Transforming Primary Care: The Power of Health Coach Collaboration

As healthcare continues to evolve and become more patient-centered, patients are seeking more support and more resources from their care team. They are faced with options to go outside of a traditional primary care market and enroll in a direct primary care model which gives them more access & support to their physicians or opting into a digital first model, such as OneMedical.

As patients look for additional support, primary care practices need to continue to expand the way they are providing service to better meet the needs of their patients.

Online health coaching adds value both to the patient and the primary care practice. Health coaches can work alongside physicians to provide personalized care and support to patients, helping them to achieve their health and wellness goals. Imagine a patient leaving the office with recommendations on lifestyle changes to make, but also the support to actually follow through so they aren’t having the same conversation at the next visit.

Six benefits of working with a health coach.

Below are six key reasons that a primary care physician would benefit from working with an online health coach.

Better patient outcomes.

One of the main reasons why physicians work with health coaches is that they can help improve patient outcomes by providing additional support. Health coaches specialize in areas such as weight management, chronic disease management, stress management and establishing a healthy lifestyle. They work with patients to figure out HOW to make sustainable changes to their health and wellness – the tactics and the implementation. This can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and increased patient satisfaction.

Improved Revenue & Retention.

Health coaches can also help to increase revenue for physicians by offering an additional service to patients. The market for digital care and direct primary care shows that many patients are looking for more comprehensive and personalized care, and by offering health coaching services, physicians can meet this demand and increase their revenue by bringing more patients to the practice.

Lower cost of chronic disease.

Health coaches reduce healthcare costs by addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and promoting health and wellness. By working with patients to make sustainable changes to their health and wellness, health coaches reduce the need for expensive medical treatments and procedures.

Improve patient self-management skills.

The foundation of health coaching is guiding a patient to an action plan they feel confident they can achieve. This approach improves patient self-management skills because health coaches work with patients to teach them how to manage their own health and wellness, which can lead to greater patient autonomy and better outcomes.

Improved continuity of care.

In addition, health coaches can work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care, which can lead to better patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. By working together, physicians and health coaches can provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to patient care.

A market leader in primary care.

Finally, working with a health coach can show a commitment to innovation and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in healthcare. As healthcare continues to evolve and become more patient-centered, primary care physicians who are open to incorporating new and innovative approaches to care, such as working with health coaches and digital care tools, will be better positioned to meet the needs of their patients.

In conclusion, working with health coaches can provide many benefits for primary care physicians, including improved patient outcomes, increased revenue, reduced healthcare costs, improved patient self-management skills, continuity of care, and a commitment to innovation. By working together, physicians and health coaches can provide comprehensive, personalized, and coordinated care to patients, helping them to achieve their health and wellness goals.