A recent Los Angeles Times article focused on the jump in very large self-insured plans that are providing health centers for their workers. Walt Disney Co., Qualcomm Inc. and American Express Co. have implemented in-house medical care options for their workforce. Understandably, the executives felt that healthy workers are more productive, but also have realized the bottom line benefit of reduced absenteeism and avoiding costly emergency room visits. We've had a noticeable increase in discussions with our own clients over sponsoring on-site clinics with at least two employers ready to build.
According to a Mercer survey cited in the LA Times article, there was a 4% (from 11 to 15%) rise in the number of 500+ employee companies that had their own health centers, while those with 20,000 or more employees were "even more likely to have clinics."
While most focus on an Urgent Care model, others have gone beyond, with preventive care and wellness support, such as mammograms, prostate and skin cancer screenings, and smoking cessation programs.
Apprehension about medical privacy could prevent employees from utilizing such employer-sponsored centers, as could the fear that too much attention to cost control may pressure doctors to "understate" illness. Doctors interviewed negated such concerns, citing federal privacy laws.
Undeniably, cost issues and employee health will continue to drive employers to innovative strategies.
Source: "More employers are offering on-site medical clinics," Los Angeles Times, Duke Helfand, July 3, 2011
