To meet the increasing demand from self-insured employers looking to contract with healthcare provider networks, Vizient, Inc. announced the launch of its Direct to Employer Solutions for healthcare systems.
The solutions include a national high-value network currently comprising six Vizient member health systems, direct-to-employer advisory services and connections with network administrative partners. Vizient members participating in the initial network are BJC HealthCare, Emory Healthcare, Johns Hopkins Medicine, MemorialCare Health System, Northwestern Medicine, and Providence.
Almost half of the American workforce receives health insurance from their employer. Most employers with over 200 employees offer self-funded plans meaning they directly pay the benefit claims. Many employers are increasingly frustrated with the status quo, which often uses a broad PPO network affiliated with a traditional insurance provider. Instead, employers are seeking deeper, direct relationships with providers who are able to offer high-quality, appropriate care that emphasizes high patient engagement and satisfaction, with lower readmission/complication rates and predictable, and competitive pricing.
Initially, each of the six Vizient member health systems participating in the high-value network will offer services in a bundled format through a center of excellence focused on spine, hips, knees, bariatric and cardiovascular procedures. The center of excellence will provide patients with appropriate, high quality care, and a better patient experience, at lower total costs to their employers by eliminating duplication of diagnostic testing and reducing post-surgical complications and readmissions.
