Defining On-Site Clinic Models

More and more employers who are frustrated by the rising costs of healthcare look to on-site clinics as a creative solution for their organizations.

Understanding the differences between various models of on-site clinics can help interested employers focus their research on the type of clinic that makes sense for their organization’s unique needs.

On-Site Clinic Models:

Here's a look at three of the most common on-site clinic models available today.

1. Full-Service Primary Care Clinic (Vera Whole Health)

• Acts as a patient-centered medical home for employees
• Provides all primary care, including flu shots, health screenings, and immunizations
• Works best for organizations with at least 800 employees
• Employs a full-time provider as well as support staff, like nurse practitioners
• Includes specialty services such as pharmacy, health coaching, vision, rehab, or mental health

Download Now: The Definitive Guide to Evaluating On-Site Clinics

2. Basic Primary Care Clinic

• Act as a supplemental source of primary care for employees
• Able to treat minor injuries and basic illnesses
• Typically employ a full-time nurse practitioner and a PCP who visits a few hours a week
• May provide basic disease management
• Work best for organizations under 800 employees
• Can provide services like flu shots, immunizations, and health screenings

3. Occupational Health

• Focuses on treating work-related injuries
• May provide basic disease management
• Best for organizations of any size that don’t require the benefits of full primary care clinics
• Can offer screenings, flu shots, and health education
• Typically employs a full- or part-time nurse practitioner

Vendors vs. DIY Solutions

Beyond deciding on a type of clinic, employers considering on-site solutions need to consider whether to partner with a vendor like Vera, or to develop the clinic on their own. Working with a vendor offers employers a head start on their clinic because it’s being built and operated by someone with proven experience in the healthcare industry, but it may not provide the level of customization or control that some employers are looking for.

On the flip side, approaching a clinic from a DIY approach may be too much to handle for employers who aren’t ready to handle the demands of a clinic launch or its day-to-day operations, including staffing and training.

Learn more about how to design the best possible healthcare solution for your organization in our eBook: The Definitive Guide to Evaluating On-Site Clinics.