Onsite vs. Nearsite Health Centers: What’s the Difference?

When you think of healthcare, you probably think of hospitals, urgent care, or doctors’ offices. You might also think of time. From the time it takes to make an appointment, to the time you waste in a waiting room, to the time spent sitting in an exam room – there are a lot of times to consider how expensive and inconvenient it is to stay healthy in today’s busy world.

Many employers and other organizations are addressing the issue of time by turning to onsite and nearsite health centers. These centers increase access to healthcare and remove barriers by offering quality, convenient care where people live, work, and play.

But what do the terms “onsite” and “nearsite” mean? What kind of care is delivered at these centers, and who can receive it? Although direct access healthcare is a growing trend, the idea is still unfamiliar to many people.

What is an onsite health center? 

An onsite health center delivers health and wellness services by licensed providers on the premises of an employer or other membership-based organization (such as a union or health insurance plan). Each onsite health center is designed specifically for the needs of its unique member population. Though it has gained popularity in recent years, onsite health is not a new trend – in fact, it’s been around for decades. What started as a simple idea has become a subset of the healthcare industry, and onsite health continues to grow as more organizations look for innovative ways to increase healthcare access for their people.

Where do nearsite health centers come in? 

Nearsite health centers often complement onsite centers, filling the gap for members’ families. While dependents may be able to visit an onsite health center, it may be a long way from where they live, work, or go to school. Or, the onsite health center may be part of a secure location that is not accessible to them. Therefore, many organizations choose to offer both onsite and nearsite health centers to better serve their populations and deliver greater value.

Nearsite health centers typically serve multiple organizations in an area, but they are still reserved for members. They are not community clinics open to the public, which means providers have more time to spend with each person and can deliver personalized, convenient care.

These centers range in size and scope based on organizations’ needs and preferences. There can be multiple nearsite centers located in different areas within one city or region. Like onsite health centers, nearsite centers uphold high standards of quality and convenience, which can help organizations attract and retain employees who are used to low quality, inconvenient care. Nearsite centers also offer the same variety of services that can be included in onsite centers, of course depending on the needs of clients and their populations.    

What are the benefits?

Onsite and nearsite health centers provide care that is convenient, cost-effective, customized, and personalized.

Convenient

Onsite and nearsite health centers offer care when and where members need it – eliminating the need to drive long distances and sit in crowded waiting rooms, and lowering the chances of members receiving unnecessary care.

Cost-Effective

Changing the conversation from treatment to prevention improves population health at reduced healthcare spend per member. With highly personalized care, onsite health center providers can effectively target high-cost conditions, meaning fewer visits to expensive community resources.

Customized

Every population is different, so organizations have the flexibility to choose which services are best for their needs.

Personalized

Unlike traditional healthcare settings, onsite and nearsite health center providers take the time to get to know every person who comes through the door. Members get a personalized experience, which can make a life-saving difference. Onsite and nearsite providers have more time to educate, manage expectations, and monitor care than their community counterparts.

How does Premise Health approach onsite and nearsite health?

Premise Health works closely with our clients to rethink the healthcare experience for their people.

1. We take an in-depth look at current health offerings, including health insurance plans, benefits, incentives, and perks to understand current costs and opportunities to better serve the population.
2. We assess the organization’s specific needs based on claims data and work environment.
3. We partner with each client to design a comprehensive plan that meets the needs of the organization and its members, including staff recruitment, onsite engagement, detailed performance data, and more.
   

Based on what we find, we customize healthcare access with the industry’s widest range of health and wellness services, including:

• Primary Care
• Occupational Health
• Pharmacy
• Physical Therapy
• Lab Services
• Dental Care
• Vision Care
• Radiology
• Health Coaching and Wellness
• Fitness
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic

Having access to an onsite or nearsite health center improves member health, lowers total healthcare costs, and makes companies stand out in highly competitive job markets. Premise Health onsite and nearsite centers offer a powerful, effortless healthcare experience designed to make people healthier, happier, and more productive.

It’s time to forge a new path in the world of healthcare.

If you’re in charge of health at your organization, let us know how access to primary care affects your people. Get in touch – we value your questions and feedback.