Health plans are supporting providers by offering outcomes-driven engagement programs for members
All new models of care, including accountable care organizations and medical homes, are looking for the most cost-effective and efficient way to manage the health of large populations. This is a major challenge, and patient engagement is the ideal way to address the issue, especially when it comes to preventive care.
DolinPatients not following recommended screenings and preventive services are a large contributing factor to the spiraling cost of healthcare. Take, for example, colonoscopies. Despite colorectal cancer being the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and one of the most preventable, only 53% of people 50 years and older follow recommendations for screenings.
On the surface, the new preventive services provision under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) should help address this issue, as the screenings are one of many preventive services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force that insurers must now cover without cost-sharing.
With an estimated 71 million Americans now eligible for copay-free colonoscopies, what remains to be seen is the level at which patients will take advantage of this benefit. That’s why forward-thinking health plans are supporting providers by offering outcomes-driven engagement programs that close gaps and inspire members to take action.
Access plus affordability plus engagement equals prevention.
These engagement strategies are powerful ways to increase utilization of preventive services such as colonoscopies while also boosting member satisfaction and loyalty:
In a study that was presented last year at Digestive Disease Week, researchers found that patients who viewed a 30-minute online instructional video were 40% more likely than people who didn’t watch the video to keep their colonoscopy appointments and arrive prepared for the procedure.
Empowering patients isn’t just good for their health-it’s good for disease management and the business of managed care.
Jordan Dolin is co-founder of Emmi Solutions, a healthcare communications company that builds technology-focused patient empowerment solutions.
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