Elevating employer-provider relationships: Exceeding employee expectations

By Karen Decaran-Voigt, MBA
Vizient, Principal Value Transformation & Payer-Provider Alignment

Employers hold the key to shaping healthcare for their employees, and in today's dynamic landscape, employer-provider relationships require not only innovation but partnership. It's critical that payers, providers and employee benefit administrators collaborate and think outside of the box.

Here are some ways providers can go above and beyond established relationships with employers to align efforts and drive positive outcomes for employees.

Transparent pricing and cost management

In an era plagued by escalating healthcare expenses, employers are on the lookout for providers who offer transparent pricing models and innovative cost-saving solutions. Providers and payers must step up to the plate by providing clear and upfront pricing information. Together this serves as a foundation for employers and providers to gain insights relative to total cost of care and generates building blocks to bolster understanding and adoption of care management programs. By offering alternative payment models, providers can simplify pricing to support the populations they serve and facilitate cost management and a platform to adopt care management programs. This can help alleviate employers' financial concerns and foster trust.

Collaborative partnership

Employers are actively seeking more than transactional interactions with healthcare payers and providers; they desire partnerships rooted in mutual trust, understanding and active dialogue. As a result, providers transition from mere service providers to indispensable allies in the shared mission of promoting employee wellness.

Employee experience and satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is directly linked to productivity and retention rates. Employers recognize this correlation and seek healthcare providers who prioritize positive patient experiences. Providers can differentiate themselves by offering seamless and ready access to care, personalized attention and streamlined processes.

Telehealth services are a prime example of where providers are using technology such as online appointment scheduling systems that allow employees to book, reschedule or cancel at their convenience. This reduces wait times and provides flexibility for employees to manage their healthcare around work and personal schedules, fostering exceptional patient experiences and loyalty to the employer-sponsored healthcare program.

Additional value-based care tactics to incorporate:

• Work with employers and payers to design and implement comprehensive wellness programs tailored to employees' needs, highlighting the tangible benefits of preventive care.
• Harness the power of data to drive informed decision-making and highlight your top-performing services. Engage your payer partners to collaborate on case studies to showcase real-world examples of how data analysis has led to cost savings and improved care outcomes.
• Empower employees to take charge of their health. Champion shared decision-making processes that promote patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, driving better health outcomes for employees.
• Be accountable for delivering high-quality care. Track and report quality metrics, patient satisfaction scores, and outcomes to demonstrate transparency and commitment to continuous improvement, earning the trust and confidence of employers.

The road to building enduring employer relationships is paved with innovation, collaboration and a commitment to achieving mutual goals. By embracing a proactive approach to care management, prioritizing transparency and patient experience, leveraging technology and incorporating VBC concepts, providers can become indispensable partners in promoting employee well-being. Let's rise to the occasion and seize this opportunity to elevate healthcare delivery, driving positive outcomes for both employers and employees alike.