Application of risk control principles in relations with the health care community

Abstract

This study examines historical and current practices and trends in the evolution of the relationships that exist between corporations and the insurance and health care industries in the context of occupational health care, prevention and wellness initiatives, and benefits. The historical implementation of prevention, health and wellness programs by industry is traced, and the development of managed care as an adaptation by the insurance industry of these workplace initiatives is discussed. The practice of occupational health is discussed, including developments in traditional medical approaches as well as emerging concepts of the role of complementary and alternative options in the provision of occupational health services. The role of chiropractic is particularly examined. Methodology includes literature review, professional experience of the author, review of examples of clinical settings in occupational health, personal communication and interviews with practitioners in occupational health and vocational consultation. Corporations are identified as having the core financial stake in the development of innovative approaches to amelioration of challenges faced in protecting the health and well being of their workforce. Corporate concerns are seen historically as the source of concepts that have been co-opted by other industries, such as managed care concepts by the insurance industry, or wellness and prevention by the health care industry. Significantly, the insurance and health care industries can be seen in some respects as reactive to the innovations and demands of the corporate marketplace, rather than proactive. Results are discussed in terms of actions corporate management systems might take to develop more effective policies and programs in their health and wellness endeavors.