Step right up to get your free colonoscopy…

Across the U.S., companies are finding ways to try to help customers purchase products and services in these tough economic times. Much has been made of some of the offers by car companies, started by Hyundai’s Assurance plan: anyone who buys or leases a vehicle in 2009 can return their car to the dealer and stop making monthly payments without affecting their credit score. According to Consumer Reports, the program isn’t just for consumers who’ve lost their jobs in tough times; it also extends to those who become physically disabled, lose their driver’s license due to medical impairment, are self employed and file for bankruptcy, or get a job transfer overseas. At Interval, we’ve even introduced a new offering to help our clients – hospital and health system marketers – who are having budgets and staffs slashed as the healthcare industry struggles.

This week, Walgreen announced that it is offering free visits to its in-store clinics to customers who no longer have jobs or health insurance. According to a story on the Reuters web site, there are some restrictions. For example, the offer only applies to those who have already used their Take Care clinics at least once in the past.

So what are traditional hospitals and health systems doing to help consumers continue to utilize their services? We all know most hospitals and health systems already provide a significant level of charity care and community benefits. But what about those customers who aren’t eligible for charity care, or who traditionally wouldn’t need help if the economy weren’t so deep in the crapper?

We mentioned in an earlier blog post how many in the Twin Cities are becoming more proactive in working with patients to offer options for paying for care, which is a start. But what other options are out there, especially in an industry where every penny is precious?

How about offering free quarterly diabetes check-ups, in small group settings, for those with financial troubles? Or one free orthopedic assessment? Or a discount on screenings, labs or tests?

Who knows if the ideas above are even feasible, but imagine the awareness and loyalty providers could build by offering help to those who typically don’t need it.