How Can Telehealth Transform Your Corporate Wellness?

Are you tired of long wait times and crowded doctor's offices? Telehealth offers a convenient and effective solution for accessing healthcare services.

In today's fast-paced world, employees are seeking innovative solutions to improve their health and well-being. Telehealth, delivering healthcare services through technology, has emerged as a powerful tool for organizations to meet this demand.

A recent McKinsey's survey revealed in April 2020 that 46% of U.S. consumers opted for telehealth more. McKinsey's study also showed that telehealth consumer adoption has increased from 11 percent in 2019 to 49 percent in 2020. This trend is driven by factors such as increased accessibility, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Implementing telehealth programs can enhance employee well-being, improve productivity, and create a competitive advantage for organizations. So, are you ready to explore the benefits of telehealth for your organization? Let's dive into the details!

Why Are Telehealth Services Becoming More Popular?

Before discussing why telehealth is important or gaining popularity daily, let's get acquainted with what it is. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Telehealth is the use of digital mediums, which include computers and mobile devices, to access health care services and manage your health care."

Telehealth has transformed how people access healthcare services, leveraging technology to connect with doctors and specialists remotely. This trend gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought convenient and safe ways to receive care.

A GlobalMed report found that nearly 74% of millennials preferred the convenience and immediacy of teleconsultations to in-person appointments.

Telehealth offers a wide range of services, from simple tasks like refilling prescriptions to complex consultations with healthcare providers. Virtual appointments and digital health tools enable patients to track vitals, transmit data, and receive personalized care without needing face-to-face visits.
Whether dealing with a minor ailment like a sore throat or managing a chronic condition, telehealth provides a convenient and accessible solution. To be competitive as an employer, you must provide your employees with the benefits they need and want.

Here are some reasons why telehealth is becoming more popular:

• Increased Accessibility: Telehealth eliminates geographical barriers, allowing employees to access care anywhere.

• Convenience: Virtual appointments save time and reduce the need for travel.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Telehealth can often be more affordable than traditional in-person care.

• Improved Patient Experience: Telehealth offers flexibility and convenience, enhancing the overall patient experience.

Again, according to a McKinsey report from February 2022 found that 55% of patients were satisfied with teleconsultations and telehealth care over in-person consultations.

Telemedicine is more convenient for 60% of patients than in-person health appointments.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, 40% planned to continue using telemedicine. A total of 63% of respondents were interested in broader digital health solutions, such as scheduling appointments online and receiving digital-first healthcare plans.

Some Telehealth Examples To Give You A Better Idea

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, leading to innovative solutions that improved patient care and access. The examples below can help you better understand telehealth services.

• Virtual Doctor Visits: Consult with healthcare providers from your home or office.

• Teletherapy: Access mental health counseling and therapy sessions online.

• Remote Patient Screening: Hospitals implemented online screening tools to assess patient health and reduce the risk of virus transmission.

• Tele-ultrasound: Rural communities benefited from remote ultrasound services, which connected them with specialists for consultations.

• Remote Patient Monitoring: Wearable sensors allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients' vital signs and health conditions.

• Virtual Collaboration: Telehealth enabled both medical professionals to collaborate and share expertise across distances.

• Digital Front Doors: Patients could schedule appointments, access medical records, and check in virtually.

• Virtual Care Stations: Accessible telehealth services were made available in community locations.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Ways Employers Can Control Their Employee's Healthcare Costs

5 Reasons Why Telehealth Should Be a Part of Your Wellness Program

Springbuk CEO Rod Reasen said a few years ago, "We're seeing more employers turn to wearables. This will provide participation and engagement data. And help move the needle on the effectiveness of wellness programs. It will also help lower health risk and improve health outcomes."

A telehealth service is a smart choice for any employer. In the wake of the "Great Resignation," the labor market has become an employee's game. To stay competitive, organizations must offer comprehensive, robust packages!

In an era of remote work, telehealth also makes it easier for your on-the-go employee to get the treatment they need. Telehealth means employees don't have to forego essential care due to conflicting work demands. From a financial perspective, it helps contain the rising cost of care for employers and lowers health insurance premiums.

Here are the top benefits of making telehealth a part of your corporate wellness program.

Benefits of Telehealth for Employees

• 24/7 Access to Care: Connect with certified physicians anytime, anywhere.

• Convenient Care: Consult with doctors from the comfort of home or work.

• Affordable Care: Enjoy significantly lower costs compared to traditional in-person visits.

• Avoid Crowds: Avoid waiting rooms and exposure to illness.

• Remote Access to Prescriptions: Receive prescriptions delivered to your local pharmacy.

Benefits of Telehealth for Employers

• Expanded Healthcare Benefits: Offer a valuable employee benefit without increasing costs.

• Reduced Absenteeism: Improve employee health and productivity, leading to fewer missed workdays.

• Enhanced Employee Satisfaction: Boost employee morale and satisfaction with a flexible and accessible healthcare option.

• Lower Administrative Costs: Streamline healthcare administration and reduce paperwork.

• Easy Implementation: Quickly and easily integrate telehealth into your existing benefits package.

By offering telehealth as part of your employee benefits package, you can demonstrate your commitment to employee well-being and create a more competitive and attractive workplace.

4 Tips For Implementing Telehealth In Your Organization

• Choose a Reputable Telehealth Provider: Select a provider with a proven track record and a wide range of services.

• Educate Employees: Inform employees about the benefits of telehealth and how to access services.

• Integrate Telehealth into Your Benefits Package: Make telehealth a valuable part of your employee benefits offerings.

• Address Technical Challenges: Ensure employees have the necessary technology.

Summing It Up

Telehealth has been on the scene for quite a few years, even before the pandemic hit the planet.

It is no longer smart to ignore the potential and convenience telehealth technology brings to the forefront for employee health.

In a post-pandemic world, this digitized healthcare delivery service will strengthen its base in the corporate sector.

Thus, it would be best to talk to your employees about their health concerns. Consequently, integrate this service, addressing those concerns with your corporate wellness program.

Begin with a Vantage Fit Demo! Schedule one now! And, Start Your Corporate Wellness Journey Today

FAQs

1. What are the differences between telehealth and in-person care?

Telehealth offers remote access to healthcare services, while in-person care involves physical visits to a healthcare provider.

2. When did telehealth start?

The concept of telehealth first emerged sometime between 1924 and 1925 as an illustration of a doctor attending to a patient via a video call. Soon, this service saw its inception in the 1960s. Soon, the U.S. Health and Human Health Department, NASA, and the Public Health Department began to work to make this idea a reality.

3. Is telehealth covered by insurance?

Most health insurance companies are known to cover telehealth services. However, the answer may vary based on the insurance plan. Popular insurance companies that cover this service are:
Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.