How Manufacturers Can Increase Medication Management with APC

Healthcare costs keep climbing, and manufacturing leaders recognize that pharmacy and medication expenses drive a significant portion of those costs.

To tackle the issue, manufacturers are turning to advanced primary care (APC) and medication management solutions through employer-sponsored health centers.

But engaging manufacturing workers in healthcare isn’t always easy. Language barriers, demanding shifts, and other challenges make it harder to connect. Even when workers visit their health center, they may not take medication as prescribed or skip filling prescriptions due to cost concerns or outright skepticism.

The right APC solution can change that. By offering proactive, comprehensive care and ensuring employees can access medications at little to no cost, manufacturers can improve medication adherence, boost overall health, and create a more productive workforce.

Let’s explore how.

Stronger relationship with providers

APC focuses on long-term, trust-based relationships between patients and their primary care providers. Rather than rushing patients through the visit, providers take the time to understand a worker’s health history, challenges, and treatment preferences.  

With APC, providers don’t operate on a fee-for-service model, and typically see a set number of patients each day. Appointments usually last between 30 minutes and an hour—far longer than in the traditional healthcare system—providing ample time to talk about medication options, potential side effects, and questions or concerns. This time spent together, rather than in the waiting room, can help overcome skepticism or anxiety around new medications.

When employees ultimately trust their provider, they’re more likely to follow medical advice, take medications as prescribed, and seek care proactively, reducing the risk of complications or missed doses.

High-touch experiences with check-ins and follow-ups

A key feature of APC is the way providers continuously engage with employees. Instead of waiting for employees to reach out with issues, APC providers proactively check in, monitor medication adherence, and address barriers such as side effects, affordability concerns, or confusion about dosage. 

Additionally, many manufacturers open advanced primary care health centers onsite at the manufacturing facility to make it easier for workers to get care, often without leaving work. These centers frequently have hours that serve every shift or support other access methods for second- or third- shift workers.

Over time, the provider becomes a familiar face employees see in the break room or around the facility. Many organizations even encourage their onsite APC providers to attend employee events or eat in the cafeteria to help employees put a face to a name and make connections.

These high-touch interactions build trust, making employees feel comfortable to reach out to their providers whenever they need care.

Provider dispensing when available

With advanced primary care, employees can pick up their medications during their appointment to improve access and ensure they never miss a dose. Marathon Health’s advanced primary care centers carry hundreds of common medications to treat everything from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to allergies and lower back pain.

When manufacturers design advanced primary care plans, they often remove or lower costs, so workers pay low or no copays or fees when they pick up their meds. This can be a game-changer for many employees who avoid medication due to cost. One study found nearly 30% of U.S. adults have skipped taking a prescribed medication due to costs.

When providers can dispense medications directly, employees benefit from immediate access to essential prescriptions without the hassle of visiting an outside pharmacy. This convenience reduces delays, increases adherence, and removes obstacles like transportation challenges or long wait times. 

For manufacturers, this means fewer sick days, better-managed chronic conditions, and a healthier, more productive workforce.

Advanced primary care medication management

Advanced primary care and medication adherence help manufacturers control healthcare costs and improve employee health. By making healthcare more accessible, ensuring workers get the medications they need, and providing ongoing support, manufacturers can reduce absenteeism while preventing costly complications. Investing in these solutions isn’t just about saving money, but about building a stronger, more engaged teams.