What You Should Know:
– Northwell Health announced that its Northwell Direct unit, which works with large employers, will be offering Conversa HealthCheck to screen employees, customers, students, and visitors.
– HealthCheck is a quick, chat-based electronic screening for symptoms and signs of exposure to COVID-19. If cleared, users receive a digital “badge” that allows entry to a facility. If not cleared, they are given additional information on staying home and steps for testing and care.
– Employers use aggregated, de-identified results to determine workforce needs and make decisions about reopening or temporarily closing locations.
Northwell Direct today announced that it is partnering with Conversa Health to offer the COVID-19 HealthCheck, a screening chat tool for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The tool is easy to use, efficient and confidential, and allows retailers, schools, hotels, sporting and entertainment venues and other employers to create and maintain a safe environment for employees, customers, students and visitors.
The rollout marks the first introduction of the COVID-19 HealthCheck to the tri-state region. In use more than 125,000 times every workday, HealthCheck has proven to help businesses, universities, health systems and other venues across the country.
COVID-19 HealthCheck: How It Works
Employees use the HealthCheck from home before each workday, clicking on a secure link on their phone, tablet or computer to engage in a simple, conversational automated chat that checks for possible exposure to the new coronavirus and potential symptoms of infection. The chat takes about a minute and a half, and after completion, employees who are cleared for the day receive a digital “badge” that they can display for entry to the workplace. If they are not cleared, they are instructed to stay home and are given guidance on the appropriate steps to take for testing and care. The process is similar when colleges and universities provide the HealthCheck for use by faculty and students.
Aggregated, De-identified Results of Workforce Daily Screens
Employers who roll out the HealthCheck are notified of the aggregated and de-identified results of their workforce’s daily screens, providing information that can help them manage their business, adjust staffing and make decisions about reopening or temporarily closing specific worksites. The HealthCheck is continually updated to reflect the latest coronavirus guidelines from the CDC and other scientific organizations.
Northwell Direct COVID-19 Solutions
Northwell Direct clients can use the HealthCheck solution on its own or as part of a portfolio of tools built to help curb the spread of COVID-19. For example, if a client uses Northwell Direct’s clinical concierge service, employees whose responses raise any concerns will be guided to connect with that service, which includes a 24/7 nurse line and an extensive care management team.
Northwell Direct can also provide diagnostic (PCR) and antibody testing for COVID-19 and return-to-work assessments. Overall, Northwell Direct offers a holistic approach that leverages the knowledge of Northwell Health’s experts in infectious disease, occupational health, workforce safety, behavioral health and well-being.
As businesses throughout New York and the country confront rising caseloads in their area, the first job of every employer is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace,” said Nick Stefanizzi, CEO of Northwell Direct, a Northwell Health company that provides customizable health care solutions to employers in the tri-state area. “Conversa’s COVID-19 HealthCheck is a fast, easy, evidence-based way to clear people for work or put them on a path to care – without compromising privacy or creating bottlenecks.”
