What is Executive Medicine?

Healthcare tailored for the busy executive

The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine calculated that illness and injury cost the nation over $63 billion in lost work and productivity. While employees and executives are constantly encouraged to seek preventive care, the reality is that many do not take the time to see their physician on an annual basis, let alone when symptoms present themselves. Instead, most individuals wait until illness physically prohibits them from going to work, and at this point the illness is typically worse than it would have been if they had an ongoing relationship with a physician and care had been given in a more proactive manner.

Lost productivity time coupled with rising insurance costs has led many corporations to investigate health care solutions to either supplant or supplement the traditional group insurance model. One of the core solutions employers have turned to is the Executive Concierge Model.

Known as “Executive Healthcare” or “Executive Medicine”, doctors and physician groups are coming together to customize health programs for groups of executives and independent businesses with an objective of reducing the lost productivity time. At the core of many Executive Healthcare packages is a Executive Physical. In many instances the doctor will travel to company facilities in order to perform a basic physical for all executive members. In others, as in the case of EliteHealth, the office visit is an option, but executives are also given the benefit of in-depth diagnostic treatment, which allows for an even more in-depth analysis of their health than what is typically offered. This level of physical, given at a time that is convenient for the executive, is shown to have a positive impact on the bottom line (with less time lost due to illness).

The Executive Medicine model has also allowed for some employers to provide a value to employees at a time where the economic climate is tougher and morale is at an all-time low in many industries. Providing Executive Concierge level service to employees, and, in some cases, their families provides an opportunity for employers to offer easier access to healthcare, and adapt the traditional concierge model to the corporate environment.

Author: Steven A. Schnur, M.D.
Date Published: 09/18/2008
Keywords: Concierge Medicine Practice, Concierge Medicine