The Times Australia
Health

.

Bupa unveils Connected Care


Bupa has signalled its vision for the future of healthcare, unveiling a roadmap to create a more connected and personalised journey across physical and digital channels with an initial focus on supporting customers with mental health, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal health, oral and eye health issues.

Underpinned by Bupa’s current healthcare programs and network of dental practices and optical stores, the Connected Care strategy will bring together in-person and virtual care, supported by digital technology and partnerships.

As part of a multi-year investment bolstering its current services, Bupa is initially focused on acquiring healthcare centres that will offer integrated GP, allied health, and pathology services. The centres will be open to anyone, not just Bupa Health Insurance customers.

Over the coming years, Bupa plans to expand its provision footprint, building on its existing network of 178 dental clinics and 49 optical and hearing stores, to create a nationally distributed network of healthcare centres.

Along with healthcare centres, a range of strategic Connected Care initiatives are being introduced through Bupa’s digital health platform, Blua. These include:

    A door-to-door chemist delivery service recently launched to all 4.3 health insurance customers.

    24/7 virtual doctor consultations – currently available to international Bupa health insurance customers – and almost one million of domestic health insurance customers as part of a trial where they can access up to three free consultations per year.

    Online health tools and information to help customers navigate, assess, and learn about their health.

Bupa APAC CEO Nick Stone said Bupa’s Connected Care strategy was about bringing to life its bold vision to create truly personalised and seamless healthcare journeys for its customers and the wider community.

“We know one of the biggest pain points for customers going through the healthcare system is how fragmented it is. That’s why we’re working to connect care physically and digitally to remove barriers and increase affordability and convenience,” Mr Stone said.

“We are building on our current network of dental practices, optical and hearing stores to give our members a truly connected health journey.

“In the long-term, our aim by bringing services together physically and digitally is to deliver simple, person-centred care – the ‘right care’ in the ‘right place’ at the ‘right time’. We want to be a true partner in our customer’s healthcare.

“Access to clinicians and services will be supported by technology and underpinned by safe, secure, and intelligent data for a more seamless and less confusing health experience."

Mr Stone said Bupa had started delivering on elements of the strategy and would continue to respond to changing customer preferences, and the need to help alleviate some pressures on Australia’s health system.

“As part of our Connected Care vision we will build out and bolster our preventative health programs including nurse and dietitian-led health coaching, mental health and wellbeing programs, and programs to help people avoid or recover from a health condition,” he said.

Data from the Australian government has suggested every dollar invested in preventive health saves an estimated $14.30 in healthcare and other costs.

Mr Stone said Bupa’s long-term Connected Care approach would also help empower customers to manage their own health information enabled by secure digital platforms.

“Giving customers easier access to their own secure health information recognises they are active participants in their own health journeys. It allows our customers to take proactive steps to get well and stay well,” Mr Stone said.

Recent insights from Blua’s virtual consultations pilot for regional members found the most common reason for appointments was for acute care, with more than a third using the service for respiratory illness or gastro.  Prescriptions were given in almost half of consultations including repeat prescriptions for common medications. Data also shows those aged between 30-49 were most likely to use the service with consultation lengths up to 15 minutes.

Independent research, commissioned by Bupa, found almost half of Australians felt accessing healthcare was complicated, and two in three experienced at least one barrier to accessing a healthcare service over the past year with wait times, limited appointments, and costs the main barriers.

The Bupa Pulse Check survey also found there was an increase in the number of people visiting an allied health practitioner compared to last year, and while people preferred in-person appointments due to the need for physical examinations and the ease of building relationships with practitioners, there remained a strong desire for the ongoing use of telehealth.

Bupa continues to consult with Federal and State governments, medical professionals and industry and key stakeholder groups on its Connected Care strategy to ensure it meets the needs of a growing, ageing population while supporting the Australian health system.

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...

There’s a new vaccine for pneumococcal disease in Australia. Here’s what to know

The Australian government announced last week there’s a new vaccine[1] for pneumococcal disease on the National Immunisation Program for all children. This vaccine replaces pr...

What Makes a Small Group Tour of Italy So Memorable?

Traveling to Italy is on almost every bucket list. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sparkling canals of Venice, the country is filled with sights, flavors, and experiences ...