As payers are welcoming alternative payment models to reimburse providers, the HHS is rewarding practices that encourage participation in employer based wellness programs that will reduce cost and improve quality outcomes for patients. Finding the right balance between these programs and existing legislation is the key to success.

Wellness programs are completely dependent upon patient participation, but if a provider wants to get paid for monitoring these programs, they must participate in the programs as well with daily tweets, emails and web site updates designed to grab patient attention and motivate compliance.

Wellness programs are an investment for your practice; an investment of time and creativity and money. The rewards they will reap for you and patients depend on how well your practice can keep patients engaged in programs.

There are many studies that suggest like most “new” things wellness tends to be a flash in the pan. The gadgets on phone to monitor wellness activities are difficult to sustain. But as reimbursement grows and providers are incentivized to promote wellness, patients will follow where they are led. Will patients get up from their desks and walk around every hour if their gadget tells them to? Will patients take meds on queue? Will daily weight and BP encourage good eating habits? Does a watch that not only tells time but measures key vital signs become not only the rage but the norm? Only time will tell, but everything is leaning in that direction. Wellness programs are betting on their own success.

Jump on the bandwagon and see what wellness programs employers and insurers are offering and what you can do to add this to your revenue stream.