Press Releases

Matrix Medical Network Announces Newly Defined Lines of Business with a Strategic Focus on Bringing Expert Care to Individuals Where They Live and Work

Matrix Medical Network Announces Newly Defined Lines of Business with a Strategic Focus on Bringing Expert Care to Individuals Where They Live and Work

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 25, 2021 — Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) today announced the evolution of its business into four distinct areas of focus to help address the country’s biggest health challenges. For more than 20 years, Matrix has met individuals where they live and work to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that empower them to better manage their own health.  With deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, a network of approximately 5,000 expert clinicians, and a fleet of state-of-the-art Mobile Health Clinics, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 and remains dedicated to keeping employees safely at work, especially those in America’s essential services industries. Today’s announcement represents a long-term strategic roadmap for Matrix recognizing new and unique health and safety needs in 2021 and beyond.

“COVID-19 caused healthcare companies to rapidly shift gears. The virus also shines a light on the deep-rooted healthcare disparities that leave many patients vulnerable,” said Matrix Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Keith Henthorne. “I am so proud of how the Matrix team was able to both adapt to new realities and sustain the mission we’ve had all along: providing expert care for everyone, everywhere.”

Matrix helps partners reach diverse, vulnerable, and high-risk populations through its team of skilled clinicians providing care via in-home visits, on-site support at medical facilities and workplaces, telehealth visits, and Mobile Health Clinics. Matrix works with partners to customize solutions and incorporate a range of clinical support services, counseling and education, environmental certification, testing and tracing – during the pandemic and beyond – via a mix of on-site and remote settings.

The newly defined business units are Clinical Care, Clinical Solutions, Clinical Trials and Clinical Labs.

  • Clinical Care:
    • Matrix provides in-home, on-site, and telehealth comprehensive assessments to evaluate health plan members’ health and risk factors, and identify chronic conditions, quality care gaps, and Social Determinant of Health barriers that may otherwise go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Matrix clinicians help members manage their risk factors, enjoy a better quality of care, and experience better health outcomes. Matrix has performed approximately five million member visits since 2011.
  • Clinical Solutions:
    • Matrix helps America’s workers stay healthy while maintaining businesses’ productivity and continuity by designing custom workplace health solutions including testing, tracing, and return to work services. In collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, Matrix developed a safety verified certification program to help businesses and organizations assess, address, verify, and monitor workplace safety to help individuals return safely and confidently to work.
  • Clinical Trials:
    • Matrix provides rapid and scalable decentralized trial solutions to reach hard to recruit and retain clinical trial participants across varying geographies and ethnicities, accelerate clinical trials, and maintain stringent quality and compliance. In the past six months Matrix clinicians have conducted more than 6,000 participant visits, partnered with more than 30 trial sites, and supported the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Clinical Labs:
    • In 2020, Matrix expanded its clinical diagnostic testing with a dedicated laboratory that is both certified under the Clinical Laboratory Amendments and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. The clinical diagnostic and testing services improve patient safety and quality of care, bringing needed preventative and diagnostic testing into homes and workplaces.

 

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network has provided expert care and health services to millions of at-risk individuals where they live and work for more than 20 years. The organization’s network of approximately 5,000 clinicians meets individuals wherever they are to assess their health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health.

Matrix, in partnership with its expert clinical advisory panel, offers customizable solutions across four distinct lines of business via in-home visits, telehealth, on-site support at medical facilities and businesses, and Mobile Health Clinics:

  • Matrix Clinical Care helps seniors and other at-risk individuals enjoy a better quality of care, experience better health outcomes, and identify chronic conditions that may otherwise go undiagnosed.
  • Matrix Clinical Solutions helps keep workers healthy and businesses run productively by designing custom workplace health solutions and providing testing, tracing, and clinical care solutions. Matrix also offers a safety verified certification program developed in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic.
  • Matrix Clinical Trials provides rapid and scalable decentralized trial solutions to reach broad and diverse trial participant populations and improve the patient experience. Matrix adheres to the highest standards in quality, compliance, and data collection to accelerate trial completion timelines and support trial partners.
  • Matrix Clinical Labs is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory that provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services and clinical testing support.

