Organizations everywhere are looking for ways to increase profitability and reduce costs when it comes to health care expenses, especially if they are self-funded. A great way to help reduce employee costs is by using options that will decrease the need to see a primary care physician or health care provider for simple health issues like the flu, sore throats or other nominally irritating medical needs.

Certainly for more serious health care matters, employees should seek medical attention when the need arises. However, telemedicine is now a hot commodity in health care.

When all that's needed may be a simple diagnosis for a non-narcotic prescription, a phone call to a physician at no cost to the employer and the employee is the least expensive way to handle the event. By simply using a validated 24/7 telephonic service to reach a medical doctor for these needs to avoid taking time off from work and incurring billable expenses for an office visit will save both the company and the worker valuable time and money.