Digital technology has transformed healthcare by giving employees the flexibility to connect to care when and where they prefer. Virtual healthcare — whether via phone, computer, or other connected devices — offers faster, more convenient access to health resources. A virtual care solution not only gives more support for an employee’s well-being but can also help increase their productivity and lower costs of care.
According to a Virtual Primary Care study conducted by The Harris Poll, around 32% of those surveyed said they’ve used virtual care, and 94% of those who have done so say they’re satisfied with their experience. Virtual care users also report feeling empowered, with four in five saying it has helped them take charge of their health.
With virtual care usage remaining much higher than pre-pandemic levels, employers need to anticipate the future of its utilization when considering employee benefits. Here are a few things employees say they want from virtual care options:
1. Increased Provider Availability And Communication
The desire to communicate with providers is increasing as the healthcare industry becomes more digitally focused. Among those surveyed who have a primary healthcare provider:
- 2 in 5 (41%) wish their provider used more digital forms of communication, such as text messages and emails.
- 71% would use a mobile texting app to chat with a primary care provider in real-time if they had access to it.
Employees want to see their healthcare providers frequently — with 83% reporting they do so yearly or more often. However, provider availability in general, including outside of regular hours, may be hindering people’s ability to seek care as often as they need.
The research showed 21% of those with a primary healthcare provider face limitations in accessing care due to office hours. Introducing more digital forms of communication, such as a digital healthcare solution, text messages, and email might help close the communication gap between patients and care providers. This, in turn, supports employees’ health and productivity by reducing time away from work.
2. Whole-Health Management
Virtual care solutions can be utilized to manage a diverse set of healthcare needs, including mental health services, diagnostic visits, nutritional consultations, and physical/occupational therapy sessions. Most people report they would be interested in using virtual care for a prescription refill (76%), referral to a specialist (72%), and obtaining a new prescription (71%). Sixty-eight percent would use virtual care solutions to establish a treatment plan for a minor health issue.
There’s also high interest in using virtual care for quickly addressing a new acute or urgent medical problem (61%), addressing urgent issues or flare-ups associated with chronic conditions (58%), and getting preventive care (58%).
3. Support For Chronic Conditions
Virtual care solutions offer employees living with chronic conditions more flexibility, efficiency, lower costs, and better outcomes. Research shows these employees want and need this access to care. Employees with chronic health conditions (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis) are more likely than those without a chronic health condition to be familiar with virtual care solutions (52% vs. 42%). Those living with chronic conditions are also more likely than their counterparts to have used a virtual care center solution (36% vs. 25%), making virtual care an important part of an employer’s healthcare benefits mix.
Adopting A Digital-First Approach
A majority of the people surveyed believe the healthcare system is changing for the better through the inclusion of virtual care solutions (71%).
Employees now expect a customized and seamless healthcare experience, with access to simpler and more convenient digital options. Employers have the opportunity to meet that need through healthcare coverage centered around convenience and accessibility. Leaning on a trusted health partner like Anthem that incorporates digital-first options like the SydneySM Health app, which facilitates virtual care appointments through a convenient mobile app, can give employees greater flexibility and efficiency in their care.
A digital-first approach ensures employees can access and engage with a spectrum of connected services. This helps them manage their health the way they prefer, whether that be virtual, in-home, or traditional in-person care.
Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan.