Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Selecting an Industrial Physician Wisely

Selecting an industrial physician is a crucial decision for any company aiming to promote employee health and well-being. Unfortunately, many businesses face regret following their choice, particularly when they prioritize cost over quality. A recent study conducted by Mediplat Inc., a Tokyo-based health management services provider, revealed that a staggering 90% of companies experienced additional costs due to poor selection practices. In response, Mediplat released an informative guide titled "Why Did That Company Fail in Choosing an Industrial Physician? - Three Pitfalls and Solutions," aimed at helping organizations navigate this challenging process.

Understanding the Pitfalls

Mediplat's guide identifies three primary pitfalls that companies encounter when selecting an industrial physician:

1. Hidden Costs Arising from Cost-Centric Decisions: Often, businesses underestimate the hidden costs associated with choosing a lower-priced service. While the initial contract fees may seem appealing, companies frequently discover that operational inefficiencies and support deficiencies lead to greater expenses in the long run.

2. Insufficient Support During Implementation: As the guide highlights, many companies overlook the importance of operational support after selecting an industrial physician. This lack of assistance can exacerbate issues and lead to both financial and personnel strains, with 42.9% of surveyed companies feeling that they significantly incur additional costs due to inefficiencies.

3. Evaluating the Quality of Physicians and System Integration: Understanding how to assess the quality of an industrial physician and the integration of their systems is crucial. The guide emphasizes that businesses should prioritize this evaluation to ensure they receive comprehensive care.

A Practical Checklist for First-Time Selectors

For companies appointing an industrial physician for the first time, Mediplat’s guide comes equipped with a specific checklist designed to minimize future operational burdens and expenses. This checklist serves as a useful tool for ensuring proper selection practices that account for both short-term affordability and long-term viability.

The Role of Mediplat

Leveraging platforms like "first call," Mediplat offers a one-stop solution for hiring industrial physicians while ensuring effective health management systems are in place. By facilitating both initial meetings and ongoing health management services in a cloud-based environment, Mediplat significantly aids companies in avoiding the pitfalls identified in their research.

Mediplat’s Director of Health Support, Shuhei Osawa, remarked on the importance of choosing services that combine compliance with genuine enhancements to employee health and overall business performance. He stressed that a focus on cutting costs in the short term could lead to unsustainable practices that ultimately impact the company’s health management objectives.

Who Should Read This Guide?

This guide is beneficial for many stakeholders:

- HR and Administrative Personnel considering the selection of an industrial physician for the first time.
- Company Executives who are dissatisfied with their current industrial physician services.
- Management Officers aiming to enhance their occupational health systems.
- Anyone Looking to Mitigate Hidden Costs in industrial health services.

Conclusion

Selecting the right industrial physician is not merely a matter of price but a strategic decision impacting employee wellness and company performance. By avoiding the outlined pitfalls, organizations can ensure they choose a service that fosters health and promotes productivity. To gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and access the checklist, download the guide from Mediplat here.

About Mediplat

Founded in November 2015, Mediplat Inc. specializes in offering cloud-based health management solutions through their platform, first call. Their services range from industrial physician selection to the realization of comprehensive health management, tailored to the specific needs of each organization. For more details, visit Mediplat’s website.