In December 2019, Vitality announced a new partnership with Ascenti and launched the PhysioCare service, that sees Vitality members benefit from speedy access to Ascenti’s nationwide network of 300 directly employed physiotherapists and clinics. This includes an end-to-end digital MSK pathway – the first of its kind in the UK and the gold standard for our industry.
Vitality members can self-refer into this service via the Vitality Member Zone by completing a fully automated algorithm-driven digital triage. This will signpost the member to either book a face-to-face or online appointment, seek urgent care or self-manage their condition with supporting advice and guidance. If a physiotherapy appointment is recommended, the member can directly book with real-time access to Ascenti’s clinical diaries, providing a seamless customer experience.
Just months after the PhysioCare service was launched, the coronavirus pandemic interrupted normal life and disrupted business operations in all sectors. Despite the pandemic, and the fact that referral volumes far exceeded anticipations, Ascenti reacted quickly and has continued to deliver a high-quality service throughout. The rapid access to care that we offer (whether in-person or online) allows for early intervention, leading to better treatment outcomes and reduced treatment lifecycles.
Ascenti’s ability to maintain service delivery and consistently meet demand led to Ascenti winning New Supplier of the Year at the Vitality Supplier & Partner Awards 2020. Usually a large celebration in central London, this year the event took place online with winners announced via video call.
This award win was substantiated in a recent supplier management health check survey, where Ascenti achieved the highest overall relationship rating out of any supplier. Ascenti performed particularly well on service delivery, reflecting the operational success and quality of our unique offering to Vitality members, and mutuality, highlighting our shared values and commitment to a long-term partnership.
Dan Pemberton, Chief Customer Officer, commented: “It is a real pleasure to work with Vitality. Together we have fostered an open and honest relationship, and during a challenging year we have been responsive to feedback and quick to resolve issues.
Working with Vitality is a real collaborative effort and the synergy between our businesses and people is clear. Ultimately we are driven by the same goals – to provide a modern, accessible, high-quality service that is innovative and member-focused.
We are thrilled to have been named New Supplier of the Year and to have performed so well in the annual health check, and are excited to see how our relationship develops.”