For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.

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Matrix Media Contact:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203


Matrix Medical Network Collaborates with AstraZeneca on Phase III Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Long-Acting Antibody Combination

Matrix Medical Network Collaborates with AstraZeneca on Phase III Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Long-Acting Antibody Combination

Matrix Medical Network Will Provide Mobile Health Clinics and Experienced Clinicians to Reach High Risk and Hard to Recruit Populations in AstraZeneca’s Phase III STORM CHASER Prevention Trial in the US

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 3, 2021 – Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) today announced a collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to accelerate a clinical trial in the US for AZD7442, AstraZeneca’s long-acting monoclonal antibody (LAAB) combination for the potential prevention of COVID-19. Matrix Clinical Solutions will meet eligible volunteers where they live and work with a fleet of Mobile Health Clinics and skilled clinicians, with a focus on populations more impacted by COVID-19.

Matrix is supporting the Phase III clinical trial called STORM CHASER, which will assess the safety and efficacy of AZD7442 for post-exposure prophylaxis in approximately 1,125 participants in the US and UK. Participants in this trial will include adults over 18 years of age following exposure to SARS-COV-2 and who are therefore at appreciable risk of developing COVID-19. The trial will include people living or working at long-term care facilities as well as industrial and military settings.

The Matrix and AstraZeneca teams are collaborating to rapidly develop, deploy and manage clinical research sites across the country. In a typical study, participants would need to travel to established sites often affiliated with academic medical centers in major cities which may hinder trial participation. By bringing the clinical trial to the patient via Mobile Health Clinics, Matrix is enabling further participation and creating a better experience for the patient. Matrix will lead onsite clinical trial activities including but not limited to screening, drug administration, and monitoring. Matrix will partner with more than 10 research institutions across Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

“We are excited to collaborate with Matrix to help secure a diverse participant population and meet STORM CHASER participants where they live and work,” said Mark Esser, Vice President, Microbial Sciences BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca.

“Matrix has provided direct clinical trial operational support to several top vaccine candidates by deploying more than 20 Mobile Health Clinics and directly supporting more than 4,000 trial patient visits,” said Matrix Chief Medical Officer Daniel Castillo, M.D. “We look forward to working with AstraZeneca to reach high-risk patients where they are, helping to remove barriers to quality healthcare and access to clinical trials.”

This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in partnership with the Department of Defense; Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense; under Contract No. W911QY-21-9-0001.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can assist with scaling and implementing your clinical trials, visit: https://mmnprd.wpengine.com/clinical-trial-services/. If you’re interested in getting involved as a participant or to learn more, visit here.

 

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC. Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Clinical Solutions, LLC.

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Matrix Media Contact:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203


New Matrix Medical Network Program Assesses, Verifies Effectiveness of Tyson Foods’ Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Efforts

New Matrix Medical Network Program Assesses, Verifies Effectiveness of Tyson Foods’ Covid-19 Risk Mitigation Efforts

Matrix Medical Network certification program developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., February 2, 2021 — Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is piloting a new Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) program that assesses, addresses, verifies and monitors the effectiveness of the company’s efforts to protect workers from COVID-19.

More than a dozen Tyson Foods plant locations, including some of the company’s largest facilities, are participating. Six have already received safety verification and seven more are in the process of being assessed.

The Matrix certification program was developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, one of the nation’s largest health systems and is designed to help verify and monitor that businesses are taking appropriate measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to workplace safety verification that includes:

  • On-site assessments based on the latest guidelines from the CDC, OSHA and state regulations
  • Best-in-class protocols based on the well-established clinical and industry expertise of Cleveland Clinic and Matrix
  • Actionable recommendations to address identified health and safety gaps
  • Ongoing updates on evolving COVID-19 guidance and regulations

Certification assesses people, processes and structure. It also involves analysis of workplace policies and procedures, as well as areas where people gather, including density, traffic flow, ventilation and physical proximity. A safety verification seal indicating alignment to certification standards, once granted, is issued for a year and includes another on-site assessment after six months to ensure continued compliance with current guidelines.

