One in three organisations offer OPD insurance programmes, and 61% employees avail one or more OPD benefits, finds new surveyMental wellness consultations represent 6% of all doctor consults, and diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension have the highest prevalence among employees, according to the "OPD Insurance: Revolutionising Workforce Health Management" report by Mercer Marsh Benefits, a workplace health and benefits consulting company.One in two doctor consultations leads to a prescribed diagnostic test, and almost every doctor consultation results in a prescription at a pharmacy.The report also finds that 92% of respondents offer company-sponsored programmes with a median wallet size of Rs. 15,000. The past two years have marked a major shift in how corporates approach outpatient department (OPD) coverage for employees. Companies are now moving away from the fragmented model of self-funded OPD expenses towards a more structured and insured approach. Previously, 45% of organisations offered OPD benefits, with less than 10% offering it through standalone insurance programmes. This fragmented approach often resulted in unpredictable costs for companies. "The preferred delivery model for OPD insurance showcases a collaborative approach. 89% of OPD insurance programmes are offered by private and standalone health insurers, leveraging the financialcapacity and risk management expertise of these providers," said Prawal Kalita, managing director, Mercer Marsh Benefits India leader. "Additionally, a majority of programmes incorporate health tech partners, suggesting a growing focus on technology-driven solutions to enhance OPD access and utilisation," he said. Nine in 10 organisations offer company-sponsored OPD programmes extending coverage to both employees and their dependents.Younger employees (18-35) show a significantly higher preference for tele-consultations compared to older age groups. This might be due to comfort with technology or minor healthcare needs well-suited for remote consultations.The data also reveals a clear prescription for pathology tests (73%) compared to radiology tests (27%). This suggests that employees are primarily utilising OPD benefits for conditions requiring blood tests or other pathology examinations. In-centre check-ups remain the preferred mode for annual health checks (67%), followed by home sample collection (26%) and a hybrid approach (7%). This indicates a continued value placed on face-to-face interaction with healthcare professionals during annual check-ups, while a significant portion of the workforce appreciates the convenience of home sample collection."By consistently investing in and promoting OPD utilisation, organisations can gather valuable data on employee health trends. This data becomes the cornerstone for informed decision-making regarding future healthcare investments, allowing companies to proactively address potential health risks and optimise resource allocation," said Kalita.