Bicycle Health Clinicians Pedal Towards Unionization for Better Patient Care and Work Conditions

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, a new chapter is being written by the physicians and advanced practice providers at Bicycle Health, a telehealth company spearheading the treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) across more than 30 states. Their recent move to unionize with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) underscores a growing concern within the telehealth sector: the need for equitable treatment, work conditions, and an amplified voice in organizational decisions that directly impact patient care.

The Drive for Unionization

At the heart of this initiative is a collective yearning among clinicians to be heard and valued. The stories of being overworked, undervalued, and their feedback being systematically disregarded have become all too common, leading to a palpable shift in the company culture. This isn’t just about seeking better work conditions; it’s a crusade to ensure that the care provided to patients struggling with OUD is of the highest quality. Unionization efforts are seen as an essential step towards securing a seat at the decision-making table, where their professional insights can directly influence the trajectory of patient care and community health outcomes. The backdrop to this movement is a broader trend where healthcare providers, particularly in telehealth, are seeking protections and rights parallel to those of on-site professionals.

Telehealth's Growing Pains

Telehealth has been a beacon of innovation and accessibility in healthcare, especially highlighted by its exponential rise during the 2020 pandemic. However, as the sector burgeons, so do the complexities and challenges faced by its providers. The case of Bicycle Health is emblematic of a larger narrative where telehealth professionals are grappling with the demands of delivering comprehensive care in a virtual environment. This environment, while flexible, often blurs the boundaries of work-life balance and can lead to burnout. Stuart Bussey, MD, JD, president of UAPD, emphasized the importance of ensuring that telehealth providers receive the same protections as their on-site counterparts, a sentiment echoing through the halls of Bicycle Health.

A Vote for the Future

Nearly 70 employees at Bicycle Health are eligible to vote in the upcoming unionization ballot, marking a pivotal moment not only for the company but also for the telehealth industry at large. This vote, set to be counted in April, could herald a new era of provider advocacy and patient care within the digital health space. Bicycle Health, for its part, has expressed that it values its medical team and involves them in major organizational decisions, highlighting its commitment to delivering high-quality care. Yet, the unionization drive reflects a palpable need for a more formalized voice for clinicians within the company’s hierarchy. As the ballot process unfolds, it becomes clear that this is more than just a vote for unionization; it’s a vote for the future of telehealth, patient care, and the well-being of those at the forefront of this healthcare revolution.