Advanced Primary Care Implementation Best Practices for Labor Unions

Unions introduce advanced primary care (APC) programs to support their members’ health and well-being, reduce injuries and lower overall healthcare costs. 

Launching a union-based APC program may seem like a tall order, but it’s really about following a series of operational steps to ensure success. By adhering to these best practices, you can make advanced primary care implementation as seamless as possible.

Tailor the Program to Your Workforce

A key benefit of advanced primary care programs is giving unions the flexibility to tailor services to best serve their workforce.

As you begin implementation, evaluate your members’ age ranges and health issues—such as chronic conditions, occupational injuries and mental health concerns. Taking a proactive approach ensures your plan design aligns with their specific needs right from the start.

For example, if members frequently get injured on the job, you can offer physical therapy and occupational health support. If you have a large number of diabetic members, APC programs can proactively engage members and provide ongoing diabetes management. 

You also want to ensure the program is accessible and convenient for all members, especially if you have a dispersed workforce. If members work in the field, you can join a network of APC centers close to where most employees live and offer 24/7 virtual care. If all members work or live in a centralized location, you can open a health center at the worksite or in the neighborhood. 

Align on Roles and Responsibilities

Communicate early and regularly with your APC vendor to level set and ensure everyone’s on the same page. 

A top concern for employers often revolves around hiring health center staff. Union leaders are busy enough, and the thought of recruiting a team of medical providers can feel overwhelming .

The good news is your advanced primary care partner should handle the hiring and staffing on behalf of the union, from medical assistants who work at the front desk to doctors and physical therapists. 

For instance, Marathon Health uses a rigorous vetting process to recruit high-quality medical staff. This removes the burden from the union and HR leaders while ensuring the union employs compassionate, high-quality providers who share their values and mission.

The union is responsible for choosing the health center site, which can include leasing a space, joining an existing network of health centers or building new. Again, this will depend on your members’ needs and available infrastructure. 

Unions also need to prioritize employee communications during the implementation period. Implementation can take several months and unions should not only provide awareness about the program, but also explain the benefits, such as same-day appointments and free and low-cost care, and how to use the resource. 

Unions should promote the health center to members through multiple communication channels and provide resources for employees to understand how to access them, and how the services will integrate with or complement existing healthcare coverage.

Partner with Other Unions 

Consider joining with other unions to share expenses and offer a broader range of services. A shared program can serve a larger geographic area, making it more convenient for members across multiple unions.

In 2019, Jim Coyne, Business Manager at Plumbers UA Local 130 in Chicago, opened three APC centers for Local 130 members and their families. After seeing the ROI, he invited additional unions in the region to form a coalition and share costs. 

“I did this open house and invited these other crafts. We had long conversations, and two years later, we formed a coalition,” Coyne says. 

Today, nine unions in the Chicagoland area make up the Union Wellness Centers coalition, serving 40,000 members via eight wellness centers located close to where most members live. 

Overcoming Implementation Anxiety

Implementing an advanced primary care program can seem challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Your vendor partner will be by your side every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation. With the right partner, you can confidently deliver a program that meets your members’ needs and creates lasting value.

Read our union case studies to see how labor organizations like yours have reduce costs and improved member health with advanced primary care.