Use quality data to improve employee health benefits
Many employers have not examined data on physician quality that could improve the value and quality of the health benefits they offer, says a new study.1 Researchers interviewed executives at 609 of the largest employers in 41 U.S. markets, each with at least 100,000 persons enrolled in health maintenance organizations, with firms ranging in size from 60 to 250,000 employees.
Although 65% of the executives reported examining health plan quality data, only 17% used the information to determine performance rewards and only 23% used it to influence employees. The study's findings suggest that employers aren't using available data to improve the quality and value of the health benefits offered to their workers, says Meredith B. Rosenthal, PhD, the study's lead author and a researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. "The bad news is that most employers are not paying attention to value but are mostly still focused on price," she says. "What employers most want is to know what they can do to save money without giving anything up. They want their employees to be happy and healthy, so dropping coverage or undermining it through high deductibles is generally undesirable to most."
The goal for occupational health professionals is twofold: To demonstrate that wellness programs improve employee health and that these programs save money for employers, says Rosenthal. "That is the message they are most eager to hear," she says.
[Editor's note: Rosenthal may be reached at (617) 432-3418. Fax: (617) 432-4494. E-mail: [email protected].]
Reference
1. Rosenthal MB, Landon BE, Normand ST, et al. Employers' use of value-based purchasing strategies. JAMA 2007; 298:2,281-2,288.
Many employers have not examined data on physician quality that could improve the value and quality of the health benefits they offer, says a new study.You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
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