The digital age has redefined our way of living, and HealthNation has found a way so that employee healthcare is redefined, too.
HealthNation, a company based in Arizona, provides telemedicine services to employers and their employees.
As defined by the American Telemedicine Association, telemedicine is the use of electronic communications to exchange medical information to benefit a patient’s health status. This can range from remote patient monitoring to direct patient consultation.
For HealthNation, this means 24-access to doctors via phone, email or video conference, and electronic medical records. According to its spokesperson, Dr. Tami Romano, it also means avoiding the emergency room and urgent care costs, therefore increasing productivity and reducing healthcare costs.
For employers, this means cost-saving bundles and a healthier workforce.
For an average family of four, the expected savings from HealthNation is about $2,200 if they have an additional PPO health plan — $4,700 if they have a high-deductible plan. Romano estimates that there are even more savings when the employee is uninsured after taking into account inpatient, outpatient and other associated costs.
Other benefits of employees are scheduling benefits. Patients have access to medical attention when they need it, and even just as importantly, where they need it. Patients also have access to reduced prices (more than 40 percent) to prescriptions as well as access to naturopathic doctors. Other services include patient advocacy programs to assist those struggling with billing issues and finding facilities and laboratories that are highly cost effective.
HealthNation believes that a combination of all of these benefits will reduce the health risks of employees, increase employee loyalty and productivity, allow for fewer sick days and more days at work.
Romano, however, acknowledges the difficult transition between traditional medicine and telemedicine. She says the biggest transitional period occurs during the adjustment to the mindset that telemedicine, and not any other traditional approach, is now the first line of defense against challenges to health.
“Patients need to be educated on being proactive with their healthcare needs, to use online resources for wellness programs to stay healthy,” Romano says. “When acute illness occurs, access the healthcare system initially using telehealth rather than go into the ER or urgent care. It is more cost effective, convenient and safe. Often times, people just need information, and the comfort of talking with a doctor and the peace of mind go a long way.”
HealthNation believes, however, that this instant, 24-hours/seven-days-a-week access to certified physicians will allow patients a myriad of options and strategies for a more proactive and healthy lifestyle.
