Improving Access to University of Utah Employee Annual Exams

The RedMed Employee Clinic noticed that employees were waiting, on average, 10 weeks to be able to schedule Annual Exams (EAE) at one of the University's ambulatory clinics. The goal of this project was to enhance accessibility of EAE for University of Utah employees. To achieve this, RedMed began offering EAEs at its location and marketed it across the University. In 2023, RedMed conducted a total of 373 EAEs, resulting in the following screenings: 184 Hemoglobin A1C, 193 lipid panels, 262 sexually transmitted infection screenings, 38 Papanicolaou tests, 20 mammography, and 22 colonoscopies. In addition, 76 patients were referred to primary care and 60 were referred to specialty clinics, including behavioral health. RedMed was frequently able to provide EAE appointments within one day, and due to its location, employees were able to return to work within 1 hour. Patient feedback indicated high satisfaction levels with 91.4% of respondents marking "highly likely" to recommending the clinic to others and 85.2% rated appointment availability was excellent. RedMed's efforts improved accessibility and efficient healthcare delivery for University of Utah employees, marking a step forward in addressing the system wide challenges of excessive wait times for EAEs.

Improving Access for Annual WellU Exams RedMed Employee Health Clinic Katie E. Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Carrie E. Huntsman-Jones, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, Lyndsay Wixom, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Joshua Dean Twitchell, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Jennifer Clifton, DNP, FNP-C, CCHP-CP, CCHP-A, FAANP & Morgan West, B.S., RMA METHODS FOR IMPROVEMENT INTRODUCTION DISCUSSION Employees at the University of Utah RedMed began offering employee WellU exams in January 2023. RedMed Clinic continues to see an increased encountered difficulties with securing WellU exams were available daily, with increased availability utilization in WellU annual physical exams, highlighting appointments for their WellU annual physical depending on appointment demand. the recognition of the need for expanding primary exams within the necessary timeframe to Preventative services, such as cancer screenings, were offered care services and the ongoing challenge employees qualify for reduced health insurance premiums. during WellU appointments when medically indicated. face in accessing timely appointments with primary Recognizing this, the RedMed Employee If needed, assistance with establishing care with a PCP is offered to care providers. Health Clinic, under new leadership, viewed employees. LIMITATIONS & BARRIERS this as a chance to fulfil the typical role of Employee awareness of the RedMed Clinic and it’s service offerings. Resource constraints such as staffing and clinical spaces Decreased appointment availability during high demand periods, such as the months preceding the WellU requirement deadline. worksite clinics: providing services to enhance the health and wellness of their institution’s members in accordance to the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). PROBLEM INVESTIGATION On average, the soonest availability for a WellU exam with a University of Utah health clinic was 10+ weeks out, more so for new patients. Employees were needing to take a full day off of work to attend their appointment for their WellU exam RedMed possessed both the clinical availability and expertise required to provide WellU physical exams at its location within the Student Union. VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNED Cost savings benefitting both employees and the employers Enhanced employee engagement in the WellU program Critical need for primary care services in workplace clinics RESULTS 1. A grand total of 373 WellU appointments were conducted in 2023, encompassing screenings such as 184 A1C tests, 193 lipid panels, 262 STIs, 38 pap smears, 20 mammogram orders, and 22 colonoscopy orders. CONCLUSION RedMed's expansion into offering WellU exams improved accessibility to timely Great Experience. It was easy to schedule a visit. The clinic was conveniently located. The staff was friendly, attentive, and explained everything thoroughly. -Patient Survey Comment disease prevention and health promotion 2. A total of 76 referrals were made to primary care, and an additional 60 were directed to specialty clinics, including behavioral health services. services, while also assisting University of Utah employees in accessing their health insurance premium discounts. 3. RedMed could generally offer WellU appointments within one to two days, and its location at the Student Union building allowed employees to take minimal time away from work to attend their appointment. For more info about the RedMed Employee Clinic, or to schedule an appointment, scan the QR code. Wellness Champions Project Sponsored by the College of Nursing