Imagine you wake up with an intense swelling on the side of your face. Anxiety sets in as you ask, “what is going on?” You look in the mirror and you see a difference in your face that wasn’t there when you went to bed. Now you’re scared, and you know it is time for medical attention. 

This is what happened to Alice, a Richmond city employee. Luckily, this event occurred just two weeks after the opening of Marathon Health, the city of Richmond, Virginia’s first employer-sponsored health clinic, which is conveniently on the employee health plan.

Alice called the clinic about the issue and was immediately booked for a same-day appointment. The nurse practitioner (NP) treating her examined her face and identified the issue as a swollen gland. To be on the safe side, the NP recommended follow-up testing. Alice was sent to the hospital for an outpatient IV and sonogram.

The sonogram located a cyst in Alice’s gland. Though benign, the cyst had the potential to put pressure on the arteries in her neck, which could have led to a life-threatening rupture. “If the clinic hadn’t been so accessible and efficient and the NP had not been so thorough in her follow-up, they probably wouldn’t have caught the cyst,” shared Alice. 

“All of this happened within one week. If I had gone to my primary care doctor, it would have taken at least two weeks just to get an appointment, only to receive antibiotics and not a
comprehensive assessment. In this case, the clinic’s care was potentially lifesaving.”

In today’s dynamic workforce landscape, where the health and well-being of employees are increasingly valued, employer-sponsored health centers or clinics are emerging as an innovative model of comprehensive care and proactive wellness. These clinics, nestled within the community, offer a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond those offered by traditional healthcare. From fostering a healthier workforce to driving cost savings and boosting productivity, the advantages of employer-sponsored health clinics for primary care are
manifold and transformative.

Richmond cut the ribbon on its first health clinic operated by Marathon Health on January 12, 2024. A second location is set to open soon in the center of downtown just a few blocks from city hall. The health clinics share the same focus: providing high-quality primary care at accessible locations for employees and their families who participate on the city’s health plan, while reducing the overall cost of healthcare for both the employee and employer. The model prioritizes individualized care, savings, and efficiency in time and financial investment, and improved outcomes for a healthier workforce. They offer a range of services, from preventive and acute visits, behavioral health, and occupational health to onsite medicine (pharmacy), physical therapy, and certain specialized tests, all in a one-stop-shop.

When healthcare is more immediate, engaging, and personalized, costs go down and outcomes improve, which is a win-win for everyone. “As organizations continue to prioritize the holistic needs of their workforce, employer-sponsored health clinics will undoubtedly play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in the workplace,” says Sabrina Joy-Hogg, senior deputy chief administrative officer. Joy-Hogg led the charge to bring health clinics to the city of Richmond after her experience with Marathon Health when she worked for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

“The opening of shared network centers in the Richmond metro area is a testament to Marathon Health’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare across the nation,” says Jeff Wells, MD, CEO and co-founder of Marathon Health. “By establishing partnerships with local employers, we work collaboratively to support healthier communities, enhance productivity, improve health outcomes, and reduce overall healthcare costs.”

How exactly do health clinics revolutionize that collaborative role between employer, employee, and wellness, and what are the impacts?

Enhancing Access and Convenience

Booking a medical appointment since the onset of COVID-19 has become increasingly frustrating for most people. A survey done in 2022 revealed that the average wait time to make a doctor’s appointment was 26 days. The almost-a-month wait can escalate a variety of health issues drastically. Remember Alice—imagine if she had to wait 26 days to have her swelling examined. The cyst would have had the opportunity to grow and put pressure on her arteries. In 26 days, her diagnosis could have been very different, potentially life-threatening. This doesn’t even account for the anxiety, frustration, and potential days of absence from work Alice could experience.

Marathon Health found that industry-wide in 2022, the average waiting room time at the doctor’s office was 14.3 minutes. Marathon Health’s book of business results in 2023 show over 80% of members wait less than five minutes in the waiting room, which is approximately one-third the average waiting room time. Enhanced accessibility also is seen in the longer-than-average clinic appointment time of 32 minutes—five times longer than a typical doctor’s visit.

The clinic takes the pressure off when making an appointment, especially with a customer-friendly mobile app. It provides a lower barrier of entry thanks to its convenience and by taking the time to provide the care necessitated without the restrictions of limited appointment times seen in traditional models. Employees can easily fit appointments into their workday without disrupting their productivity, leading to higher rates of engagement with preventive care and early intervention.

