Over the course of the year, we have seen increased demand for telemedicine from healthcare consumers. For several employees, the opportunity to engage in traditional healthcare, especially when frequently on the road, has dwindled due to the risk of infection, limited space, and reallocation of resources. Consequently, individuals across the country have had to adapt and embrace telemedicine resources to access necessary care.
Embracing this demand, telehealth provider MeMD has partnered with the Healthy Transportation Foundation (HTF) — a national not-for-profit that supports the health and well-being of truck drivers — to provide these employees with much needed on-demand virtual healthcare.
Truck drivers typically work hours outside of the normal “nine to five workday,” and as a result, these drivers are not provided regular access to the solutions necessary to maintain and boost their health and well-being. With that said, truck drivers may be more susceptible to developing chronic health conditions, which in turn can be a massive risk to one’s health and a large healthcare burden for employers. According to HTF data, 60% of truck drivers are obese and over 60% suffer from diabetes.
As part of the program, drivers will have access to MeMD’s urgent care and virtual primary care resources via their computer, mobile app or phone. Access will be provided 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holidays. The program will also assist drivers in prioritizing their care through routine screenings to keep early detection and preventive health services top of mind.
“This is a meaningful partnership that extends the value of our Shift Into Better Health campaign, enabling HTF to improve access to care for professional drivers by offering virtual telehealth consults that can be accessed on and off the road.” — Jon Slaughter, CEO of the Health Transportation Foundation
With the help of this partnership, the HTF’s goal of getting professional truck drivers better healthcare becomes tangible. “This translates into better management for chronic disease while curbing healthcare costs. As a result, we expect to contribute to improved individual health, employee productivity and satisfaction,” said Slaughter.
Information provided by Employee Benefit News.