Telehealth for employees: Why employers should prioritize virtual care
The growing importance of virtual care among today’s workforce
Demand for the remote delivery of physical and behavioral health care—or telehealth—has skyrocketed, with remote and hybrid work models accelerating its popularity. Employees want the flexibility that telehealth provides by reducing scheduling conflicts and eliminating travel time so they can get care when they need it.
To accommodate their members, some health insurance carriers have adapted by providing coverage for valuable virtual options. This includes access to real-time video appointments with physicians and virtual health coaching.
As an employer, it’s important for you to offer a competitive benefits package that provides access to the types of services your employees need and want. Here are three reasons you should ensure that telehealth is part of your plan offerings.
Advantages of telehealth for employers
Offering telehealth is an easy way for you to ensure that your employees have 24/7 access to care and can receive a rapid response to their health needs—no matter where they are.
Over time, telehealth can also contribute to reduced health care costs and increased productivity. Copayments for telehealth services are usually less than those for urgent care or emergency department visits, and this can equate to lower costs for your workforce and your organization. Providing quick access to care also means employees won’t need to take time away from work for treatment, helping to reduce overall absenteeism. It also allows them to address low-acuity issues sooner, when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
Essential telehealth features employers should look for
As telehealth evolves, more employees are likely to expect it as part of their health benefits package because of the convenience it provides. Telehealth has joined the ranks of online shopping, banking, and other everyday activities because it allows people to address routine or urgent medical needs when they have the time. Offering a rich benefits package that includes access to telehealth is key in attracting and retaining the top talent you need to help your organization thrive.
Not all health insurers have the same level of expertise in developing and deploying telehealth services. If you are choosing between insurers, you should carefully compare their offerings. UPMC Health Plan offers these telehealth and digital health offerings:1
24/7 on-demand care
Many UPMC primary care providers and specialists offer video visits that members can have from the comfort of their home.2 Having anytime access to care will allow employees who do shift work and those on teams in different areas to get care that fits their schedule. Employees and their covered dependents—including children—can have 24/7 video visits to address cold and flu symptoms, sinus infections, rashes, and other nonemergency conditions without taking time away from work. When appropriate, 24/7 video visit providers can send prescriptions to the member's preferred pharmacy. Members can also use the UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line to talk with a UPMC nurse about their urgent health care needs or general questions—day or night.3
Behavioral health support
The different generations represented in today’s workforce have varying needs. Younger employees, for example, are especially likely to seek telehealth options to support their behavioral health. UPMC Health Plan members can use video visits to schedule talk therapy and psychiatry sessions. The Talk Therapy service connects members with psychologists and licensed therapists who are certified in telehealth and can evaluate and treat mental health disorders. The Psychiatry service connects members with medical doctors who can provide support and prescribe medications as appropriate. Members can also work with a health coach virtually to manage their weight, reduce their stress, quit using tobacco, or reach other health and wellness goals.
Mobile app and digital tools integration
The UPMC Health Plan member site and app give members convenient, on-the-go access to their health insurance information, virtual member ID card, wellness resources, scheduling services, 24/7 video visits, and more. In addition, members can use the Ask a Pharmacist feature to schedule time to talk with a licensed UPMC pharmacist about how to work with their doctor, lower-cost alternatives to medications they're taking, ways to improve their medication adherence, and more.
As you and your employees continue to navigate the evolving health care landscape, remember that telehealth can help your employees get timely care and support your company’s productivity now and in the future.
Sources
1Not all services are covered by all plans. Before seeking services, members should check their plan documents or call Member Services to learn what is covered by their plan.
2UPMC Health Plan members who are in Pennsylvania at the time of a virtual visit may select a UPMC-employed provider, subject to the provider’s availability and discretion. Members who are not in Pennsylvania at the time of service may receive care from a provider employed by or contracted with UPMC. Limitations may apply for members of ASO plans who have opted out of coverage. A parent or legal guardian must be present during the video portion of the visit for children under age 18. It is at the discretion of providers employed or contracted by UPMC to choose whether to treat patients ages 0 to 2. 24/7 video visits for children ages 0 to 2 are unavailable from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Pennsylvania. Hours may vary for visits with children under age 18 outside of Pennsylvania, and 24/7 video visits may be unavailable in those locations. This service is not available to members in Puerto Rico.
3UPMC nurses who answer calls are licensed to assist members in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New York, and Ohio. Members must be in one of those states when calling the UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line. The UPMC MyHealth 24/7 Nurse Line is not a substitute for medical care. If an emergency arises, please call 911 or your local ambulance service, go to the nearest emergency room, or call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Nurses cannot answer plan or benefit questions. For plan or benefit information, please contact Member Services at the phone number on your ID card or call 1-844-220-4785 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.