5 ways a virtual-first health plan can reduce point solution fatigue
In today's digital age, healthcare consumers have access to a variety of health apps, websites, and portals designed to connect them to their health plans. While offering value, too many options can lead to point solution fatigue, overwhelming consumers and creating fragmented, ineffective care delivery and increased costs for payers.
Point solution fatigue is a growing concern for health plans and members alike. A recent survey shows that 84% of health benefit consultants report that point solution fatigue continues among their clients, of which 63% are considering consolidating their offerings under a single experience.
Leveraging a virtual-first health plan (VFHP) strategy can bring together solutions into a unified package and mitigate those feelings of fatigue. While traditional health plans rely on in-person visits, VFHPs combine virtual and digital care programs into a single, connected, straightforward member experience across their health journey.
Read on for five key benefits of a VFHP and how it can significantly alleviate point solution fatigue:
1. Streamline access to healthcare services
VFHPs provide a single, centralized, white-labeled digital front door that members can enter to access a wide range of health services, from behavioral health support to wellness to chronic disease management. Consumers don’t have to juggle logins or switch between multiple applications, simplifying their access to care and removing barriers.
2. Personalize provider relationships
Forming lasting clinician relationships takes time and requires allowing consumers to see the same provider or care team virtually for their primary and follow-up care. To staff a VFHP, you can use your in-network provider groups, a virtual medical group or a combination of the two. This ensures members always have access to in-network, high-quality healthcare providers.
With VFHPs, providers and care teams can also access a member’s connected health record for a comprehensive, longitudinal view of their medical history, progress, and changes over time. This leads to more personalized and effective treatment plans.
3. Improve member experiences
With a unified platform featuring intuitive, straightforward functionality, members have a seamless experience. Amwell Virtual Primary Care – a mainstay to any VFHP that connects members and data into referred specialties and enrolled digital programs – has over a 90% thumbs-up rating among health plan members using the solution.
These higher satisfaction rates help increase engagement with the health plan. Better engagement means more commitment, involvement and follow-through with treatment and care, ultimately driving clinical outcomes.
4. Promote cost savings
VFHPs lower costs by consolidating and integrating various solutions within a single platform. Healthcare organizations can reduce expenses associated with multiple platform subscriptions and vendor relationships while ensuring their members still have access to a broad selection of the health offerings they need.
5. Enhance data integration
VFHPs can integrate data from various sources, giving providers and care teams a holistic, longitudinal view of a member’s health. Thorough data integration equips clinicians with better health metrics tracking so they can make more informed clinical decisions as treatment and wellbeing needs evolve.
Leveraging a VFHP makes it possible to reduce point solution fatigue and enhance the overall effectiveness of your digital health initiatives.
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