“Our company has made tremendous progress in our efforts to protect our team members by transforming our facilities and implementing an always-on testing strategy,” said Tom Brower, senior vice president of Health & Safety for Tyson Foods. “We believe this certification by outside health experts confirms we’re using best-in-class measures to combat the virus. And, what we learn from the plants where we’re piloting this program can also be applied at other company locations across the country.”

“Matrix has been working closely with Tyson since the beginning of the pandemic setting up mobile health clinics, conducting risk assessments, and collaborating with the company on testing strategies,” said Matrix Chief Medical Officer Daniel Castillo, M.D. “The new certification program brings together the Matrix risk assessment and Covid-19 experience and the deep clinical expertise of Cleveland Clinic to establish and sustain healthy, safe, and productive workplaces for Tyson employees.”

The certification program is the latest in a series of continuous improvement measures Tyson Foods has taken to fight new waves of COVID-19. During fiscal 2020, the company invested $540 million to transform its U.S. facilities with protective measures, from walk-through temperature scanners and workstation dividers to social distance monitors and always-on testing, as well as provide additional team member pay and benefits.  Tyson Foods has also expanded its health services staff, added a chief medical officer and plans to pilot health clinics for team members and their families early this year.

Earlier this month, Tyson Foods announced that it is also partnering with Matrix to ensure the company’s U.S. team members are educated about and have access to COVID-19 vaccines.

For more information on the certification program, visit https://mmnprd.wpengine.com/certification/.

 

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp®, and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM to learn more.

 

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Consulting Group, LLC.

 

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Matrix Media Contact:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203


Tyson Foods and Matrix Medical Network Partnering to Focus on Vaccine Education and Access

Tyson Foods and Matrix Medical Network Partnering to Focus on Vaccine Education and Access

Company is partnering with Matrix Medical Network

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 13, 2021 — Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is partnering with Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) to ensure the company’s U.S. team members are educated about and have access to the COVID-19 vaccines. Matrix will collaborate with Tyson Foods’ health services team to deploy mobile health clinics and expert clinical staff to support vaccine communications, administration and counseling at Tyson Foods facilities beginning in early 2021 and continuing throughout the year. Tyson Foods will provide team members with third-party education information in multiple languages from resources such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control about the vaccines and vaccination process.

“Providing vaccine education and accessibility is a critical part of our ongoing commitment to put the health and safety of our team members first,” said Dean Banks, president and CEO, Tyson Foods.

Because the availability of the vaccine will vary by state, the company is committed to a long-term strategy that ensures any team member who wants a vaccine will receive one. Vaccines will be administered at the earliest opportunity following guidance from health officials and in sufficient quantities to ensure effective scheduling and delivery. Tyson will strongly encourage employees to take the vaccination.

“Tyson and Matrix have worked together throughout the pandemic to create clinically driven strategies to mitigate the risk of the virus in the workplace,” said Dr. Daniel Castillo, M.D., chief medical officer, Matrix Medical Network. “Providing vaccinations and healthcare monitoring to Tyson employees is the next step in a comprehensive approach to fighting COVID-19 and establishing new ways of maintaining workplace health and safety for the future.”

“Tyson workers are bravely serving on the frontlines so that millions of families can put food on the table during this crisis. Protecting these essential workers is vital to keeping our nation’s food supply secure as the pandemic worsens, and this new Tyson partnership is a critical step toward achieving that,” said Mark Lauritsen, vice president, United Food and Commercial Workers International. “As the largest union for America’s food processing workers, UFCW will continue to work with industry leaders like Tyson in a unified effort to expedite vaccinations for workers who are essential to keeping our communities strong at this critical point in the pandemic.”

Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of steps the company has taken to fight new waves of the coronavirus, including the strategic testing of workers without symptoms. The company has invested more than $540 million to transform its U.S. facilities with protective measures, from walk-through temperature scanners and workstation dividers to social distance monitors and always-on testing, as well as provide additional team member pay and benefits. It is also working with outside health experts, expanding its health services staff, and plans to pilot health clinics for team members and their families early this year.

Tyson Foods is using testing as a tool and estimates more than half of its workforce has been tested for COVID-19. The company is currently testing thousands of workers per week as part of its industry-leading monitoring strategy. In addition to testing those with symptoms or who have been in close contact with someone who has the virus, the company is also proactively testing workers who have no symptoms.

