OhioHealth President and CEO David Blom announced the initiative Aug. 22 after a panel discussion at the Columbus Metropolitan Club. He said while certain tools like telemedicine bring down the cost of care for patients, insurers typically do not cover such services.
“All the incentives are for acute care and very little for the management of chronic care. We’re starting to make progress on that. It’s difficult to do because insurance rewards procedures. I believe it’s going to happen with the healthcare systems driving it, not the government,” he said.
The 11-hospital system runs wellness programs and on-site clinics for an estimated 4,000 Ohio employers, according to the report. The evolution of the system’s employer health options, including the expansion of its workplace clinics and wellness programs, is expected to take roughly three years, Mr. Blom said.
He added that in his experience, most employers feel like “victims of their health [spending] as opposed to managers,” the report states.
“[Employers] turn over that health [spending] to their benefits department as opposed to elevating it in the organization,” Mr. Blom said.
To access the full report, click here.
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