Tradeoffs Why Employers Are Turning to Primary Care as Health Care Costs Soar
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Oct 10, 2024 U.S. companies are rethinking their healthcare strategies as costs soar, with many opting to invest in on-site primary care clinics. This trend emphasizes cutting out insurers and bridging access gaps for employees like Lee Sagraves. Personal stories highlight the challenges of managing chronic conditions within a fragmented system. With a proactive approach to employee health, businesses hope to streamline care and reduce expenses, sparking discussions about equity and the future of workplace healthcare.
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Employee Saved By On‑Site Clinic
- Lee, a JPMorgan Chase employee, avoided care until an on-site clinic found extremely high blood sugar and diagnosed probable diabetes.
- The clinic provided rapid follow-up and education that transformed Lee's health management within days.
High‑Touch Care Took Time
- Nurse practitioner Amy Cooper spent 90 minutes teaching Lee to use a glucose monitor and inject insulin, emphasizing straight talk about risks.
- That high-touch care included preventive checks and education rarely available in typical primary care visits.
Two Employer Levers To Cut Costs
- Companies believe two levers can cut costs: contracting directly with providers and paying for keeping people healthy.
- These approaches aim to remove insurer markups and shift incentives toward prevention.