Tyson has hired a chief medical officer and an additional 200 nurses and administrative staff this year, which means the company now has an occupational health staff of almost 600. These medical professionals screen for symptoms, conduct testing and track cases to help care for team members if they become ill. Tyson Foods’ medical professionals work with health and government officials and team members as part of the company’s efforts to help communities where we operate better understand the coronavirus and the protective measures that can be taken to help prevent spread. Long-term, these professionals will provide support for the company’s overall team member health and wellness efforts.

 

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp®, and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 139,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM to learn more.

 

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Consulting Group, LLC which provides environmental assessments.

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Matrix Media Contact:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203


Matrix Medical Network Launches Certification Program to Establish and Sustain Healthy, Safe, and Productive Workplaces

Matrix Medical Network Launches Certification Program to Establish and Sustain Healthy, Safe, and Productive Workplaces

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., December 1, 2020Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) today announced a certification program to assist businesses and organizations assess, address, certify, and monitor work environments to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The certification developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic brings together the Matrix risk assessment and COVID-19 experience and the deep clinical expertise of the Cleveland Clinic, to apply comprehensive guidelines to establish and sustain healthy, safe, and productive workplaces.

The certification program follows a multi-disciplinary approach to workplace safety, including:

  • On-site assessments based on the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state regulations
  • Best-in-class protocols based on the well-established clinical and industry expertise of the Cleveland Clinic and Matrix
  • Actionable recommendations to address identified health and safety gaps
  • Official certification following alignment to certification standards
  • Ongoing updates on evolving COVID-19 guidance and regulations

“Matrix has been providing environmental health assessments to some of America’s leading companies since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, leveraging our experience in risk assessment to help clients resume business operations in a safe and appropriate manner,” said Matrix Chief Medical Officer Daniel Castillo, M.D. “We are pleased to be working with the Cleveland Clinic on the certification program. The Cleveland Clinic will be actively involved in assessments, results reviews, and recommendations, ensuring our work incorporates the best clinical advice available.”

Certification assesses people, processes, and structure. It includes policies and procedures, as well as all aspects of a workplace or other environments where people gather including density, traffic flow, ventilation, and physical proximity to other risks. Upon certification, organizations will receive a formal seal that can be displayed to provide confidence in their environment to their employees, customers, and other stakeholders.

“Working together with Matrix to bring our combined expertise will help support healthy outcomes for employers, employees, and patrons of the companies we support.” said James Merlino, M.D., Chief of Clinical Transformation of Cleveland Clinic.

For more information on the certification program, visit https://mmnprd.wpengine.com/certification/.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Consulting Group, LLC which provides environmental assessments.

 

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Matrix Media Contacts:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203

 

Megan Manzari
Public Relations Supervisor, Dixon Schwabl
[email protected]
585-899-3244

 


Despite Pandemic Challenges, New Matrix Medical Network Survey Finds Nurse Practitioners Are More Committed Than Ever to Their Profession

Despite Pandemic Challenges, New Matrix Medical Network Survey Finds Nurse Practitioners Are More Committed Than Ever to Their Profession

More than 90 percent also feel technology such as telehealth has had a positive impact on their nursing abilities

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 10, 2020) Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix), a clinical services organization that gives health plans and employers the tools and knowledge they need to manage the health of at-risk populations at home and at work, today announced the results of a survey conducted in recognition of National Nurse Practitioner Week, Nov. 8-14, 2020. The survey’s purpose was to assess nurse practitioner (NP) attitudes toward various developments and challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.

One of the most significant findings was that in spite of the long hours and difficult conditions that have led to physical, mental and emotional exhaustion for many nurses, 60 percent of NPs surveyed said the experience has strengthened their commitment to the nursing profession, while another 35 percent said their commitment level remained the same. Only 4 percent said it had reduced their commitment, which is good news in light of ongoing concerns about nurses leaving the healthcare industry, especially with another COVID-19 surge reportedly underway.

