Why advanced primary care matters: the Kinwell difference
When it comes to healthcare, quality matters. Access matters. Relationships matter.
That’s why Kinwell Primary Care was designed around a simple idea: patients deserve the time, attention, and support needed to build lasting relationships with their care team. Unlike traditional models that often prioritize the number of patients seen each day, Kinwell focuses on delivering advanced primary care that helps members stay healthier while improving their overall healthcare experience. This model is delivering meaningful value for Premera members as well as the employers who support their health and wellbeing.
More time, better care
At many healthcare organizations, clinicians are expected to see more than 20 patients a day. While that may support productivity goals, it can make it difficult to provide the level of personalized care patients want and deserve.
According to Kinwell CEO Dr. Mack Hinson, Kinwell has taken a different approach.
“When Kinwell provides longer appointment times, that’s not only good for our patients. It’s good for our clinicians, too,” Hinson explains.
“Our clinicians tell me that what they are doing at Kinwell is what they imagined practicing medicine would be like when they were in school. They are spending meaningful time with their patients and building a relationship.”
Kinwell appointments are intentionally scheduled to give patients the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns, and work collaboratively with their clinician. The result is a more personalized experience where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. Longer appointments and unhurried visits are key features of Kinwell’s advanced primary care model.
The value for Premera members
For Premera members, Kinwell offers more than a doctor’s visit. It provides a trusted healthcare partner focused on whole-person care.
Kinwell combines primary care, preventive care, chronic condition management, behavioral health support, and care coordination in one connected experience. Members can access in-person and virtual appointments, connect with behavioral health clinicians integrated into their care team, and receive guidance navigating specialty care when needed.
This approach helps members:
- Build ongoing relationships with a dedicated care team
- Access timely appointments when they need care
- Receive preventive care that can identify health issues earlier
- Better manage chronic conditions
- Coordinate physical and behavioral healthcare in one place
Patients frequently cite feeling listened to and valued during their visits, which contributes to strong satisfaction and engagement. Kinwell’s patient experience has generated an impressive Net Promoter Score of 88.4, significantly higher than industry averages.
The value for employers
The benefits of advanced primary care extend beyond individual members.
When employees have access to convenient, high-quality primary care, they are more likely to stay on top of preventive care, address health concerns earlier, and avoid unnecessary use of higher-cost healthcare settings. This can contribute to healthier workforces and more sustainable healthcare spending.
Premera’s healthcare economics analysis estimates that Kinwell-attributed members deliver an average 7-10% reduction in total cost of care compared to other primary care providers. Kinwell has also demonstrated strong engagement with preventive care and has generated significant healthcare savings for employers.
As Dr. Hinson notes, creating a better experience for patients and clinicians ultimately leads to better outcomes.
“That’s good for patients. It’s good for clinicians. And it’s good for the overall quality of care and the positive outcomes we’re able to deliver.”
Help employees take advantage of their benefit
One of the most effective ways employers can support employee health is by helping employees understand and use their healthcare benefits.
Ready-to-share communication materials are available in the B’link employee communications center, including employee emails, flyers, copy-and-paste messaging, table tents, and other promotional resources. These materials make it easy to educate employees and encourage them to take advantage of their benefits.
Visit the Kinwell Primary Care category in B’link to access employee-ready communications and start promoting Kinwell to your workforce today. Helping employees connect with high-quality primary care can lead to better experiences, better health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs for everyone.