Healthcare System Savings Through Enhanced Provider Steerage

This case study details how a leading Georgia health system achieved $4.3 million in savings by implementing a smarter steerage strategy for its employees. The health system, which serves 4.5 million patients and employs 50,000 individuals, faced challenges with rising healthcare costs and a lack of guidance for employees to utilize in-network providers. The existing health plan provider directory did not prioritize the organization's providers, leading employees to seek care outside the network. By partnering with Castlight, the health system enhanced its provider directory to prioritize in-network options, resulting in increased clinical engagement. The initiative led to 33% of members connecting with a primary care provider and 32% closing a cancer screening gap, while also avoiding 139 unnecessary emergency department visits. The program not only simplified the benefit experience but also fostered a culture of health among employees, ultimately delivering a 3:1 return on investment.