“I have always been committed to my nursing profession but feel health plan members need us even more than they did before the pandemic,” said a nurse practitioner who offers direct patient care. “Most members have not been able to see their primary care physicians since the pandemic started. This has made our visits, whether in-person (when allowed) or via telehealth, even more crucial. In many cases we not only bring them care but also the human contact they may not be getting from other normal sources. When you see their response, it inspires you to do more.”

Another key survey question inquired about the impact of technology (such as telehealth) on respondents’ nursing abilities. Early in the pandemic, as many states went on full or partial lockdown, health plans were restricting NPs from making in-home visits. Organizations such as Matrix overcame that barrier by expanding their use of telehealth, including telephone or voice-and-video calls over the Internet, to continue performing health assessments and a breadth of other clinical services for health plan members. More than nine out of ten NPs reported at least somewhat of a positive impact, with 45 percent saying it was very positive. Only 3 percent found it to be negative, with none stating it was “very negative.”

“A lot of our members are elderly, and some are afraid to leave the house for fear of contracting COVID-19,” one nurse practitioner shared. “That makes telehealth crucial for this population because it might be the only type of health-related visit they get during this pandemic. Telehealth enabled us to adapt what we do to the unfortunate circumstances we as a nation find ourselves in so we can continue to deliver access to care, and the power of human touch without the physical touch, in their time of great need.”

Yet it wasn’t only the members who benefitted from the use of telehealth. The NPs surveyed were largely grateful this option was available to maintain care, and that it was implemented so quickly and supported so deeply by their organizations.

“I am not surprised to see results like these,” said Laura Jonsson, chief clinical officer at Matrix Medical Network. “Our organization alone has more than 3,000 NPs, and we are in the process of hiring 1,000 more, so we have some strong insights into the level of commitment NPs bring. While it may sound like a cliché, it really is a calling, and we know NPs really care about the members they help. I also think telehealth has proven its effectiveness in bringing NPs and members closer together and improving care, even when there isn’t a global pandemic in play. We at Matrix have seen how much having a telehealth option improves NP job satisfaction as well as member satisfaction, and plan to expand its use to further our mission of meeting members where they live or work.”

Jonsson was recently interviewed on HIMSS TV discussing the important role technology plays in alleviating clinician burnout.

To understand how Matrix uses telehealth to conduct risk adjustments, read this article.

To learn about career opportunities at Matrix Medical Network, click here.

About the Study

Matrix Medical Network collected survey data online from Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2020. The survey report was based on 489 responses. Survey respondents were nurse practitioners across the U.S.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Clinical Solutions, LLC.

Media Contact:

David Goodspeed
Director, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
480.286.1311

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Matrix Medical Network to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Trials as Part of Operation Warp Speed

Matrix Medical Network to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Trials as Part of Operation Warp Speed

Mobile Health Clinics Will Help Ensure Communities with Barriers to Healthcare Access are Reached

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2020Matrix Medical Network® (Matrix) will be a key enabler in clinical trials of investigational COVID-19 vaccines conducted by the COVID-19 Prevention Network. Matrix Clinical Solutions, through an agreement with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will provide mobile health clinics to more than 20 academic medical centers to increase access to the investigational vaccines by deploying its mobile clinics and clinicians across the country, focusing on the populations most impacted by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Prevention Network, supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, aims to enroll thousands of volunteers in large-scale clinical trials testing a variety of investigational vaccines and monoclonal antibodies intended to protect people from COVID-19.

Matrix will support critical trial logistics and will accelerate the vaccine development process, while maintaining the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. A major factor in the success of a vaccine trial is identifying eligible volunteers to participate. Speed to delivery is critical based on the need to identify and approve a vaccine to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at large.

“Our team will help scale the vaccine trials to reach participants, especially minorities and rural populations, by providing increased access for individuals to participate where they may otherwise have limited access to traditional health centers or trial sites,” said Matrix Chief Medical Officer Daniel Castillo, M.D. “In the history of vaccine development, there’s never been an initiative of this magnitude or with as much of a push to safely expedite.”

Matrix’s mobile health clinics and clinicians will work closely with various universities, hospitals, and other locations across Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington to reach eligible volunteers. In a typical trial, participants would travel to established sites often affiliated with academic medical centers in major cities. Matrix’s mobile health clinics will safely extend these sites and meet the volunteers where they are, helping to better ensure that all members of the community, including those with barriers to healthcare access, are included.

