In-The-Know
The Impact of Delivering Quality Healthcare
In this issue
Delivering quality healthcare to employees is a strategic investment that directly impacts organizational success. It is typically defined as the degree to which health services are consistent with best medical evidence and prioritizes decisions that are consistent with peoples’ values, needs, and preferences for a positive patient experience. (CMS National Quality Strategy). Health care quality looks at six key areas including safety, effectiveness, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable care. Employers who prioritize comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality healthcare services for their workforces reap measurable rewards in better healthcare outcomes, productivity, retention, morale, and overall company performance.
Workforce Health and Productivity
One of the most immediate and tangible impacts of quality healthcare is a healthier workforce, which translates directly into improved productivity. As a consultant, you can guide your clients into benefits strategies and plans that give employees access to preventive care, early intervention, and proper management of chronic conditions so they are less likely to suffer from illnesses that keep them away from work. Employers who invest in quality healthcare services, such as regular check-ups, mental health support, and chronic disease management enable employees to stay healthy and focused. In addition, employers who provide access to quality healthcare and support holistic employee well-being often see stronger team cohesion and improved workplace dynamics.
Moreover, investing in quality healthcare can lead to long-term cost savings for the organization. While the initial cost for a comprehensive healthcare plan is significant, it pales in comparison to the indirect costs associated with a less healthy workforce. These indirect costs include increased disability claims, higher workers' compensation premiums, and productivity losses. Preventative care, for example, can identify potential health issues early, leading to less invasive and less expensive treatments down the line. It's a proactive approach that you can be instrumental in guiding to mitigate future financial risks.
Measuring Healthcare Quality
As you work to craft healthcare plans and contract for administrative services for your clients, consider incorporating quality of care metrics. Employers who are informed about the quality of care their employees are receiving and can identify variations in care delivery are better able to manage healthcare costs and improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
You can help your clients identify and analyze their claims data. Here are just a few areas you may want to monitor:
- Annual primary care visits
- Hospital readmission rates
- Non-emergent emergency room usage
- Employee engagement levels
- Total cost of care
- Top utilizers (outside of high-cost claimants)
Choosing Quality Care
Several organizations are working on improving the quality of healthcare in the United States. The Leapfrog Group, a nationally recognized nonprofit, plays a crucial role in assessing safety, quality, and overall effectiveness of hospitals and ASCs.
Leapfrog’s rigorous hospital safety grades are a valuable resource for brokers and employers. The grade is based on up to 27 measures related to safety, such as the rate of preventable errors, infections, and injuries, as well as the hospital’s systems for preventing these events (TheLeapfrogGroup). This transparency helps employees in evaluating and selecting high performing hospitals and ASCs. Hospitals with high Leapfrog scores generally offer better care, leading to improved patient outcomes and lower costs.
As a consultant you can leverage Leapfrog’s data to help your clients educate their employees about how to choose hospitals and ASCs that offer high-quality care and cost-effective solutions, leading to positive impacts on employee health and organizational productivity.
Long-Term Value
The impact of helping your clients purchase quality healthcare for employees and investing in tools that drive the usage of quality healthcare is multifaceted and far-reaching. It is a strategic investment that drives productivity, elevates morale, strengthens retention, generates long-term cost savings, and enhances corporate reputation. In the modern business environment, prioritizing employee health through quality healthcare is investing in the long-term success of employees and the business.