Why a proactive healthcare strategy begins with care navigation.

Most people only think about going to the doctor when something’s wrong with their health. They wait until they’re dealing with a sore back, fighting a persistent cough, or struggling with symptoms they can’t ignore before seeking help. This reactive approach means health issues often go untreated until they’re severe, more costly, and harder to manage. What if, instead of waiting for problems to arise, employees had the resources and support to stay ahead of their health needs?

Taking a proactive approach to healthcare—where preventive care, early intervention, and regular wellness checks are the focus—can be a game-changer. For organizations, a proactive approach to healthcare doesn’t just improve employee well-being; it also leads to lower healthcare costs, higher productivity, and a healthier, more engaged workforce. So, how do you help employees move from reactive to proactive healthcare? The answer is care navigation.

The power of proactive health for employees.

Switching from a reactive to a proactive approach has proven, tangible benefits for organizations. Here’s why making this shift matters:

• Health issues are addressed before they escalate: Routine preventive care is critical, yet 69% of adults are behind on cancer screenings, often due to barriers like cost or lack of education. By encouraging employees to stay on top of preventive screenings and regular check-ups, potential health concerns can be caught early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. 

• Better management of chronic conditions: 7 out of 10 deaths each year are caused by chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Employees with chronic conditions benefit greatly from consistent, proactive support that helps them manage their health and avoid serious complications, resulting in better outcomes.

• Lower healthcare costs: According to some estimates, reactive care accounts for over 75% of healthcare spending. Addressing health issues early and helping employees manage them reduces the need for costly emergency care, hospitalizations, and treatments for advanced conditions. For organizations, fewer emergency treatments means lower healthcare costs.

How care navigation supports proactive health.

Care navigation is a vital component in fostering a proactive healthcare culture, helping employees access the resources they need and feel confident in managing their health. Here’s how care navigation supports your team: 

• Promotes preventive care: Healthcare navigators remind employees of essential screenings, vaccinations, and check-ups if they are falling behind. This helps them stay on top of preventive care and catch health issues early.

• Enhances chronic condition management: Employees with chronic conditions can rely on patient navigation to connect them with necessary resources, such as specialists, wellness programs, or other high-value care, supporting better health outcomes and fewer complications.

• Improves healthcare literacy: Care navigators educate employees on available healthcare options and benefits, empowering them to make informed decisions and utilize preventive care with confidence.

• Reduces financial barriers to care: Care navigation helps employees find cost-effective, high-value care options, including in-network providers and covered services, eliminating financial obstacles that might otherwise reduce proactive health management.

Care navigation isn’t just about connecting employees to care when they need it; it’s about creating a culture where health is a priority. This proactive approach improves employee well-being and aligns with long-term organizational goals. HR and benefits leaders who champion care navigation are investing in more than just healthcare—they’re investing in a healthier workforce and lower healthcare costs.

Learn more about Rightway's high-touch, clinical approach to care navigation and how it can motivate your teams to manage their health proactively.