Employee benefits leaders face unprecedented pressure to deliver meaningful healthcare support, all while navigating rising costs, reducing complexity, and proving ROI. In theory, navigation platforms were supposed to help.
However, most of today’s navigation solutions fall short of their promise.
It’s time to rethink what navigation should be: doctor-led, clinically sound, human-centered, and tightly integrated into your benefits ecosystem.
Here’s what you need to know, and what to look for, as you explore new front-door strategies for your workforce.
The Pain of Underperforming Navigation
What started as a breakthrough — a single point of contact to help employees move through the healthcare system — has stalled. Most platforms today offer little more than a modernized help desk. And it’s not just employees who feel the effects. It’s your business.
Here’s what we hear from HR and benefits leaders:
- “We’re bleeding value from our benefits investment.”
When programs go unused due to confusing or fragmented access, you lose the ROI promised to the C-suite. - “We’re missing chances to contain costs.”
Delayed diagnoses and poor care decisions drive up claims, increase absenteeism, and create downstream cost spikes that could have been avoided. - “We’re stuck managing the noise.”
HR teams are still fielding healthcare questions, handling vendor disconnects, and trying to make a broken experience work, in addition to juggling strategic priorities.
The result? A navigation model that drains resources, underdelivers on outcomes, and limits the business value of your health benefits strategy.
It’s Time to Redefine Navigation
Navigation doesn’t need to be passive, episodic, or limited to referral support. You deserve a smarter front door… one that actually improves care and creates more efficiency of the system.
Here’s how Summus’s clinical navigation solution is different:
- Doctor-led health journeys
Every Summus interaction is guided by an MD — not just for clinical accuracy, but to drive confidence and better decisions. - Global access to top specialists
Our network spans the world’s leading hospitals and research centers, so members get the right care, not just in-network care. - Condition-based care pathways
From cancer and MSK to women’s health and cardiometabolic disease, Summus offers longitudinal support on the top cost-driving conditions. - Human connection, not just tech
We pair every member with a dedicated Success Manager to handle the logistics, answer questions, and make the experience feel personal. - Fast access when it matters most
Members connect with the right doctor in as little as 24-48 hours… because no one should have to wait weeks.
Real Stories, Real Results
With 98%+ client retention, the outcomes speak for themselves:
“We obtained more answers in a 30-minute phone call than we had in 14 years.”
– Michael P., Summus member
“Summus gave me peace of mind and saved me from spending more money on unnecessary doctors.”
– Max C., Summus member, oncology case
“I was so impressed with the specialist Summus connected me with, as the quality of care was unmatched.”
– Nina R., Summus member
Plus, the results back it up:
- 52% of members changed treatment plans after a Summus consult
- 47% average reduction in treatment-related costs for employers
- 98% of members report better understanding of their options
- 9.4/10 member satisfaction rating
Learn more about recent client successes and explore member stories in our Resource Center.
What Employers Should Look for in a Navigation Partner
Not all navigation solutions are created equal. If you’re evaluating your next-generation front door, make sure it includes:
- Speed. Access to specialists within 24–48 hours
- Breadth. Global, condition-specific expertise across all major cost drivers
- Flexibility. Integration across any carrier, plan design, or existing vendor stack
- Proven Engagement. Demonstrated member satisfaction and usage
Anything less is just more of the same.
