Accolade Partners with Oshi Health to Enhance Digestive Health Care Access

In a significant move to elevate healthcare services for individuals suffering from digestive health issues, Accolade, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACCD) has announced a strategic partnership with Oshi Health, a prominent virtual clinic that specializes in gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. This collaboration aims to provide a more comprehensive, accessible model of care, empowering patients to effectively manage their digestive health.

The Need for Improved GI Care

Gastrointestinal diseases are a prevalent and costly concern, affecting nearly 70 million Americans each year. These conditions contribute to an estimated annual healthcare expenditure of $136 billion. Despite their widespread occurrence and detrimental impact on quality of life, GI health often remains underemphasized in employer-sponsored healthcare plans. This oversight leads to prolonged wait times for diagnoses and treatment—averaging 2 to 3 years—which culminates in increased discomfort, reduced productivity, and significant disruptions in daily living for those affected.

Individuals grappling with unmanaged GI symptoms often face chronic pain and discomfort, which can lead to absenteeism at work, worsening overall morale, and a general decline in quality of life. Notably, GI conditions are the second-leading cause of missed workdays, necessitating urgent action from employers and health providers alike to restructure care approaches and address these profound health issues.

A Holistic Approach to GI Care

Oshi Health brings an integrated care model that encompasses a multidisciplinary team consisting of gastroenterology specialists, registered dietitians, and licensed psychologists, all trained in gut-brain interactions. This approach aims not only to accelerate diagnosis timelines but also to enable symptom management through personalized treatment plans. By leveraging immediate telehealth consultations, patients can receive timely support and continuous care, which is critical in effective management of digestive health.

The telehealth platform fosters a seamless patient-provider interaction, allowing Oshi's care team to diagnose and prescribe treatments while constantly iterating care based on patient feedback. Impressively, approximately 92% of Oshi patients report achieving effective symptom management within 10 weeks of initiating care, equipping them with tools to tackle their health independently.

Dr. Connie Hwang, Chief Clinical Officer at Accolade, comments on this partnership, noting, “Oshi Health embraces a whole-person care philosophy for individuals with digestive health challenges. Their dedication to personalized treatment aligns perfectly with Accolade’s mission of providing high-quality healthcare.” This strategic collaboration is set to empower employees with essential support and resources they need to better navigate their digestive health journeys.

Expanding Access to Care

As it stands, Oshi Health is positioned as a premier virtual GI clinic with a notable in-network presence among major insurance providers, continuously expanding coverage options. The partnership will also see Accolade rolling out targeted initiatives to dismantle barriers to accessing GI care, thereby increasing patient awareness of Oshi’s integrated services.

Oshi Health's CEO, Sam Holliday, echoes this sentiment, expressing excitement about the partnership's potential: “Collaborating with Accolade allows us to broaden our reach, providing vital access to high-quality care that empowers individuals to take control of their digestive health.”

Together, Accolade and Oshi Health commit to transforming the narrative around GI health, aiming to reshape employer healthcare benefit structures and provide tailored support for individuals managing chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

About Accolade and Oshi Health

Launched in 2019, Accolade's Trusted Partner Ecosystem has been instrumental in promoting digital health solutions for improved healthcare outcomes. Accolade remains dedicated to creating exceptional health experiences for individuals and families, combining services that include virtual primary and mental healthcare, expert medical opinions, and comprehensive care navigation.

Oshi Health represents a disruptive force in GI healthcare, redefining patient experiences and access to vital resources. As a national-scale virtual GI center of excellence, Oshi is at the forefront of improving outcomes for millions of Americans with chronic digestive issues, reinforcing their commitment to delivering high-quality care through innovative practices.

For those navigating digestive challenges, this partnership signifies a pivotal step towards achieving a healthier, more manageable future in gastrointestinal health.