Although the program was in place, utilization remained below its full potential. Employees did not consistently understand where Smart Scan Medical Imaging and Smart Infusion Therapy Services fit within the United Healthcare network, and care decisions often defaulted to higher-cost hospital systems.
While the employer offers financial incentives through a Direct Primary Care model, stronger internal education, clearer network positioning, and more structured guidance were not yet fully in place. As a result, meaningful savings were being generated, but a much larger opportunity remained unrealized.
The company introduced Smart Scan Medical Imaging and Smart Infusion Therapy Services as lower-cost, high-quality care options within its broader health plan strategy. Rather than relying on a formal preferred provider designation, the model used financial incentives through its Direct Primary Care structure to help encourage more cost-effective care decisions.
In 2025, this approach resulted in 118 MRIs completed through Smart Scan, representing 25% utilization and generating $270,100 in annual imaging savings. The next phase of opportunity lies in strengthening employee education, improving clarity around where Smart Scan and Smart Infusion fit within the network, and reinforcing a stronger pause before non-emergent imaging or infusions are scheduled.
A global manufacturing company partnered with Smart Scan Medical Imaging and Smart Infusion Therapy Services to create a more strategic approach to managing healthcare costs within its self-funded health plan. The program has already delivered measurable savings, with a clear opportunity to expand impact through stronger internal engagement.
This case illustrates that even partial utilization can generate significant financial results.
At 25% utilization, the program is already delivering over $270,000 in annual savings. The data reinforces that utilization, not just access, is the key driver of performance. More importantly, it showed that controlling costs does not have to come at the expense of quality care when the system is designed intentionally.
With stronger internal alignment and increased employee engagement, the company has a clear opportunity to expand utilization and unlock even greater savings.
Current performance already validates the model, while also underscoring the scale of opportunity still available.
Ultimately, this case reinforces a key principle: sustainable savings are not driven by pricing alone, but by aligning plan design, access, and employee behavior.
Smart Scan Medical Imaging and Smart Infusion Therapy Services provide employers with a high-quality, lower-cost alternative to traditional hospital-based care. By combining the highest quality care, advanced diagnostics, a full specialty medication formulary, rapid access, and transparent pricing, Smart Scan and Smart Infusion help organizations reduce healthcare spend while improving the employee experience.
