Millions of Americans visit the emergency room (ER) for non-urgent care. Those unnecessary visits cost anywhere from $4.4 billion annually according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), up to $32 billion a year based on a commercial study. To keep...
In our digital world, information about any subject is just a few clicks or swipes away. It’s tempting for people to turn to “Dr. Google” to search for advice on health-related topics, especially when symptoms first appear or getting to a primary care physician for...
Healthcare engagement is changing—driven by new players, new models, new technology, new channels and new consumer expectations. Read our annual Healthcare Consumer Engagement Forecast to learn what our experts say are the top trends for 2020. See the predictions >...
With today’s unsustainable healthcare costs, it’s important to find ways to reduce unnecessary ER, urgent care and primary care visits. A high-quality and experienced nurse advice line can be an integral part of the solution. Keep in mind, though, that reaping the...
Download our trend brief today to learn why health plans are responding to the nation’s behavioral health crisis with a new focus on crisis support. More than 25% of U.S. adults experience some type of behavioral or mental health disorder in a given year—and that...
A tried-and-true service offered by most health plans, a nurse advice line is an important way to help members gain convenient, evidence-based information and support when they have questions about symptoms or care. But when you’re focused on budgets and bottom lines,...
Many health plans and some healthcare providers offer a nurse advice line to support patients and members by assessing and triaging symptoms, offering care advice and referrals, and educating members about their health. But what if the power of a nurse advice line...
Health plans need to lower ER costs, no matter what type of populations they serve—from Medicaid and Medicare to private, commercial plan members. Non-urgent ER visits cost the U.S. $4.4 billion annually, and ER costs, according to a new CDC report, have doubled in...
The U.S. healthcare industry is already experiencing virtual care’s initial promise for improving access to care and creating an on-demand healthcare experience. But we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to deepening the telehealth consumer experience...
