GE Appliances has announced the expansion of its onsite primary care clinic at Appliance Park, allowing family members of employees to access free healthcare services starting October 1, 2024. This initiative aims to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare options to employees and their families, enhancing overall well-being and productivity.
Key Takeaways
Free Healthcare Services: Family members of employees aged two and older can access a range of services at no or low cost.
Expanded Staff: Additional healthcare professionals will be hired to meet the growing demand for services.
On-the-Clock Care: Employees can attend medical appointments during work hours without loss of pay.
Overview of the Expanded Services
The onsite primary care clinic, managed by CareATC, will now include:
X-rays
Integrated Mental Health Services
Nutrition Counseling
Physical Therapy
Limited Pharmacy Services
Dr. Derek Mydlarz, Chief Medical Officer at GE Appliances, emphasized the importance of affordable healthcare, stating, "Nothing says affordable better than free appointments, free vaccinations, free lab work, free X-rays and more."
Support from the Union
The initiative has received strong backing from IUE-CWA Local 83761, the union representing Appliance Park employees. Dino Driskell, the union president, remarked, "This is a great opportunity for our members to have access to free or nearly free family healthcare."
Increased Access to Care
As the utilization of the onsite clinic has risen, GE Appliances is set to add more healthcare staff, including:
Nurse Practitioners
Mental Health Professionals
Dr. Greg Bernacki, Chief Medical Officer at CareATC, noted that access to affordable primary care has become increasingly challenging for many Americans. He praised GE Appliances' commitment to providing low-cost care, which has led to significant improvements in employee health outcomes.
Free “On The Clock Care” Program
In 2023, GE Appliances introduced a program allowing employees to attend annual physicals and follow-up appointments during work hours while still being paid. This program will now extend to include:
Mental Health Services
Management of Chronic Conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
Dr. Mydlarz highlighted the convenience of this program, stating, "Life is busy, so being able to go to the doctor while at work is a big investment and practically unheard of for production employees."
A Model for Future Healthcare
The expanded clinic in Louisville will be GE Appliances' second facility offering free onsite healthcare services, following the successful launch of the Roper Corporation Wellness Center in LaFayette, Georgia, in 2011. The LaFayette center recorded over 7,000 visits in 2023, showcasing the demand for such services.
Statistics on Clinic Usage
43% of Appliance Park employees have utilized the primary care clinic at least once.
Annual exams have increased by 124%.
Colonoscopies have risen by 43%.
Mammograms have seen a 38% increase.
Conclusion
The expansion of the onsite primary care clinic at GE Appliances is a significant step towards enhancing employee health and well-being. By providing free and accessible healthcare services, the company is not only investing in its workforce but also setting a precedent for other organizations to follow in prioritizing employee health.
Sources
GE Appliances Expands Free Onsite Primary Care Clinic at Appliance Park to Families of Employees | Business Wire, Business Wire.
GE Appliances Expands Free Onsite Primary Care Clinic at Appliance Park to Families of Employees | Morningstar, Morningstar.
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