The critical role of worksite health care during the COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posed numerous, unprecedented challenges in the health care industry, but it has also presented QuadMed with a unique opportunity to lend a helping hand. In a time where health resources and access to care have been severely limited, our worksite health centers have provided much-needed relief for the health care systems that are overwhelmed by COVID-19.
Virtual Visits and Online Care Options
To expand convenient access to safe, quality care during this time of need, we have added virtual visits for all clients at no additional charge. Virtual visits connect patients with a QuadMed provider through phone or secure video conferencing. Designed to reduce in-person appointments, virtual visits allow the patient to receive many preventive and acute care services from the comfort and safety of their home.
Virtual visits also allow us to welcome new patients, which is especially crucial for those who typically see a care provider in the community, but who need prompt care or who don’t want to visit a hospital.
In addition to Virtual Visits, our online patient portal MyChart allows patients to request an e-visit or speak with their primary care provider via secure messaging. Powered by Epic, MyChart also makes it possible for patients to request prescription refills online without having to meet with their provider.
COVID-19 Home Recovery Program
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home. The Recovery at Home Program helps to promote a safe and successful home recovery by providing a care package and around-the-clock support for QuadMed patients with a confirmed or suspected case. The care package includes a thermometer, pulse oximeter, face mask, monitoring sheets, emergency contacts and more. While the patient’s provider checks in daily, patients also have access to a 24/7 phone line that connects them to a QuadMed nurse, who can answer questions, offer home care advice and provide emotional support.
Condition Management
The CDC has reported that people living with serious underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease are at a higher risk for more serious complications due to COVID-19.
As these conditions are a key component of our core primary care offering, our providers are working tirelessly to ensure that those in need of medications are being treated promptly. Our providers, nurse educators and health coaches are also proactively reaching out to our highest-risk patients to ensure that they are safe and that they are receiving the support they need during this time of uncertainty.
Telephonic Wellness Services
With COVID-19 forcing major changes to everyday life, physical and mental wellness have never been more important. Our wellness coaches are providing one-on-one support over the phone for stress management, as well as nutrition and exercise changes. It’s yet another crucial service during a time when so many are facing health and financial challenges, all resulting in higher levels of stress.
Because we’re all in this together, the QuadMed wellness staff has created a “QuadMed Well-Being” Facebook group that is helping people around the country to stay connected and healthy. The group provides resources for staying active, eating healthy and managing stress throughout the pandemic.
Nurse Triage Services
To provide peace of mind for patients outside of health center hours, we have added a telephonic nurse triage service for clients free of charge. This means that patients who attempt to contact one of our health centers will be able to speak with someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The triage nurses can answer questions, provide home treatment options or encourage patients to seek emergency care.
Temperature Monitoring
At several of our employer sites that have been deemed essential, we have begun temperature check clinics to identify employees who may have contracted COVID-19 but are otherwise asymptomatic. To further protect the health and safety of employees, our marketing team has created various educational handouts as well as floor signs that help to promote social distancing for those who are being checked.
