Searching for a primary care solution? Here’s where to start

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Tips for choosing the right health benefit for your employees

When searching for a primary care solution, it’s important to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Quality care and affordable prices, remote and in-person options are all essential elements of a great healthcare experience … but does that even exist?

Luckily, it does! The right solution should be affordable, easy for people to access, and connect employees with the services and professionals they need to get and stay healthy.

How do you find the right primary care solution for your team?

Start with evaluating your organization’s needs:

  • What kind of care do your employees need?
  • Do they have families or other dependents that will need care as well?

And then compare them to the solutions available:

  • What services do they provide?
  • Do they offer specialized care or services you might need (e.g. mental health, women’s health, pediatrics, chronic health management)?
  • What savings on the total cost of care have employers noted in claims studies?
  • Are there options for covering dependents or not?
  • Is the billing and reporting process easy?
  • Do they provide communication and resources to employees about activating and using their benefits?
  • Do they enable benefits parity — so all employees have consistent and equitable healthcare access, whether remote or in-person?
  • Do they integrate multiple benefits to minimize point-solution fatigue and make management easy?

Finally, choose the solution that best aligns with your team’s needs and won’t put a financial strain on your company. From behavioral health to chronic care management, the right solution will support the well-being of your entire team. There are various payment models, from employee-only membership to optional coverage for dependents, to an all-in-one payment model that includes most primary care needs.

Access to care

  • How often can patients see a provider the same or the next day? Is scheduling easy?
  • What are the office hours? Do patients have access to a provider 24/7?
  • Do they have multiple locations near your offices? How about virtual options?

A good primary care solution will be highly accessible, offering a range of customized options for both in-person and remote care. Getting an appointment shouldn't be a month-long ordeal — employees should be able to talk to a provider within minutes and schedule appointments within a few days (especially since it takes more than three weeks on average to see a provider in the US according to a survey from AMN).

Employee-centered care

  • What is the average satisfaction score for patients, and are there any reviews or testimonials available online?
  • What is the average wait time for appointments in and out of the office?
  • How do they handle patient communication (e.g., phone, email, patient portal)?
  • What’s the process for getting prescriptions filled?
  • Have they been rated or recognized by any healthcare quality organizations?

Employees should be at the center of everything when it comes to a primary care solution. Ensure providers have a reputation for being inclusive and treating patients with care and empathy.

Provider qualifications and care approach

  • What is the hiring and screening process for qualified providers?
  • What is their approach to patient care and preventive health?
  • Do they have a collaborative approach, working with other specialists if needed?
  • Are virtual care providers independent contractors or employees?
  • Do they provide ongoing provider training?

Employees should have peace of mind and confidence in their providers. Knowing your team is getting the best care from trustworthy professionals is crucial.

Finding the right primary care solution requires careful consideration — from the range of services offered to accessibility, cost, and the quality of patient-centered care.

Remember, a great primary care solution offers not only quality care but also a seamless and supportive healthcare experience. Use this guide to navigate your options and find a solution that meets your criteria, ensuring peace of mind for everyone.

Learn more about how One Medical can help your employees to stay healthy here.