Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  I thought on-site clinics were only used by large companies. How is it possible for smaller companies to obtain the benefits of an on-site clinic?
A:  The evidence of the effectiveness of clinics and related wellness initiatives undertaken by larger employers is well documented. But most workers in the U.S. work for smaller employers. The need to extend tools to smaller and mid-sized employers is critical, particularly in order to effect and measure wellness and preventative measures that need to be taken, to mitigate rapidly increasing healthcare expenditures. The clinic is scaled in size to correspond to the utilization of the employer. Through a combination of web based practice management systems, internet accessible health risk assessments, and professional management and oversight, Novia CareClinics offers on-site clinics to employers with as few as 100 employees (at a single site.)
Q:  What is the cost to operate and use the clinic?
A:  The employer pays a "per employee/per month" management fee plus actual costs for staffing, generic drugs, lab tests, replacement supplies. The employees do not pay for the services or prescriptions dispensed from the clinic.
Q:  If the clinics are free to employees and their dependents, how do employers save money?
A:  Employers are able to 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:  The clinic 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 - Immunizations, physicals, health coaching
  • Pharmaceuticals - Medications dispensed on site
  • Convenient Easy Access - More time with the Doctor, less time waiting
  • Health Risk Assessment - Learn your health status and what risks you may have.
Q:  What if I have a condition that is not treated in the clinic?
A:  You would then seek care through your medical benefit plan and its network of providers. Since the clinic physicians are generally recruited from your network, they are well aware of protocols required by your plan for referrals to specialty providers of care and treatment.
Q:  Who can use the clinic?
A:  Generally, the clinic would be used by employees and their dependents. However, since the clinic is separate from the employer's medical benefit plan and not subject to insurance guidelines, the employer may choose to allow others to also utilize the clinic. Example: part time employees, retirees, etc.
Q:  How are appointments scheduled?
A:  All scheduling is done on-line, in real time. If you do not have access to online services, you may call an "800" number and you will be assisted in making your appointment.
Q:  Can family members use the clinic?
A:  The employer designates those eligible to use the clinic. In most instances, employees and their eligible dependents may use the clinic.
Q:  Will I have to wait a long time to see a doctor at the clinic?
A:  Appointments are scheduled in twenty minute blocks at three per hour. Normally, there is little or no waiting once you arrive at the clinic.
Q:  Who are the doctors and nurses that work in the clinic? How are they selected?
A:  All medical personnel are recruited by Novia CareClinics from within the employer's area. Recruitment starts with the provider network already in place for your medical benefit plan. Physicians are recruited from designations such as family practice, general practice, internal medicine and occupational medicine. To qualify a candidate, Novia CareClinics goes through a rigorous 24-step due diligence process which includes an interview with the employer.
Q:  Do I have to use my employer's on-site clinic?
A:  No, the use of the on-site clinic is completely voluntary.
Q:  Can I get the drug I am taking through the clinic? What will it cost?
A:  In most cases, the generic form of the drug you are taking will be available from the clinic. In some cases, brand drugs may also be dispensed from the clinic. If the prescription drug is dispensed from the clinic, there is no cost to the patient. If you receive your prescription from a local pharmacy, the deductible or co-pays of your medical benefit plan will apply.
Q:  What if I don't like the clinic doctor?
A:  Most clinics have more than one doctor or nurse practitioner. When you are scheduling your appointment, you will know which professional will be available and you may schedule your appointment accordingly. Also, remember the use of the clinic and its staff is completely voluntary and you always have the option of using another physician or facility.
Q:  What wellness benefits are offered through the clinic?
A:  The clinic offers a Health Risk Assessment which provides a thorough analysis and profile of your health status. Novia CareClinics also offers health coaching, on-line medical information, medication compliance programs, 24 hour nursing consultation, and directed wellness and disease management programs. From time to time, clinics may offer special disease specific programs, health fairs or screenings. Clinics may also offer certain "women" or "men" only days or programs.
Q:  What happens if I have an unusual result on my health risk assessment?
A:  All those who have participated in the assessment should schedule an appointment to review their personal results with the clinic physician. If the result of the assessment warrants immediate action, you will be contacted by either the clinic physician or nurse health coach to advise you of the results and what actions you should take.
Q:  Are my medical records confidential?
A:  All medical records are kept in an electronic format which is HIPPA compliant and completely confidential. Novia maintains the data on this system and it is used only by those involved in providing services in the clinic including primarily medical personnel. The medical personnel and the patient have access to medical records. Neither Novia nor any service provider may use the data for any purpose other than the operation of the clinic. In no event is individual medical data furnished or made available to the employer.
Q:  Do I have access to my medical records?
A:  Yes, you will have online access to your electronic patient records. (Including the results of your Health Risk Assessment)
Q:  How does Novia CareClinics manage and report on the use of the clinics by employees?
A:  Clinic usage is gathered from on-line records, compiled and analyzed by Novia CareClinics. This allows Novia CareClinics to monitor supplies and drug inventories as well as capacity usage of the clinic. This allows Novia to report results and make recommendations to the employer. No individual medical information is reported or shared with the employer in the management or reporting process. All on-line records are completely confidential and HIPPA compliant.
Q:  What drugs are maintained in the clinic?
A:  The drugs dispensed by the clinic are generic in nature and reflect the usage patterns of those using the clinic. Some brand names may be dispensed from the clinic if they can be obtained at a cost that makes it cost effective to do so. No controlled substances are stored or dispensed by the clinic.
Q:  Can people other than employees use the clinic?
A:  The employer designates those eligible to use the clinic. Generally, employees and their dependents are eligible to use the clinic.
Q:  How does the employer pay for the operation of the clinic?
A:  The employer pays a monthly management fee to Novia CareClinics based on the employers census. The cost of staffing, prescription drugs, lab tests and replacement supplies are billed to the employer on a true transparent cost basis.