You’re Not Alone in Asking, What is Health Intelligence?

At first glance, “health intelligence” might seem like one of those corporate buzzwords where the meaning becomes lost in translation. However, as forward-thinking employers, advisors, and wellness professionals discover, understand, and leverage health intelligence, they’re seeing firsthand how it can make a tangible difference in organizational health outcomes and cost management.

Before diving into how platforms like Springbuk utilize health intelligence, let’s explore the core concept and its significance in transforming health data into actionable strategies. This deep dive will help paint a full picture of why investing in health intelligence is crucial in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Defining Health Intelligence

Interestingly, Merriam-Webster doesn’t provide a ready-made definition of "health intelligence." Instead, we must piece together our understanding of the essence of the term “intelligence.” Intelligence is generally defined as 

(2) the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one’s environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (such as tests)

The key point here is the “ability” to apply knowledge.

Health intelligence revolves around using health data proactively. Unlike merely collecting and analyzing health information, it empowers individuals, wellness teams, and organizations to take actionable steps based on their findings. For instance, a benefits manager equipped with health intelligence can identify care gaps, forecast healthcare costs, and tailor wellness programs based on predictive modeling rather than historical data alone.

The Health Intelligence Advantage

Consider the example of care gaps. Traditional health analytics might identify that a large segment of your workforce has hypertension, but health intelligence would dive deeper. To paint a comprehensive picture, it would aggregate data from various sources, such as pharmacy records, biometric screenings, and wellness program participation. This deeper understanding enables benefits leaders to implement targeted interventions, such as partnering with health coaches or launching preventive care initiatives.

Platforms like Springbuk make this approach a reality by leveraging health intelligence to offer employers, consultants, and wellness professionals insights that translate into meaningful actions. These actionable insights lead to healthier employee populations and lower healthcare expenses.

The Distinction Between Health Intelligence and Health Analytics

Health analytics forms the foundation of health intelligence. 

Think of analytics as raw ingredients in a recipe, while health intelligence is the prepared dish, ready to be served and enjoyed. Data analysis alone provides numbers and trends, but health intelligence goes further, transforming those insights into strategies that improve employee health outcomes and control costs.

For example, health analytics might highlight that a specific demographic in your company is more likely to miss preventive health appointments. Health intelligence identifies this trend and provides predictive insights and actionable recommendations to address the issue, like offering onsite screenings or targeted communication campaigns.

In other words, health analytics is descriptive, while health intelligence is prescriptive. 

The latter equips benefits leaders with the tools needed to implement impactful health strategies.

What Sets a Health Intelligence Platform Apart?

As you explore health intelligence platforms, certain features should be non-negotiable. The ideal solution should present data and offer insights that drive proactive decision-making. Here are some key aspects to consider:

• Real-Time Data Consumption: Traditional health analytics software often relies on outdated, historical data. In contrast, a robust health intelligence platform should seamlessly integrate real-time data, allowing employers to make relevant and immediate changes. The value of real-time information cannot be overstated, as it enables companies to stay ahead of potential health risks.
• Insight-Driven, Not Data-Driven: A mountain of numbers means little without context. Health intelligence platforms, such as Springbuk, distill complex data into clear insights, highlighting critical areas of focus. This approach empowers benefits managers to understand health trends and act decisively rather than being overwhelmed by raw data.
• Predictive Forecasting: Another hallmark of health intelligence is the ability to forecast future healthcare costs and health trends. Predictive modeling helps organizations anticipate chronic condition prevalence, healthcare spending patterns, and the long-term impact of wellness programs. These forecasts enable benefits teams to allocate resources wisely, potentially saving millions in preventable expenses.

Want to dive deeper into what you should be looking for in an intelligent analytics platform? Check out our comprehensive e-book, Solving the Puzzle: The 7 Things You Need in a Health Data Analytics Solution.

It provides an in-depth look at the must-have features that drive success, from seamless data integration to advanced predictive analytics. Download the e-book here and take the first step toward transforming your health data strategy.

Practical Applications of Health Intelligence

The impact of health intelligence can be seen across various organizational health initiatives. Let’s consider some concrete examples:

• Addressing Chronic Conditions: A high health intelligence level helps benefits teams identify employees at risk of chronic conditions before these issues become severe. Companies can implement preventive measures by analyzing data trends and predicting potential health crises, such as personalized coaching or tailored wellness challenges.
• Cost Containment Strategies: Health intelligence platforms also excel in cost management. For instance, predictive analytics can highlight upcoming high-cost claimants, allowing organizations to intervene early and manage expenses. Furthermore, by using insights from past and present data, businesses can negotiate better insurance terms or adjust benefits plans for greater financial efficiency.
• Employee Engagement and Wellness: Health intelligence makes engaging employees in their health journeys more effective. Personalized health communications, based on individual risk profiles and behavior patterns, can drive better participation in wellness programs. When employees see tangible benefits tailored to their needs, their engagement and adherence to health programs improve significantly.

The Springbuk Difference

Springbuk's Health Intelligence™ platform stands out by offering a suite of tools designed to elevate benefits strategy. The platform integrates seamlessly with various data sources, such as medical claims, pharmacy data, and wellness programs, creating a 360-degree view of workforce health. Here's how it works:

• Springbuk Insights™: This feature provides curated, actionable opportunities from health data, identifying gaps in care and unnecessary procedures. By doing so, it empowers benefits teams to take preemptive actions, improving outcomes and reducing costs.
• Predictive Modeling: Leveraging advanced algorithms, Springbuk predicts future healthcare costs and risk factors. Employers can use these forecasts to make strategic decisions, from adjusting health plans to launching proactive wellness initiatives.
• Engagement and Integration: With features like Springbuk Activate, employers can connect with potential partners to address identified risks, further enhancing their health strategies' effectiveness.

How to Choose the Right Platform

Remember that not all platforms are created equal when evaluating health intelligence solutions. Here are essential questions to ask:

1. Does the platform offer real-time data integration? If your current analytics rely on outdated information, you’ll miss out on opportunities to improve employee health proactively.
2. Are insights actionable? A health intelligence platform should go beyond raw data, offering specific, evidence-based recommendations.
3. Can the platform predict and forecast effectively? Future healthcare costs are a moving target, and predictive capabilities are vital for effective planning.
4. Is the user experience intuitive? Even the most powerful analytics tool is useless if your team struggles to navigate it. Look for a platform that prioritizes user-friendly design and accessibility.

Need help finding the right fit? Use our Analytics Vendor Assessment Tool to evaluate and compare different platforms, ensuring you select the solution that best meets your organization's unique needs.

This resource simplifies the evaluation process by breaking down essential features and helping you make an informed decision. Access the assessment tool here to get started.

Empower Your Decisions with Health Intelligence

Health intelligence transforms how organizations approach employee health and wellness. By shifting from reactive healthcare strategies to proactive, data-driven approaches, companies can achieve better outcomes for their workforce and their bottom line. Platforms like Springbuk exemplify how harnessing health intelligence can make a significant impact, providing the tools and insights needed to drive meaningful change.

If you're ready to see how health intelligence can revolutionize your organization’s health strategy, consider exploring the Springbuk Health Intelligence™ platform. Request a demo today and discover the difference actionable, data-driven insights can make.

Ready for more? Check out these blogs:

• What is Health Analytics?
• What is a Gap in Care?