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Digital EditionWorksite Health Centers See Major Expansion as Employers Report Strong Returns
More than half of employers plan to expand their worksite health center services and staffing in the next two years, with 94% reporting positive returns on investment, according to a report by Alliant Insurance Services and the National Association for Workplace Health Care (NAWHC).
The survey of 108 employers representing over 2.1 million employees and 466 worksite clinics reveals a significant acceleration in workplace health center adoption and expansion. Beyond the 54% of employers planning to increase clinic services or staff, another 28% intend to add health centers in new locations.
This expansion comes amid broader changes in health care delivery, the report said. Health care coordination services have surged to 60% adoption, up from 37% in 2023, while behavioral health services are now offered by 45% of employers, compared to 33% two years ago. Technology adoption has become nearly universal, with 97% of employer health centers utilizing electronic medical record systems and 75% offering telehealth services.
The financial models are evolving as well. Cost-plus arrangements remain the preferred approach at 44% of employers, providing transparency in actual costs plus an agreed percentage. For employers with high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts (HSAs), 69% have implemented a single flat fee structure to meet IRS fair market value requirements.
Quality and Access Trump Cost Savings
Contrary to conventional wisdom, medical and pharmacy plan cost reduction ranks only fifth among employer objectives. Instead, employers prioritize providing high-quality medical services, with patient satisfaction, experience, and access to care topping the list of goals.
This focus on quality translates into tangible benefits for employees. The survey found that 68% of respondents report same-day access when booking appointments, while 87% report wait times of 10 minutes or less once in the health center. Many employees are embracing these facilities as their primary care medical homes, with 29% of survey respondents reporting that half of their clinic users rely on the worksite center as their main source of care.
Staffing models reflect this quality-first approach. While nurse practitioners remain the most common providers at 76% of centers, 59% also employ physicians, and specialized support is growing with 30% now staffing nutritionists or dietitians and 20% employing licensed clinical social workers for behavioral health needs.
Strong Returns Signal Sustainable Growth
The financial performance data suggests the worksite health center model has matured into a sustainable healthcare delivery option. Over half of survey respondents reported returns exceeding 2:1, with 25% achieving returns greater than 3:1. These results come despite employers’ focus on quality over cost savings, suggesting the two objectives are complementary rather than conflicting.
“Employer health centers are a strong foundation for an employer total worker health strategy,” said David Keyt, national director of employer health centers at Alliant. “Employers are facing double-digit medical cost trend increases and looking for solutions. Directly contracted worksite and near-site care models have been a proven strategy that delivers significant value on investment.”
Nearly half, or 48%, of health clinics support workers’ compensation case management. The two most common occupational health services provided are treatment of work-related injuries and illnesses (71%) and drug testing (64%).
“Having health professionals available onsite enables timely intervention for worksite injuries, illness, or health emergencies. Access to occupational services also facilitates preventive
measures, like health screenings, vaccination programs, and ergonomic assessments,” the report’s authors said. “These services help deliver a safer work environment, more effective case management and follow-up care.”
Looking ahead, the integration of workplace health centers with broader health care networks appears to be strengthening. The majority of employers (59%) now view their health center as part of their health plan network, with 87% of those integrating data through standard adjudication, zero dollar claims, or flat file accumulation.
The survey also reveals that shared clinic models are gaining traction, with approximately 25% of respondents participating in facilities that serve multiple employers. This approach helps smaller employers access the benefits of onsite care while sharing costs and resources.
“A healthy and productive workforce is vital to every successful industry. Employers can no longer wait for the health system to respond to the quality, cost, and access problems facing their organizations and workers. The adoption of aggressive health benefit strategies will be key to meeting today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” said Larry Boress, executive director of NAWHC.
Obtain the full survey here. &
