The challenge of population health management
More and more companies are offering some type of wellness or health management program for their employees. Health management programs offer great tools and resources to reduce cost, and improve employee health. However not all health management programs are created equal. Traditionally, many of the plans that are offered are spread across multiple vendors, operating independently of one another, resulting in redundant or conflicting messages. Covered members get messages to call their doctor, read pamphlets, eat better and exercise. Unfortunately, employees and dependents see this as intrusive or as a lecture, and come away with the feeling that no practical advice was provided. This approach to population health amounts to a check list of activities with little real impact on health or cost. The system is fragmented and focuses on process, not outcome.