“Fred Hutchinson’s depth of expertise in immunology and virology has led us to take an active role in responding to COVID-19, and to be named the coordinating center for vaccine clinical trials of the COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN), said Troy Martin, M.D. M.P.H, Chief of Staff/CoVPN, of Fred Hutch. “The team at Fred Hutchinson is honored to play such an important role in developing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, and the partnership with Matrix is allowing us to progress things in a safe and expedient manner.”

 

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics. The organization’s unmatched network of health care professionals meets individuals where they work and live to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps, and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix was uniquely positioned to rapidly respond to the spread of COVID-19 with clinically based services to employers providing essential services to keep or return their workforces to their worksites. Today, Matrix offers customizable solutions including on-site clinics, viral testing, contact tracing, environmental assessments, clinical consultations, vaccine administration, clinical trial support, and access to an expert clinical advisory panel. Matrix services leading companies across a wide range of industries including food manufacturing, defense manufacturing, government, retail, higher education, distribution, entertainment, and others.  For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

*Matrix Medical Network is the registered trademark of Community Care Health Network, LLC.  Community Care Health Network, LLC is an affiliate of Matrix Clinical Solutions, LLC.

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Matrix Media Contacts:

Elissa Johnsen
EJJ Communications, LLC on behalf of Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
312-285-3203

Megan Manzari
Public Relations Supervisor, Dixon Schwabl
[email protected]
585-899-3244


Matrix Medical Network and Berkeley Data Ventures Collaborate to Make Mass COVID-19 Testing More Accessible

Matrix Medical Network and Berkeley Data Ventures Collaborate to Make Mass COVID-19 Testing More Accessible

Machine learning drives smarter pooled testing strategies

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 4, 2020 – Matrix Medical Network has partnered with Berkeley Data Ventures to improve the availability and ease of COVID-19 testing by combining the power of machine learning and pooled testing. The new solution, driven by machine learning algorithms, will enable more individuals to be tested, more often, through strategic pooled testing.

“Frequent testing, for example at a school or workplace, is both costly and a real challenge given limited testing capacity,” said Dr. Daniel Castillo, Chief Medical Officer, Matrix Medical Network. “Our partnership with Berkeley Data Ventures combines our clinical knowledge and their machine learning expertise to tackle this problem by establishing new and smarter protocols that allow more frequent testing.”

Matrix has administered more than 30,000 coronavirus tests since the onset of the pandemic. Of those who tested positive, many were asymptomatic. These asymptomatic, and pre-symptomatic, carriers add an additional layer to the challenge of detecting infected individuals. The algorithms devised by Berkeley Data Ventures leverage key data to identify the optimal testing strategy by assessing individual prevalence and correlation risk to show who would, and who would not, benefit from pooled testing.

“Pooled testing using machine learning allows us to get on the offensive of COVID-19 testing by allowing for efficient testing at high frequency,” said Ned Augenblick, Associate Professor Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. “One of the keys to the pooled testing algorithm is understanding who is more likely to be positive and separating them from those that are likely to be negative.”

Pooled testing can drastically help businesses boost testing capabilities. For example, if 20 individuals with a high likelihood of being negative were all pooled together for testing and no infection is detected, all of them are cleared using one test versus 20 individual tests. The strategy is to put people who are unlikely to be infected into a larger pool, and those that are likely to be infected into a much smaller pool, or even an individual test.

As businesses, universities and other organizations look to operate safely within the environment of COVID-19, frequent testing, along with the use of PPE and social distancing, is one of the most crucial strategies to have in place.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network is a leader in supporting the needs of at-risk populations. Matrix has worked with millions of individuals across the country to assess and help them manage their health risks through a network of more than 3,000 clinicians and fleet of mobile health clinics. The clinical services organization’s unmatched network of healthcare professionals meets individuals where they live and work to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health.

