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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Meeting 08/18/2009 - Exhibit "B"Exhibit "B" Gi t v of ._--- ~~' ort rthur Texas Prt~posed Employee Health Services Clinic City of Port Arthur Health Department 449 Austin Avenue Port Arthur, TX 77640 City of Port Arthur Proposed Employee Health Services Clinic Background In May 2009, we participated in a conference call with representatives from the City of Amarillo, Texas regarding an employee health clinic for its 2,000 employees. It is a free clinic to employees and their families that offers pre-employment physicals, disease management, wellness programs, referrals, laboratory services, x-rays, etc. The staff consists of a medical doctor, two nurse practitioners, one registered nurse, and a medical assistant. After two years in operation, the City saw a significant savings in healthcare and prescription costs. Since this conference call, we have been working on the possibility of establishing an Employee Health Services Clinic (EHSC) on the second floor of the health department. It is proposed that the on-site medical clinic would prcwic~e .minor medical care services; and treatment to the city's 600+ employees and their dependents at no cost. It is anticipated that there would be considerable savings to the City annually in self-insurance costs and employee absenteeism. The clinic would be in addition to the city's health coverage, with employees retaining their primary care physicians. The overall goal or mission of this proposed EHSC is: "To improve the health and well-being of the City of Port Arthur's employees through health education, physical examinations, preventative measures, and through active participation in their own health care. Expected results include improved employee productivity and morale, and overall health care savings for the City of Port Arthur. " Proposed Services It is proposed that the EHSC would offer the following services: - Diagnosis and treatment of acute/minor illnesses such as sore throats, headaches __ __ - --- - or earaches, coughs and minor cuts guises, m~uries, etc. - Pre-employment physicals and drug testing - Laboratory testing - Rapid testing for flu, strep throat, etc. - Chronic disease screening (diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension} and referral - Chest x-rays - Annual routine physicals - Immunizations for employees and their children - Free flu shots - Well-Child exams for employees' children - Women's health exams - Men's health screens - Health education - Prescriptions to an outside pharmacy - Refe~"als - Early morning and after-hour clinic hours - Online scheduling (future goal) - On-site pharmacy (future goal) Proposed Staffing The initial staffing for the EHSC would consist of a family nurse practitioner, a medical assistant, and x-ray technician with the City's current health authority acting as the supervising physician. As needed, we may also contract with a radiologist to read x-rays and a pediatric nurse practitioner for child and teen health. The Director and Asst. Director of Health Services will be responsible for the administrative and clinical oversight functions of the program. Prouosed Budget Social Service Block Grant funding has been awarded to purchase the major laboratory equipment, medical and office supplies, a server and computers to operate the clinic. It is estimated that the only funding needed for Year 1 of the proposed clinic is for staffing, travel and education, and contract professional services. Please see the attached 3-year projected budget. What we have done thus far...... - / -We -have--visited-the -employe€--health -programs at Christus St.-Mary and The - - - - - Medical Center of Southeast Texas hospitals. We obtained vital information from both sites in terms of clinic flow, forms, and the range of services they provide. / We will be visiting with Jefferson County's employee health services staff on July 14. The County has afull-time nurse practitioner operating the clinic. / We are in the process of getting quotes for all of the equipment and supplies, and completing the furnishing on the second floor. / We have met with the City's Health Authority and have received a verbal commitment for him to act as the supervising physician. / We have spoken with a Family Nurse Practitioner who may be interested in a full- time position with benefits, and with apart-time Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who is available if needed. However, recruitment efforts will continue. / We have visited with current staff (Certified Nurse Midwife) about an employee women's health program. We are working on developing standing operational guidelines and protocols. Advantages of an EHSC Listed below are a few advantages of establishing a city funded EHSC: • Minimize employee absenteeism • Decrease the City's self-insurance costs • Decrease City's outside costs for pre-employment services • Accessibility of the clinic to employees and their dependents • Limited wait time for employees. and their dependents • Free services to employees and their dependents .: • One-Stop Health Care (diagnosis, treatment, referral, lab, etc.) • Decrease the wait time for new hires to begin employment • Increase promotion of healthy lifestyles • No money exchange • No insurance billing • Employees will be encouraged to maintain their primary care physician This is an excellent opportunity and service for all city employees .and should .. improve employee morale. • The EHSC will serve as a gatekeeper to help reduce the City's overall health care costs Challenges of an EHSC The only challenge we foresee at this point is: ENCOURAGING EMPLOYEES TO BUY IN! However, as we market the .idea, increase awareness of the benefits and cost savings, and assure employees of confidentiality concerns, we believe they will readily embrace the concept. Next Steps - Additional research and analysis of approximate cost savings to the city - Additional research on other cities that are offering employee health services - Additional research on grant funding opportunities - Input and approval by City Manager, Asst. City Manager, Human Resources ___- - _--Dhector,.-other--key-city-staff/officials,. and City Council _ ___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ _ ___ - Budget negotiations/revisions - Funding approval - Set a target date - .Staff recruitment Conclusion We believe that this is a timely and valuable move on the part of the City of Port Arthur. The Health Department welcomes the opportunity to assist with the planning, coordination, and oversight of the administrative and clinical functions of this project. We believe, as you will too, that this, is awin-win opportunity for the City of Port Arthur, its employees and their families. Employee Health Services Clinic 3-Year Projected Budget .•- -•. - Personnel Family Nurse Practitioner $90,000 $92,700 $95,481 Medical Assistant $28,496 $29,351 $30,232 Radiographer Tech $34,258 $35,286 $36,345 Total Salaries $152,754.. $157,337. $162,058 fringe Benefits $50,371 $79,691 $82,082 Supplies $5,000 $5,500 Contractual Health Authority $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 Other professional services $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 Travel Education $3,500 $3,850 $4,235 Projected Budget $238,625 $277,878 $285,875