On-site Clinic and Wellness Program

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Montgomery County has implemented a fully integrated on-site disease management Clinic and Wellness Program to focus on early detection and prevention in order to optimize employees’ health and bend the cost curve of insurance renewals and productivity losses. Through education and free access to a nurse practitioner, employees are empowered to make healthy lifestyle choices to achieve their personal best. HealthSTAT, Inc., a leading provider of onsite primary care, was selected to provide high health risk and disease management services at a clinic located in the county’s main office building. The online clinic coordinates with physicians, pharmacists and other support providers to ensure that employees are receiving the best care. As a measure of success, a total of 73 percent of employees are currently taking advantage of the wellness program and clinic, which is conveniently located at the county’s Government Center. This has resulted in reduced employee health care risks, lower insurance costs and less absenteeism. Through Wellness in SHAPE Programs, there have been behavior changes, such as weight loss, frequent use of the Fitness Center and more employees walking for exercise. During the first six series of the special Weight Watchers program, 1,423 collective pounds were lost amongst county employees. In the past year, out of the five enrolled in the Smoking Cessation class, two quit smoking.