Below is a list of frequently asked questions. if you have additional questions or need clarification, please feel free to contact us at occhealth@mlh.org.
Q: I thought OnSite clinics were only used by large companies. Is it possible for smaller companies to obtain the benefits of an MLH OnSite clinic?
A: The evidence of the effectiveness of clinics and related wellness initiatives undertaken by employers is well documented. With MLH OnSite, the size of the clinic is specifically tailored to match the needs of the employer. MLH OnSite offers clinic services to employers with as few as 50 employees (at a single site). Most of the features of an OnSite employer clinic can work in any environment.
Q: What is the cost to operate and use the clinic?
A: Because each clinic is customized to meet the needs of the employer, the cost to each clinic will vary. However, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has partnerships with the largest insurance providers in North America, allowing us to pass along upfront healthcare savings to the employee.
Your employees will enjoy the benefit of healthcare savings, as well as reduced absenteeism, which benefits both the employee and the organization. Many of our partners see a monthly savings in healthcare costs of $50,000+ with the use of the MLH OnSite clinic.
Q: If the clinics are free to employees and their dependents, how do employers save money?
A: Employers gain savings through the wholesale cost of clinic services, increased overall health of their employees and dependents, and through a gain in productivity by employee's shorter "time off" for physician visits.
Q: What services are offered by the clinic?
A: MLH OnSite offers all of the primary care services you would expect from a family physician or internist.
- Primary care - colds, flu, asthma, diabetes, etc.
- Preventive care - physicals, health coaching, Health Risk Biometric Assessments
- Pharmaceuticals - medications dispensed on site
- Health risk assessment - learn your health status and what risks you may have
- Vaccinations
Both an organization and its employees enjoy convenient, easy access to healthcare. This means more time with a clinician, less time waiting and less time away from work.
Q: What if I have a condition that is not treatable in the clinic?
A: Should an employee require care that MLH OnSite cannot provide, we will help that employee seek care through a local, in-network provider.
Q: Who will staff the clinic?
A: All personnel at the MLH OnSite clinics are employed by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and follow our philosophy of patient and family-centered care.
Q: What medications are available in the clinic?
A: If an employer elects to dispense medication at their clinic, those medications are generic and will be stocked according to the usage pattern of the clinic patients. No controlled substances are stored or dispensed by the clinic. Clinic physicians and nurse practitioners may write prescriptions for these controlled medications to be filled at a local pharmacy, as needed.
Q: I have a Health Spending Account. Can I use the clinic?
A: According to the Society of Professional Benefit Administrators (SPBA), the IRS considers OnSite clinic programs (limited to primary care and similar services) to be health plans. As such, the IRS has indicated to the SPBA that specific guidance on this issue is not necessary with regard to HSAs. As with all IRS matters, it is recommended that you consult with a tax advisor with any questions regarding the use of a HSA.
Q: What wellness benefits are offered through the clinic?
A: MLH OnSite offers Health Risk Assessments as part of an overall wellness program. This service can be coordinated through the employer’s primary insurance provider.
Q: Are my medical records kept confidential?
A: All medical records are electronic, HIPAA-compliant and completely confidential. Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare maintains the data on this system and it is accessed only by those involved in providing medical services in the clinic. Neither Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, nor any service provider, may use the data for any purpose other than to provide medical care to the employee or for the operation of the clinic. In no event is individual medical data furnished or made available to the employer.
Q: Do employees have access to their medical records?
A: Yes, employees have online access to their electronic patient records.
Q: How is the success and efficiency of the MLH OnSite measured?
A: Clinic usage is gathered from clinic records, compiled and analyzed by MLH OnSite staff. This allows MLH OnSite to monitor medical supplies and drug inventories, as well as evaluate the percent capacity usage of the clinic. This information allows MLH OnSite to report results and make recommendations to the employer. No individual medical information is ever reported or shared with the employer in the management or reporting process. All records are completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant.
Q: How does the employer pay for the operation of the clinic?
A: This varies based on the partnership with the employer. The employer can pay a monthly management fee to MLH OnSite. The monthly cost of staffing, prescription drugs, lab tests and replacement supplies are billed to the employer.