OnSiteClinics.Org

New On-site Association to be Formed?

Is there a need for an “Employers’ Co-op” addressing On-site Clinics and Worksite Health Programming – We think it is time . . .

An association could combine the efforts of the many diverse employers who are deploying health care programming on-site to the beneficiaries of their health benefit investments. This is a distinct concept from “on-site clinics” which merely are places at the worksite at which a worker might receive episodic medical care and it is not meant to replace or replicate the many fine organizations that are organized to define and promote the concepts of occupational health programs or workers compensation benefits.

This organization should be specifically for employers that recognize that the impact of the health care benefit dollar can be better organized and that much of the care can be provided in primary care settings that encompass an entire spectrum of health tools including access to high quality primary care at the worksite. It must be committed to linking employers who recognize the value proposition of a workplace health program that addresses the whole person and which is recognized as a key component of the benefits structure of the organization. That being said, it might include occupational aspects of health care, employee prevention programs, wellness programs, etc. It must include primary care access on-site and a systematic approach to the better organization of care delivery through electronic medical records, personal health records, integration with benefits and the incorporation of other community resources that impact the beneficiaries.

Let’s face it – health care reform at the national level is a myth and the only reform is coming from employers. They are the pioneers in this field and the idea of an association is, first and foremost, about creating an environment where they can share programs and ideas. Support groups and vendors should be welcomed and encouraged to participate as well.

The timing for a “new look” at how these things are structured is perfect with the consolidation that is being observed in the “vendor industry.” Presently, the big players are restructuring, and the rest of the industry is in some form of transformation. Most true models of employer managed health are regional, not national, and the anticipation of health care reform having a major impact on costs is no longer a reason for any company to delay in embarking upon their own program development.

Many “marquee firms” are presently committed to on-site provision of care. Many more are considering this move. There is a considerable amount of knowledge and intellectual property about the business case for this approach. There is need for an association that can provide an environment for the sharing of this information. Further, there is a clear opportunity for a “utility” that serves all, or many, of the sites that are presently in a form of full benefits provision (or transitioning to that model).

Are you interested? Do you want to help or to be involved in some way? Let us know and we will make sure that any firm that wants to participate is in the “charter” roll – out.