How can employers encourage employee participation in a PHR?
Employers can offer employees access to PHR programs directly, and many have begun doing so. Some companies present it as a benefit administered by a third party, while others use internally developed programs.
Employer involvement in PHRs is still a new area, and some employers are wary about jumping in due to concerns about privacy and security. As a result, if employers choose to offer this benefit, they should be transparent about why they are offering the program and how it will benefit the employees.
Employers can also help overcome privacy concerns by establishing policies that clarify how the program works, who has access to the information and how it will be safeguarded, lessening employee worries that their private medical information may become known to their employer. Employers should also reassure employees that only the employee controls access to the information and can choose with whom to share it.
In addition, employers should look for programs that are not housed directly on their IT platforms to help assure that no one in the company will be able to access private health information. By developing policies that cover the use of the information contained in the employee PHR and making employees aware of the laws that cover access to and use of private medical information, an employer can help gain the employees’ trust and dispel apprehensions. To further create an incentive for employees to buy into a PHR program, an employer should create internal standards that address the privacy and security of information and let employees know which information is shared with providers and insurers.
Employers interested in implementing a PHR program for their employees can do so through products such as Microsoft Health Vault or Google Health, or they can contact their insurance plan service representative or health benefits consultant for additional resources.
MARTY HAUSER is the president of SummaCare, Inc., a provider-owned health plan located in Akron, Ohio. SummaCare offers a full line of health plans and ancillary products. Through its extensive network of more than 7,000 providers and more than 50 hospitals, SummaCare offers coverage to more than 115,000 members throughout northern Ohio. Reach him at [email protected].
