5 Best Practices for Executive Health Programs

Being a top executive isn’t exactly a recipe for great health. Long hours, constant stress, and frequent travel often push wellness to the back burner.

For companies, that’s a real challenge. How do you keep your key leaders healthy, energized, and performing at their best when their demanding schedules work against them? And it’s not just about personal health — it’s about protecting your business.

When a top executive’s health suffers, it can create key person risk — a situation where the absence of a critical leader disrupts operations and affects the company's success.

A well-rounded executive health program can make a huge difference. At PartnerMD, we’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses create personalized healthcare solutions designed for the unique demands of leadership. Our goal? To make it easier for executives to stay on top of their health without sacrificing productivity.

The need for these programs has never been greater — and the risks of ignoring executive health are real. Stress alone can take a toll. Research has shown that the stress of an economic downturn can shorten a CEO’s lifespan by 1.5 years.

And with nearly 90% of U.S. adults over age 20 at risk for heart disease, according to NBC News, prioritizing executive health isn’t just a perk — it’s essential.

Here are five best practices to help you build a stronger executive health strategy. 

1. Build a foundation with customizable executive physicals.

Annual executive physicals are the cornerstone of any effective health program. But not all physicals are created equal. A top-notch physical should be tailored to the individual.

With this customized approach, executives get the insights they need to stay on top of their changing health risks each year — so their annual physicals stay relevant and helpful, not just the same routine checkup.

The key is flexibility. Look for programs that allow executives to customize their physicals based on age, lifestyle, and personal health goals. It’s not just about checking boxes — it’s about actionable results. 

2. Offer access to concierge medicine memberships.

Health doesn’t stop after the annual physical. Most companies offer executive physicals these days.

According to a 2023 Goldman Sachs study, 66% of companies now offer executive physicals to their senior executives – so how do you go above and beyond?  The real value comes from ongoing care throughout the year. That’s where concierge medicine memberships come in.

With concierge care, your executives gain 24/7 access to a dedicated physician who understands their needs. No more waiting weeks for appointments or dealing with rushed visits. Instead, they get personalized attention whenever they need it.

Memberships also provide access to wellness coaching, preventive care, and support for managing chronic conditions. It’s an investment in year-round health that keeps your top performers at their best. 

3. Customize for corporate needs.

Every company has unique goals and challenges. A successful executive health program should reflect that.

Whether it’s aligning physicals with company schedules, offering group pricing, or designing wellness initiatives that complement corporate culture, customization is crucial.

For example, some companies prioritize stress management programs, while others focus on fitness and nutrition. Work with a provider that can adapt to your specific objectives to ensure maximum impact. 

4. Balance price with value.

Healthcare costs matter — they’re a big consideration for any business. But it’s not just about what you’re spending upfront. It’s about the bigger picture.

What’s the return on investing in your executives’ health? Healthier, more energized leaders can mean fewer sick days, less burnout, and better productivity overall.

That said, transparency is key. You should know exactly what you’re paying for.

For context, executive physicals costs typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket at most places. Some luxury providers can charge as much as $10,000.

5. Prioritize convenience for busy executives.

Time is the most valuable resource for executives, and a health program should respect that by being as seamless as possible. Minimizing the time spent away from the office, like the extended travel required for a physical at places such as the Mayo Clinic, can be a significant factor.

One of the best practices we recommend is choosing a local provider who can deliver similar high-quality care without the added disruption.

The easier it is for executives to engage with the program, the more likely they’ll stay committed to their health goals — and the more your company will benefit. 

Executive health: Investing in your company's success

A strong executive health program goes beyond annual physicals. By focusing on customization, ongoing care, corporate alignment, value, and convenience, you’re not just safeguarding your executives’ health — you’re fueling their performance and your company’s growth.

Ready to elevate your approach to executive health?

PartnerMD can help you design a program tailored to your needs. Let’s keep your key people healthy, thriving, and ready to lead. Complete this form, and one of our Executive Health team members will contact you to get started today.