In today’s rapidly changing healthcare system, payers are looking to differentiate their business from the competition through health plans that attract and retain clients and members. One of the best ways they can do this is by providing adequate access to advanced primary care for their members. This is especially valuable for payers serving Medicare Advantage members, whose plans require annual primary care visits.

Let’s take a look at the top three reasons that payers should consider providing advanced primary care to their members:

1. Better health outcomes

Advanced primary care allows payers to create aligned incentives between the health plan and care delivery. This greatly increases the quality and consistency of care. It also frees payers to encourage members to utilize care early and often, before they have chronic issues. Providers can then have the opportunity to treat issues before they reach a chronic level. As a result, outcomes improve.

2. Reduced total costs

80-90% of care is delivered at the primary care level, which reduces utilization throughout the rest of the system, thus driving down total costs.

3. Improved member experience

By integrating advanced primary care, payers can create a better experience for members. Members have time-rich provider appointments to engage in a dialogue over their health concerns. Providers have the time, support, and staff to provide most of a person’s care — care that in today’s system is being outsourced to specialists. This builds strong relationships that empower members to take ownership over their health.

To differentiate from their competition and provide a better experience for their members, payers need to integrate advanced primary care.

Learn more about how to gain a competitive advantage with Vera and advanced primary care.