County's Wellness Clinic celebrates first year

By Cherry Sokoloski
North Forty News

Prevention and wellness are popular concepts right now, as discussions about health care reform continue. As of this past September, all new group plans and all individual insurance policies must provide preventive services at no cost to the patient. That's a provision of the 2010 federal health care reform act.

But Larimer County, along with many other local governments, is way ahead of the curve when it comes to prevention. The county's Wellness Clinic on Prospect Road, a free clinic for all employees and families enrolled in Larimer County's health insurance plans, celebrated its first birthday on Nov. 2.

The Wellness Clinic is just one piece of a comprehensive wellness program run by the county. The goals of the program are two-fold: develop a healthier workforce and save money on healthcare costs. In the latter arena, the county expects to save $400,000 each year after Wellness Clinic start-up costs are recouped. Start-up costs have been close to $400,000, according to benefits administrator Pam Stultz.

The county is currently conducting a satisfaction survey among employees about the Wellness Clinic, and feedback has been very positive to date, Stultz said. "They love it," she said, because of the convenience, speedy service and, of course, the price tag.

High usage

Over the past year, the clinic averaged 250 visits each month, with 65 percent of covered employees visiting the facility at least once. That means 1,165 employees and spouses are using the clinic, along with a growing number of children. When family members are in the county's insurance plan, they can also use the clinic at no charge. At present, the clinic is seeing about 100 children each month.

The clinic does not replace families' primary care physician. It's staffed by physician assistant Kathryn Lovoi and medical assistant Nicole Croft, who treat ailments such as colds, flu and allergies. They also do blood pressure checks, prescription renewals, specialist referrals and routine physicals for both adults and children. The clinic stocks 40 generic prescriptions, which are also free.

In addition, the clinic plays an important role in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In fact, several employees have found previously undiagnosed conditions by going through the Health Risk Assessment, a requirement for all who want to use the clinic.

The HRA, Stultz said, is "key to the whole wellness program," because it identifies health issues before they become serious. Working with the employee's primary care physician, the clinic can help monitor chronic conditions and develop a treatment program.

Next spring, all clinic users will undergo a new HRA to see if risk factors have declined among county employees.

Cost savings

It's too soon to tell what the county savings will be. The company that operates the clinic, Healthstat, will provide that particular "wellness check" after the clinic has been operating for 18 months. Healthstat operates hundreds of such clinics nationwide and guarantees a positive return on the county's investment within the first 18 months.

One reason for the cost savings is that each clinic visit costs the county about $70 to $80, whereas an average visit to a private medical clinic costs well over $100.

There's already good financial news for employees. Employees did not see an increase in their health insurance premiums this year, and they won't see one in 2011, either.

Stultz said she hopes the wellness program has had some impact on claims, and there are other contributing factors as well. The county is self-insured, and Stultz was able to renegotiate some provider services this year, resulting in large savings.

The wellness program is still a work in progress, and 2011 will see some new services in the program. Telephone coaching for smoking cessation and weight loss will be available as of Jan. 1.

Because of the county's focus on prevention, all screenings including mammograms, colonoscopies and osteoporosis testing are free. Massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatment have a copay of just $25.

While the county saves money with wellness, employees who are working hard to improve their health can reap financial rewards, too. Employees rack up points for positive behavior such as regular exercise, taking wellness classes that the county offers, and getting flu shots. Everyone who earns 32 points in a year receives the option of eight hours of paid leave or a $150 bonus.

In 2009, 517 employees earned the wellness prize.

After just one year, Larimer County's Wellness Clinic has already produced a ripple effect in Colorado. Greeley, Weld County, Montrose County and Loveland all consulted with Larimer County before setting up their own wellness clinics.