SUSSEX, Wis.—While many U.S. employers are fighting with health insurers over coverage costs, printing company Quad/Graphics Inc. is finding there may be some truth to the old adage, “If you can't beat "em, join "em.”

“As employers, we can't sit back passively. The costs are too great,” said John Neuberger, vp of operations at QuadMed L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Quad/Graphics, that manages four company-owned clinics in addition to two onsite clinics for Briggs & Stratton Corp. in Wisconsin, two clinics for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Milwaukee, and one clinic for MillerCoors L.L.C. in Milwaukee. It also owns and operates 11 fitness centers and nine rehabilitation centers.

QuadMed was formed in 1990 after several Milwaukee-area employers approached Quad/Graphics asking for help addressing the rising cost of health care in their organizations, according to Mr. Neuberger.

With its staff of nearly 300 employees, QuadMed can conduct clinic feasibility studies as well as provide design, setup and management services for worksite clinics, onsite pharmacies, dental offices, even employee assistance programs, according to Mr. Neuberger.

“It's a "medical home' model” that existed long before the term came in vogue, he said, noting that Quad/Graphics has been providing onsite care to employees and their families for nearly 20 years.