New Program Gives Employers Better Control of Indirect Medical Costs
Employees who come to work with uncontrolled medical conditions or modifiable behavioral risk factors, in pain, or depressed can account for nearly two-thirds of their employer’s indirect medical costs. The new Health and Productivity Optimization (HPO) services from Avivia Health uses scientific methodologies and decades of evidence-based clinical practice to identify employees who need support, and through health coaching and education, help them on the path to a healthier life. Productivity and employee satisfaction go up, and overall medical costs and health-related losses go down.
Employers everywhere are taking note of “presenteeism,” where employees come to work but lack the ability to focus or do their job effectively. Many of these individuals are impacted by problems ranging from depression to chronic pain to complications of obesity. These conditions have a real, measurable effect on productivity. In fact, it is estimated that presenteeism accounts for 63% of indirect medical costs, compared to absenteeism (6%), short-term disability (6%), and long-term disability (1%). Direct medical costs consume only about 24% of the total medical benefits spend. Controlling these indirect costs results in a healthier workforce, and a significant, measurable difference in your bottom line.
“Presenteeism is like an iceberg,” says Chris Stenzel, CEO of Avivia Health. “The most damaging parts are under water, hidden from view. Our new Health and Productivity Optimization program examines your workforce, maps out the problem spots, and then provides employees with resources and tools that help them on the path to a healthier life.”
Employers receive regular and comprehensive pre- and post-intervention reports, including projected savings. Incentives can be built in to encourage employee participation and help them meet health and fitness goals set by the organization.
“Employees who come to work sick do neither themselves nor their employer a favor,” says Jeffrey M. Davis, M.D., MPH, Chief Medical Officer for Avivia Health. “Trying to work effectively and efficiently with chronic back pain, migraines, allergies, sleep disorders, and other non-acute conditions is a tremendous challenge. It can be even more so in job settings where distraction or the inability to move freely present a risk of injury to the employee or others. Health Coaches are available around the clock, every day of the year, to answer questions and offer support as the employee travels along the path to better health. We also provide educational and informational materials online, on DVD, and by mail.”
Avivia’s Health and Productivity Optimization program is the newest addition to our suite of programs which include Avivia Health Management, Avivia Wellness, and Avivia MD, a specialized program to help physicians get maximum benefit from Avivia health coaching and educational outreach. All Avivia Health programs are available nationwide and can be integrated to an employer’s existing self-funded or fully-insured health plan.
Avivia Health is a wholly-owned venture of Kaiser Permanente. The company provides health coaching, wellness, physician support, and health education programs to medium to large-sized employers, community health plans, and government entities. Avivia Health is headquartered in Oakland, California. Sales and marketing offices are located in Atlanta and Chicago. Visit us at www.aviviahealth.com.