UBCNews - Business - HR Professionals Talk Telemedicine: Proven Cost Savings & Employee Benefits

Episode Date: November 17, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're getting into something that's really reshaping how companies think about employee healthcare - telemedicine. And I'm thrilled to have an expert in the field joining us to break down the numbers and the real-world impact. So, let's jump right in. Why are so many companies suddenly turning to telemedicine, especially with healthcare costs climbing the way they are? TelehealthWatch City: Miami Address: 8345 Northwest 66th Street Website: http://telehealthwatch.com

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're getting into something that's really reshaping how companies think about employee health care, telemedicine, and I'm thrilled to have an expert in the field joining us to break down the numbers and the real world impact. So let's jump right in. Why are so many companies suddenly turning to telemedicine, especially with health care costs climbing the way they are? Great question. Healthcare costs are absolutely rising and HR professionals are feeling that pressure intensely. telemedicine provides access to health care providers through phone or video calls. We're talking about diagnosing infections, managing chronic conditions, things like that. What's compelling is that virtual visits are significantly less expensive than urgent care or ER visits. While costs vary based on insurance and location, telemedicine visits typically run in the $40 to $75 range, whereas urgent care can average $150 or more, and ER visits often exceed $1,000.

Wow, that's a massive difference. So we're looking at real cost savings per visit. Exactly. And here's the thing. Companies can provide telemedicine through insurance carriers, standalone telehealth vendors, or even employer-sponsored wellness programs. The flexibility makes it easier to integrate into existing benefits packages. Penn Medicine did a study that found telemedicine,

visits average $380, while in-person visits for the same conditions cost $493. That's 23% less expensive. About $113 saved per patient visit. I see. Those numbers add up fast, but I'm curious. Beyond the direct cost savings, what about the productivity side? How does that factor in for employers? That's where it gets really interesting. Telemedicine makes it easier for employees to prioritize their health without taking hours off work or scrambling to find child care. Think about it. Instead of blocking out half a day for a doctor's appointment, an employee can hop on a video call during a lunch break. This directly reduces absenteeism, which is huge for maintaining productivity. I actually worked with one company where an

employee told me she was able to get her kid's ear infection diagnosed while sitting in her car between meetings. No missing work, no stressed out scrambling for coverage. Mm-hmm. I hear you. Right. And for employees in rural areas or those with limited transportation, telemedicine bridges critical gaps in care. Telehealth puts mental health services within reach of adults and children in places where counselors may be scarce. For musculoskeletal issues specifically, a fully covered telehealth benefit can save each employee seeking care about $900 in out-of-pocket expenses. $900.

That's substantial. Have you ever wondered how many employees are actually using these services once they're offered? Adoption has been growing steadily. While preferences vary, some people still prefer in-person care for certain conditions. We're seeing strong satisfaction rates among those who use virtual care. The key is that interest has grown across all age groups. Before 2020, telehealth was considered alternative health care. Now employees see it as a must-have benefit.

Although I will say my own dad still insists on driving 45 minutes to see his doctor in person, even though I've explained telemedicine to him about a dozen times. Huh, old habits die hard, right? Exactly. So to everyone listening in HR roles, this isn't just a nice perk anymore. It's becoming an expectation. That point about bridging gaps in care sets up our next piece, mental health access. But first, a quick word from our sponsor.

This episode is brought to you by Telehealth Watch. At Telehealth Watch, we're dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses with clear, reliable information about telehealth options. Our platform helps you find affordable plans, mental health support, prescription savings, and extra health care perks. everything you need to make confident, informed choices in today's evolving health care environment. Learn more at Telehealthwatch.com. Picking up on those gaps in care, how does telemedicine specifically address mental health access for employees who might not otherwise seek help?

Great follow-up. Mental health is absolutely critical. Telehealth makes mental health care more accessible and cost-effective because it eliminates travel needs and may connect clients with providers who, charge lower fees compared to traditional in-person therapy. For HR professionals looking at their workforce well-being strategy, this is a significant advantage, especially for retention and overall employee satisfaction. Access to mental health care, or putting it another way, removing barriers to getting help, that's what really moves the needle on employee wellness. Right. And it reduces that stigma too, since people can access care more privately.

Precisely. And there's another layer. Organizations should look at both short-term and long-term costs. If you only focus on immediate expenses, you might miss the bigger picture. Telehealth can help redirect care from ER and urgent care settings, which improves diagnosis and generates health plan savings. Research shows that each avoided emergency department visit can result in cost savings ranging from about $300 to over $1,500. So the goal is steering. people toward the right level of care for their needs. Exactly right. Telehealth eliminates the need for travel, saving time, and expenses for employees.

It allows for flexible scheduling, enabling sessions outside typical office hours. Employees can address minor issues before they became costly conditions requiring extended time off. That early intervention really pays off. That early intervention aspect is key. Now, are there any considerations HR teams should be? keep in mind when selecting a telehealth vendor. Definitely. You want to ensure vendors provide adolescent mental health resources because families need that support. Integration matters too. Mental health care should connect with primary and chronic condition management for better clinical

outcomes and check that vendors address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. Also, make sure they offer hybrid solutions. About 84% of employers believe integrating virtual health and in-person care delivery is essential. Right, makes sense. So the focus is creating a complete care ecosystem, not just tacking on a standalone service. Virtual care is now a vital part of any modern HR strategy. It modernizes employee benefits and drives real impact in employee health and productivity. The data shows telehealth can contribute to reduced health care costs and increased productivity by providing 24-7 access to care and rapid response to health needs. Those three elements, access, cost savings, and productivity, really form the foundation of why telemedicine works for both employers and employees.

Before we wrap up, what's one thing you'd want HR professionals to take away from this conversation? Telemedicine delivers measurable value. The cost per visit is lower, employees can access care without disrupting their workday, and you're building a healthier, more satisfied workforce. For HR teams managing tight budgets while trying to offer competitive benefits, telehealth checks all the boxes. Start evaluating your options now because your employees are already expecting it. Excellent advice.

Thank you so much for breaking this down with such clarity. To all our listeners, if you're looking for more information on telehealth options and how to compare plans, head over to the link in the description. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you next time.