Employer-Provided Resource Fosters Well-Informed Healthcare Consumers For Better Outcomes, Lower Costs
By Judy Gordon
Wellness Director
The Hartford
Some of the leading drivers of employee absenteeism and lost productivity are disability leaves due to employees’ ongoing management of chronic medical conditions or recovery from procedures.
Unfortunately, the U.S. healthcare system is plagued with great variations in the quality and cost of medical care, with patients receiving incorrect diagnoses and inappropriate, or unnecessary treatment.
A 2017 study conducted at and by the Mayo Clinic, for example, found that among patients who came to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion or diagnosis confirmation before treatment for a complex condition, an astounding 88% left with a new or refined diagnosis and a changed treatment plan.1 Unfortunately, most Americans do not get second opinions when diagnosed with a serious condition. According to Gallup’s 2010 Health and Healthcare Survey poll, 70% of Americans don’t believe second opinions are needed.
Numerous studies have documented that some of the most expensive hospitals do not have better health outcomes for patients.2 Medical errors and incorrect care are common. One study suggests that medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States.3 Low quality, inappropriate or unsafe medical care not only results in lost worker productivity, but it also places patients at risk for physical and financial harm.
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