Matrix has deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services that improve health outcomes, while helping clients manage risks and connect individuals to more options for the care and support they need. Matrix combines leading-edge technologies and proprietary platforms to harness the massive amounts of data captured to drive better clinical decision-making, improving outcomes and satisfaction while reducing the cost of care. For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

About Berkeley Data Ventures

Berkeley Data Ventures was founded to help solve some of the biggest challenges in health care. The team brings years of academic experience studying behavioral economics, machine learning, causal inference and how these tools apply to health and health care as well as deep industry and government experience. Berkeley Data Ventures partners with companies trying to create truly unique solutions that generate massive value and change the health care system by bridging the gap between data analytics and strategy to build technology solutions and deploy them with measurable impact.

Media Contact

David Goodspeed
Director, Marketing & Communications, Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
480.286.1311

Megan Manzari
Public Relations Supervisor, Dixon Schwabl
[email protected]
585.899.3244


Tyson Foods Launches New, Nationwide COVID Monitoring Strategy; Expands Health Staff

Tyson Foods Launches New, Nationwide COVID Monitoring Strategy; Expands Health Staff

Initiatives part of ongoing health and safety efforts to combat COVID-19

Springdale, Ark. – July 30, 2020 – As part of its commitment to team member safety and continually evolving efforts to protect workers from COVID-19, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is launching a new, industry-leading monitoring program and expanding its occupational health staff, including a new chief medical officer position.

The comprehensive COVID monitoring strategy was designed with the assistance of outside medical experts and includes ongoing, data driven COVID testing of workers without symptoms, as well as those who exhibit certain symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

“While the protective measures we’ve implemented in our facilities are working well, we remain vigilant about keeping our team members safe and are always evaluating ways to do more,” said Donnie King, Tyson Foods group president and chief administrative officer.

“We believe launching a new, strategic approach to monitoring and adding the health staff to support it will help further our efforts to go on the offensive against the virus,” he said. “Adding more resources and technologies reinforces our commitment to protecting our team members, their families and plant communities.”

Tyson Foods has been using TESTING AS A TOOL to protect workers and has likely been involved in more testing than any other company in the country. Already having tested nearly a third of its workforce, the company plans to test thousands of workers every week across all of its facilities. Currently, less than one percent of Tyson Foods’ U.S. workforce of 120,000 team members has active COVID-19. The company is continually tracking active COVID-19 cases involving company team members as well as the case levels in the communities where the company operates.

The new monitoring strategy Tyson Foods is implementing was designed with input from MATRIX MEDICAL and is consistent with CDC guidance.

To support the effort, Tyson Foods has created a chief medical officer position and plans to add almost 200 nurses and administrative support personnel to supplement the more than 400 people currently part of the company’s health services team. The additional nurses will conduct the on-site testing and assist with case management, coordinating treatment for team members who contract the virus.

“What we’re adopting is a strategic, ongoing approach to combatting COVID-19,” said King. “It involves weekly testing of team members at our facilities to monitor for the presence of the virus. By using data science to test a statistically sound sample of team members, we have a better chance of staying ahead of any potential virus spread and protecting our teams and communities.”

“As the largest union for America’s meatpacking workers, we welcome this important step by Tyson Foods, which demonstrates the leadership needed to strengthen COVID monitoring across the industry,” said United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Marc Perrone. “UFCW is urging all companies in the industry to follow Tyson’s lead and take immediate action to expand COVID monitoring as we work to flatten the curve. Together, we will continue to look for new and better ways to protect the health and safety of the brave frontline workers who are so important to the nation’s food production system.”

The testing program includes three categories:

  • Strategic, always-on monitoring. Team members who have no symptoms may be selected for testing based on an algorithm-based selection process. The number tested each week will be dynamic and adjusted based on factors, such as the number of positive cases involving plant workers as well as people in the community.
  • Symptomatic team members. The company conducts health screenings daily as team members arrive for work. Those found to have symptoms will be tested using CDC GUIDANCE.
  • Close contacts. Team members who have come into close contact with co-workers (or non-Tyson personnel in the workplace) who have symptoms or have tested positive will be tested according to CDC guidance.

“We’ve been piloting this program at several of our facilities and have seen great success,” said King. “Our team members tell us they feel especially supported by this scientifically sound combination of testing and monitoring.”

