This year, major healthcare providers are collaborating in earnest with tech giants, retailers, and startups to better serve patients and advance operations. Many of these partnerships were formed with a goal to deliver a smoother patient experience, advance wellness insights, and roll out never-before-seen technology advancements.
In her recent article, Stacy Shapiro of Colliers Healthcare explored how the pandemic “launched the healthcare sector into a digital transformation,” and created a demand for new technology. The partnerships below are an example of how companies are successfully doing just that.
Shawn Janus
“Expert-driven agreements are pushing the healthcare industry forward by improving operations and making life easier for patients and providers.”
Smart Retail Partnerships
Healthcare providers are looking to retailers for new ways to provide value to their customers. Today, patients need flexible, convenient care options – something retailers are very familiar with.
Walmart + UnitedHealth
Set to span an entire decade, this partnership is gearing up to roll-out unique healthcare plans for seniors and Medicare beneficiaries next year. Together, they’re offering a “co-branded Medicare Advantage plan called UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Walmart Flex,” starting in Georgia this coming January.
Per Healthcare Dive, Walmart expects the collaboration to increase its visibility and presence in the healthcare space, while UnitedHealth is accomplishing its goal to broaden the reach of its Medicare Advantage plans. According to CMS, Medicare is expected to experience the fastest spending growth in the next six years, 7.6%, largely as a result of having the highest projected enrollment growth.
Peloton + UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth Group, the top health insurer in the U.S., renewed and updated its agreement with Peloton after an “effective” first run.
The collaboration is providing close to 10 million commercial members with access to, and discounts on, the Peloton app and select fitness products. Since the partnership launched in 2021, UnitedHealth members are completing approximately 1 million Peloton classes per month, helping UnitedHealth position itself as a leader in providing comprehensive and flexible care delivery. For Peloton, the deal has resulted in more satisfied users and thousands of additional eyes on their in-home products as hybrid care models grow in popularity.
Data-Driven Tech Partnerships
Innovative collaborations are happening all over the healthcare industry, with participation ranging from startups to well-established tech companies. From security to the cloud, major healthcare providers are seeking new ways to stay competitive, even if that means asking for help.
Northwell Health + Apple
The historic partnership between Northwell Health and Apple’s watch technology is developing an app that provides real-time surgery insights for patients. From tracking a possible emergency, to helping patients adhere to post-surgery guidelines, the care opportunities are endless.
Google DeepVariant + Ultima Genomics
Startup Ultimata Genomics, partnering with Google DeepVariant, announced a $100 genome project aimed at leveraging Google’s machine learning tools. The partners hope to provide improved accessibility to genomic information and aid the integration of DNA into our healthcare system.
Alithya + Microsoft
Microsoft is teaming up with cloud and applications company Alithya to assist with care coordination and digital marketing for its healthcare cloud network. The app company will integrate 365 power apps into Microsoft’s Healthcare cloud built for “physician relationship management, patient outreach, marketing analytics, and facilities management,” Becker’s Healthcare reports, with technology that supports each phase of the patient journey.
What Can We Learn from These Partnerships?
Both retail and technology collaborations within the healthcare industry are producing big benefits for the companies involved … and for consumers too.
Expert-driven agreements are pushing the healthcare industry forward by improving operations and making life easier for patients and providers. For many of the companies collaborating with healthcare institutions, the benefits may be as simple as better brand visibility. While for others, the combined efforts promote the potential to continue discovering new technologies and methodologies.
Michael Cummings
Maureen Goetz