The Essential Role of Virtual Care in Your Benefits Offering
Employees in the US are using telehealth more than ever—mostly because people need flexible healthcare options that fit into their lives. Even doctors see the benefits of virtual healthcare, with more than 70% of physicians reporting using telehealth in 2023—nearly 3 times higher than 2018.
The rise of digital health solutions is transforming the way employees access medical care, offering convenience, efficiency, and improved health outcomes. This blog will explore the importance of incorporating virtual care into your employee benefits offering and how it can enhance the overall well-being of your workforce.
What is virtual care?
Virtual care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, enables employees to consult with healthcare providers remotely via phone, video calls, or online messaging. This mode of healthcare delivery offers a range of services, including routine check-ups, mental health support, specialist consultations, and chronic disease management, all from the comfort of an employee's home or office. Virtual care has fundamentally transformed how Americans access medical services.
According to a survey, 76% of patients report satisfaction with telehealth services, citing convenience and accessibility as major benefits. In fact, 61% of Americans have used telehealth services in 2023, up from just 9% in 2019.
This rapid adoption highlights a significant shift towards more flexible and responsive healthcare options, allowing employees to receive timely care without the need for time-consuming office visits.
Benefits of virtual care for employers and employees
By integrating virtual care into your benefits packages, you offer a modern and efficient healthcare option that brings numerous advantages to both your business and your employees. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of virtual care for both employers and employees.
For Employers
Cost Savings: Implementing virtual care can significantly reduce healthcare costs for employers. Telehealth visits are generally less expensive than in-person visits, which can lead to lower overall healthcare expenses.
Increased Productivity: Virtual care allows employees to access medical consultations without needing to take extended time off work. This convenience helps maintain productivity levels and reduces absenteeism.
Enhanced Employee Retention: Offering virtual care as part of a comprehensive benefits package can boost employee satisfaction and retention. Employees value the flexibility and accessibility of telehealth services, which can make them more likely to stay with their current employer.
Attractive Benefit for Recruitment: In a competitive job market, offering virtual care can be a differentiator in someone wanting to work for you. It can attract top talent by providing a modern, flexible healthcare solution that aligns with the needs of today’s workforce.
For Employees
Convenience and Accessibility: Virtual care enables employees to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their home or office, reducing the need for travel and wait times. This convenience is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare facilities.
Improved Health Outcomes: Employees have quicker and more frequent access to healthcare providers, which can lead to early detection and management of health issues. This proactive approach can improve overall health outcomes and reduce the severity of illnesses.
Mental Health Support: Virtual care often includes mental health services, providing employees with easy access to counseling and support. This is crucial as mental health awareness grows and employees seek more comprehensive support for their well-being.
Cost Efficiency:
For employees, virtual care can lower out-of-pocket costs by reducing the need for expensive emergency room visits and enabling cost-effective management of chronic conditions.
Introducing Primestin Care: A new virtual care solution
As the demand for flexible and accessible healthcare continues to rise, Primestin Care was recently created to meet these needs. With a Primestin Care membership, individuals would have access to quality virtual primary care services.
Primestin Care’s Virtual Care membership* includes a variety of benefits that make healthcare more accessible and efficient for employees. Members can easily connect with healthcare providers through video calls, phone consultations, or online messaging. This allows for routine check-ups, mental health support, specialist consultations, and chronic disease management without the need for in-person visits.
*Primestin Care has additional membership options for in-person care.
To learn how Planstin Administration can assist you in incorporating virtual care into your benefits offering, you can book a free meeting with one of our Benefit Guides below.
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