Addressing common misconceptions about employer health clinics

Addressing common misconceptions about employer health clinics September 25, 2017

Employers are realizing the many benefits of providing on-site health clinics for their employees and the number of employer health clinics continues to grow. However, since healthcare coverage offered by an employer has traditionally been in the form of subsidized insurance, many questions still arise around the health clinic, among employees and potential employees in particular.

A recent article in TwineHealth outlined six common misconceptions employees might have about employer health clinic:

• It doesn’t exist: Employees who don’t see it or use it every day may not understand how the clinic works. All employees need to be fully informed about the availability of the clinic and their benefits in regard to using the clinic.
• It costs a lot of money: Employees also need to fully understand what their costs will be to use the clinic. What kind of benefit do they have? Are certain services, such as preventative care, covered as they would be at their primary care physician’s office? Explain to employees in detail what they can expect in regard to their costs for the clinic’s services.
• Employee health information will not remain private: Many employees suspect that their employers might use their health information against them if they use an employer health clinic. Employees need to be reassured that medical records are covered by HIPAA privacy and security regulations, even when the employer is sponsoring the health clinic.
• The clinic is only for flu shots and band-aids: Employees may think that the clinic is only available for certain peripheral services. Detailed information should be provided to employees that outlines exactly what services are provided at the clinic.
• The clinic is only meant for certain types of employees: Administrative staff may believe the clinic provides services that are more appropriate for factory workers, for example. The employer can reassure everyone that the clinic is provided as a benefit for all employees.
• Clinic services are not as good as the employee’s regular doctor’s office: Information about services offered at the clinic can help clear up this misconception as well. Particularly if the clinic uses technology such as electronic health records (EHRs), employees can be reassured that clinic staff provide quality healthcare services for all employees.