simplify the process of obtaining prescription medications.

Protecting Patient Privacy

The versatility and convenience of virtual healthcare, is making it an increasingly popular choice for both patients and healthcare providers looking for additional care avenues that can better accommodate their lifestyles and schedules. These care methods don't come without their concerns over privacy and reliability for some patients. Privacy and security are of top concern and priority in any healthcare setting as patients and providers are handling data regarding sensitive patient information. In order to put some of these concerns at bay, it is important for employers and providers to educate employees and patients on the measures being taken to secure and maintain their privacy.

Let's take a look at some of ways virtual providers take precaution to safeguard patient data.

• Encryption: A fundamental security measure, safeguarding data during transmission between patients and providers.  
• Access Protocols: Requiring strong authentication methods to prevent unauthorized access to patient records.  
• Security Audits: Routinely monitor and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States. 
• Education: Education for both patients and healthcare providers about potential cybersecurity threats and best practices on how to identify and alert the proper teams is essential for reinforcing the security framework of virtual healthcare services.

With the advancements in medicine and technology today, employers have a unique opportunity to enhance their health plans and support their workforce by integrating virtual care options. Employers are able to provide a more flexible, accessible, and cost-effective approach to healthcare, one that many employees in today's workforce are looking for. As the workplace continues to evolve, those employers who leverage virtual care will position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in employee health and well-being. Ultimately, virtual care is not just a benefit, but a strategic asset that can contribute to the overall success of an organization. Reach out to your AssuredPartners team today to learn more about virtual care options that may be available to your organization.