Increasing health costs are resulting in lower utilization... and it's not a good thing.

On the surface, lower utilization of health care benefits clearly leads to decreased costs for employers. Perhaps this is good from a numbers perspective, but what does it really look like when you un-package the context and it’s repercussions?

Employees are avoiding the costs of health care by avoiding doctors. A simple explanation that can have repercussions. Not going to the doctor to address health concerns means that an individual’s health will likely continue to decline through personal neglect. This becomes important to the employer when that employee’s state of health effects the work they do each day. A conclusion that totals just under $226 billion in productivity loss each year. But are there other factors that effect an employees decision to seek out personal care?

Employees may avoid a health care system that has been shunned for its inefficiencies, inconveniences, and despite high perceived professionalism - it’s disconnect from personal care. Among its shortcomings is accessibility. Most of your employees are unable to make an appointment with a portal of entry care provider within a reasonable time frame. A doctor’s availability is often booked weeks or months in advance. This barrier makes it difficult for employees trying to figure out their health. Timing is also crucial for symptoms to be best observed when they manifest which provides better data to the health care practitioner.

While not all ailments fall under the realm of physical medicine or need to be addressed by an onsite chiropractor - having one does offer employees a sense of security. Convenient access to the opinion of a health care provider can mean the difference in the life of someone who lacks certainty or encouragement to address their health.