How to Reach Your Total Population with Nearsite Wellness Centers

According to an October 2020 Gallup poll, a large portion of the U.S. workforce would like to return to the office at some point instead of continuing to work remotely. That said, organizations across the country have an opportunity to rethink their approach to healthcare access and provide total population care to their workforces. By offering a hybrid of digital and physical options, employers can meet their people where they are, provide care when they need it, and ultimately realize optimal outcomes.

How can employers meet the healthcare needs of their dispersed population?

Nearsite health centers combine in-person and virtual care to meet the needs of geographically dispersed workforces. This integrated solution allows employees and their families to receive care in their community from trusted providers that are dedicated to one employer or a handful of organizations. Regardless if they visit the center or video chat from the comfort of their home, they receive care from a familiar, trusted care team.

For example, if a member is unable to go to their physical nearsite center, they can still connect with their local provider virtually during normal operating hours. Additionally, in this digital environment, members can refill or manage medications, view test results, schedule virtual visits, manage their health records, and much more. Nearsite centers provide access to care regardless of campus shutdowns, facilitating high-quality care to both members and their dependents.

Not only are multiple access points more convenient, but the integration of physical and digital care leads to higher utilization and better outcomes, resulting in overall healthier lives. The front door of your health center shouldn’t look the same for every member, as each individual is unique, and your solutions should account for that.

What is a nearsite health center?

These centers are centrally located in the community and often complement onsite centers, filling the gap for members’ families who may experience barriers due to security protocols or driving distance from home to an onsite health center. Given that eligible family members often represent more than half of the insured population and account for 65% of claims spend for employers – access to convenient, high-quality healthcare is essential. That’s where nearsite health centers come in.

With the shift to remote work, onsite care may never look the same. With a substantial portion of the population working from home, convenient and accessible healthcare nearby is an immediate gap. Employers and other organizations have a unique opportunity to provide accessible care and drive significant value for dependents who propel costs. With the right partner and benefits strategy, nearsite health centers offer the opportunity to positively impact local and/or dispersed populations today and in the future.

What are the different types of nearsite models?

Nearsite health centers can serve one or multiple organizations in one geographic area near where employees live. They help both employees and dependents by providing access to care for the entire family. These centers are privately used by the eligible member population and aren’t open to the public. This exclusivity allows providers to have more quality time with each person encouraging more personalized, convenient care.

There are two types of nearsite models:

Dedicated- These nearsite locations are based in the community and typically serve one organization’s population. These centers can be tailored to the population’s needs and can range in size, scope, or include additional services like a fitness center, pharmacy, physical therapy, and more.

Shared- Most nearsite centers are shared among multiple organizations with the same goal of making primary care more accessible to employees and their families. These centers provide a comprehensive care solution for employers with geographically dispersed populations, and employers who want better access to primary care for dependents as well as employees.

Whichever model an organization chooses, through a holistic primary care approach, nearsite health centers focus on the long-term health of the population from routine preventive services to acute and chronic condition management.

What are the benefits of a nearsite center?

While there are many benefits, one that is unique to nearsite health centers is their evidence-based design approach. A person’s physical environment impacts stress, safety, treatment effectiveness, and quality of care. That’s why nearsite centers are designed to enhance the experience, improve clinical outcomes, and engage members in their health journeys. Every detail, including ambient lighting, air-purifying plants, warm handoffs and more, is by design and intentional.

Along with this, nearsite health centers play a critical role in reinforcing the country’s healthcare infrastructure during times of crisis, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether a member has limited access to high-quality care in their community or wants to reduce their risk of exposure, nearsite health centers meet them at their comfort level. With unprecedented access to exceptional care via local virtual health, nearsite health centers help alleviate the burden on community resources and create an experience that helps members get, stay, and be well.

From primary care to behavioral health, and clinical labs to urgent care needs, nearsite health centers deliver convenient care in the neighborhood that drives improved outcomes and healthier lives. The goal is to improve access to high-quality care in the community while providing exceptional experiences that empowers members to take care of their health.

Where Premise Health fits in

While digital care received a lot of buzz in 2020, it is important to balance both physical and digital access points to ensure you reach your entire population. Providing employees and their families with access to nearsite health centers improves member health, lowers total healthcare costs, and can make your organization stand out in a highly competitive job market.

Premise Health’s nearsite health centers offer a powerful, effortless healthcare experience designed to meet members where they live, work, and play. To learn more about nearsite health centers and how it can benefit your teams, download our free eBook!