Proactive Health Management

Prevention is paramount in maintaining a healthy workforce, and employer-sponsored clinics excel in promoting proactive health management. Through regular check-ups, screenings, and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of the workforce, clinics can empower employees to take charge of their health and well-being.

Marathon Health has measured success in patient outcomes through its proactive health management approach, with 59% of high-risk members making improvements on quality measures. It has seen a 23% reduction in ER visits for engaged members, a 19% reduction in high-risk blood pressure, and a 31% decrease in moderate to severe anxiety.

By addressing health concerns early on, clinics can mitigate the risk of chronic conditions, reduce absenteeism at work, and prioritize wellness within the organization.

Cost-Effective Care Delivery

Employer-sponsored health clinics are not only beneficial for employees but also yield substantial cost savings for employers. By providing primary care services on-site or locally, employers can reduce healthcare expenditures associated with emergency room visits, specialist referrals, and absenteeism due to illness. Proactive management of chronic conditions and preventive care initiatives can lead to long-term cost containment by averting costly medical interventions down the line.

Richmond’s foray into health clinics requires very low or no co-pays or out-of-pocket payments depending on which city healthcare plan the employee is on. Alice’s same-day clinic appointment was completely covered, and she also received three free antibiotic shots. “I didn’t have to wait years or pay a co-pay for the visit or the in-office antibiotics!” she exclaimed when describing her clinic experience.

Marathon Health sees $2,000 in average annual savings for every engaged employee, costing engaged members 28% less per member per year and a 31% cost decrease for members with a high risk or chronic condition.

Customized Healthcare Solutions

Unlike traditional healthcare settings, employer-sponsored clinics have the unique advantage of catering to the specific needs and demographics of the workforce they serve. Whether it’s offering tailored wellness programs, mental health support services, or chronic disease management, clinics can adapt their offerings to address prevalent health concerns within the organization.

Employees are helped every step of the way of their health journey. If an employee needs services the clinic cannot provide, Marathon Health will utilize their referral team to assist the employee with scheduling the specialist and subsequent referrals.

It doesn’t end with physical health; the clinic provides resources for mental health. In 2023, 32% of adults in Virginia reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. City employees are a part of that 32%. In the past, the city provided mental and emotional health support through the Employee Assistance Program. With the opening of the Marathon Health clinic, a behavioral health specialist is available to employees either in-person or virtually. Additionally, the city has elected to provide physical therapy without needing a referral and occupational health for sworn police and fire personnel.

The city’s goal with this healthcare model is to treat the whole patient; in other words, provide holistic care. This personalized approach encourages a sense of trust and loyalty among employees, enhancing overall job satisfaction and retention rates.

Promoting Employee Engagement and Productivity

A healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and employer-sponsored health clinics play a pivotal role in promoting employee engagement and productivity. By prioritizing the health and well-being of their employees, organizations demonstrate a commitment to their workforce’s holistic needs, fostering a positive work environment and boosting morale. When employees have easy access to primary care services, they are more likely to address health issues promptly, minimizing the impact of illness on productivity and job performance.

An engaged and productive workforce is at the core of what it means to be an “employer of choice.” Richmond has prioritized employee benefits and wellness to become an employer of choice in recent years. “This expansion and opening of Richmond’s Marathon Health Clinic signals that we are committed to our employees’ long-term health and well-being. As a workplace of choice, it is imperative that our current and future employees and employers know that the city prioritizes its employees’ well-being and provides opportunities for them to thrive,” stated Mayor Levar Stoney. “We are grateful for this partnership with Marathon Health and look forward to expanding its reach to other locations in Richmond.”

Conclusion: A Holistic Revolution in Primary Care

A successful benefits program in the era of workplace wellness understands employees as an organization’s most valuable asset. Predominant healthcare models of the recent past put the responsibility of wellness fully on the individual with little consideration of the environment and support it offers to maintain health. The clinics create the structure to help employees take care of themselves through a multi-dimensional model of health and well-being that translates into more vibrant, collaborative, and productive workplaces.

In a time where employee health and well-being are paramount, employer-sponsored health clinics stand out as an innovative beacon of comprehensive care and proactive wellness. By enhancing access to primary care, promoting proactive health management, driving cost savings, and boosting productivity, a multitude of benefits result for both employees and employers alike.

SABRINA JOY-HOGG is senior deputy chief administrative officer, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
LOUISA K. MEYER is senior policy advisor for finance and administration, Richmond, Virginia, USA