Finding the perfect fit: Evaluating near-site and onsite clinics for your company

Industry Insights

| August 20, 2024

Assessing the benefits of near-site versus onsite health services for corporate wellness

Near-site and onsite health clinics represent innovative approaches to enhancing employee health benefits while optimizing operational and cost efficiency for companies.

Onsite health clinics are medical facilities located within an organization’s area. They offer convenient access to a range of healthcare services for employees without them needing to leave the workplace. Onsite clinics are more common where occupational health needs are high, such as manufacturing plants.

On the other hand, near-site health clinics are often shared among multiple employers. They are located near the workplace rather than directly on company property, covering an area 15-20 miles around it. The benefits of near-site clinics include:

Allow for greater participation from spouses and dependants (a large driver of health care costs).
Grant businesses, especially smaller ones, the opportunity to collaborate and provide high-quality healthcare benefits that typically only larger employers can.
Collaborative arrangements allow for shared costs and increased hours and services.

Both models aim to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and improve employee well-being by offering accessible healthcare solutions. However, their deployment and operational models differ, reflecting unique advantages and considerations for companies contemplating which option to choose.

As we delve deeper into the nuances of near-site versus onsite health clinics, we invite you to continue reading to understand the key aspects to consider when selecting the most suitable healthcare solution for your company.

#1: Accessibility considerations

One-fourth of employers with 5,000 or more employees provide occupational services through an employer-sponsored clinic; in most cases, the clinic provides both occupational and primary care services.[1]

The company’s size and the workforce’s geographical distribution are crucial when choosing between near-site and onsite health clinics. Investing in an onsite clinic can be highly beneficial for companies with many employees concentrated in one location, where most live close to the workplace or have high occupational needs.

Learn more:
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Onsite clinics enhance accessibility by providing health services directly within an organization, which is ideal for concentrated workforces. Near-site clinics offer a practical solution for companies with employees spread across multiple locations by ensuring equitable healthcare access regardless of geographic dispersion. Both setups prioritize accessibility, tailoring healthcare availability to different organizational structures.

Pictures of a WeCare tlc near-site clinic in Huntsville, Alabama:

#2: Healthcare services to be offered

When deciding between near-site and onsite health clinics, consider the benefits of added privacy and the potential to serve a broader demographic, including spouses and dependents. These groups are significant, as 95% of firms offer health benefits to spouses and 96% to other dependents, highlighting their impact on healthcare coverage and costs. [1]

It is essential to thoroughly assess these needs and consider the scope of services required to meet them effectively. This understanding ensures that the chosen health clinic model offers relevant services, from preventive care to chronic disease management, tailored to the workforce’s specific health concerns.

According to the National Association of Worksite Health Centers, employers’ top objective for their clinics is to provide employees with easy access to quality health care. Virtually all respondents (98%) rated “patient access” as either a 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, and nearly as many indicated that “quality of medical services” and “patient satisfaction” were important objectives. [2]

Additionally, the necessary infrastructure for advanced diagnostics or specialized treatments must be considered to provide comprehensive care. The strategic alignment between employees’ health needs and the clinic’s capabilities enhances employee well-being and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare services provided.

Pictures of WeCare tlc onsite clinics in Midland and Las Colinas, Texas:

#3: Cost savings

Both options offer significant healthcare savings manifested through reduced absenteeism, enhanced productivity, and decreased overall healthcare expenses for the employer. By providing immediate and convenient access to healthcare, onsite and near-site clinics help maintain a healthier workforce, positively impacting the bottom line over time.

Lower healthcare costs: Companies may see reduced healthcare costs through preventive care and early intervention, lowering insurance premiums, and reducing sick days.

Risk pool management: Companies that manage their own insurance risk pools can lower premiums by demonstrating effective health management through onsite and near-site clinics.

Negotiation leverage: Demonstrating an effective near-site or onsite health program can provide leverage in negotiating lower premiums with insurance providers.

Reduced emergency room visits: Easy access to primary care can decrease the number of emergency room visits, which are typically much more expensive.

Efficiency in care delivery: Onsite and near-site clinics can streamline healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and cost-effective.

Streamlined services: Onsite and near-site clinics can reduce the need for redundant or unnecessary tests and procedures, further controlling costs.
Collaborative approach: Near-site clinics usually offer the flexibility for multiple employers to come together to build a collaborative health center and share the clinic costs. They can combine resources and offer extended hours, more services, and more availability to patients.

Economies of scale: Shared facilities can benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-employee cost of providing healthcare services.

#4: WeCare tlc near-site and onsite healthcare solutions

Carefully evaluating factors such as company size, workforce geographical distribution, employee healthcare needs, and the scope of required services is essential for employers to determine which clinic model—onsite or near-site—best aligns with their company’s goals and effectively enhances employee wellness.

Onsite clinics are ideal for large organizations looking to invest in comprehensive, immediate healthcare access within their workplace, fostering a culture of health and productivity. On the other hand, near-site clinics offer a versatile solution for businesses with a dispersed workforce, providing accessible, high-quality healthcare benefits at a reduced cost.

WeCare tlc specializes in onsite and near-site health clinic services designed to meet a broad spectrum of employee health needs while aligning with your company’s wellness and business objectives.

Ready to build a corporate culture based on wellness?
Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization.

Sources:
1: KFF | 2020 Employer Health Benefits Survey
2: National Association of Worksite Health Centers | 2021 Worksite Clinics Survey Report

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