Medical experts believe this monitoring approach is the best way to screen for COVID-19 in an ongoing way that helps determine the prevalence of the virus and how to keep it under control. It will especially be helpful in identifying team members who have the virus but are not showing any symptoms.

“The new monitoring program we helped Tyson create is a science-first approach that’s really on the cutting edge of how workplaces can best mitigate the risk of the virus,” said Dr. Daniel Castillo, chief medical officer for Matrix Medical Network, which has assisted in the development of the advanced testing protocols. “You’ll likely see many others adopt a similar approach in the coming months because it’s a process that looks both at people showing symptoms as well as those who do not.”

Worker health and safety is Tyson Foods’ top priority. The company formed a coronavirus task force in January and has since transformed its food production facilities with protective measures, from SYMPTOM SCREENINGS and FACE MASKS, to workstation dividers and SOCIAL DISTANCE MONITORS.

Tyson Foods has given PLANT TOURS to GOVERNMENT LEADERS, and officials from the CDC and LULAC, the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic organization, so they could see the measures the company has put place. LULAC has acknowledged that Tyson Foods has “made significant strides.”

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 141,000 team members. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM.

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Contact: GARY MICKELSON, 479-236-9022


Matrix Medical Network Announces Formation of Clinical Advisory Board

Matrix Medical Network Announces Formation of Clinical Advisory Board

Committee of industry experts will guide company’s COVID-19 programs and support businesses on return-to-work-strategies

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (July 28, 2020) Matrix Medical Network has formed a strategic committee of trusted clinical advisors that includes distinguished industry experts whose focus will be to guide the strategy and clinical practices of Matrix’s COVID-19 support programs. Working closely with the Matrix leadership team, the advisory board will provide insights that support and advance the services Matrix provides to businesses, to ensure safe operations and COVID-19 mitigation with their return-to-work and operational continuity strategies.

The advisory board’s deep expertise spans infectious diseases, epidemiology, behavioral health, and diagnosis and management of airway and respiratory disorders. Advising Matrix, the team will help define clinical and worksite policies and procedures that mitigate risks for a safe return-to-work for employees during the phased re-openings across the country as well as the ever-changing dynamics with the COVID-19 pandemic. The advisory board members include:

  • Peter Belafsky, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D.
    Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Director and Center for Voice & Swallowing and Vice Chairman for Academic Affairs – University of California Davis Health | Professor of Clinical Medicine & Epidemiology, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Marthe Haverkamp, M.D., Ph.D.
    Infectious Disease Physician | Senior Associate – Alvarez & Marsal’s Healthcare Industry Group
  • Melbourne Hovell, Ph.D.
    Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science Distinguished Professor – San Diego State University School of Public Health
  • Jonathan Kolstad, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy – University of California, Berkeley | Research Associate – the National Bureau of Economic Research
  • Lisa Saiman, M.D., M.P.H.
    Professor of Pediatrics – Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Hospital Epidemiologist –  New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
  • Daniel Uslan, M.D., MBA
    Chief Infection Prevention Officer | Clinical Chief, Infectious Diseases – UCLA Health

“We are pleased to be working alongside this esteemed group of industry experts,” said Dan Meltzer, MD, MPH, FACEP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Improvement at Matrix. “As a company, we’re proud and honored to be at the forefront of enabling businesses to safely return to operations by providing industry leading clinical expertise and operational strategies for COVID-19 testing protocols and additional access to much needed healthcare and safety measures.”

The reliance on skilled clinicians is a critical component to protecting entire populations during a global pandemic. Matrix has an established national network of clinicians and a fleet of mobile health clinics that are deployed wherever, whenever they are needed—in a retail community, distribution center, food manufacturing facility or worksite which can help to alleviate fears for employees as they return to work.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network offers a broad range of clinical services and proven expertise that gives health plans and employers the tools and knowledge they need to better manage the health of at-risk populations at home and at work. With its deep roots in clinical assessment and care management services, Matrix’s network of more than 3,000 clinicians and fleet of mobile health clinics breaks through traditional barriers to care access by meeting members and employees where they are. By bringing the care to them and using in-person or virtual visits, this approach improves health outcomes for millions of Americans while reducing costs and risks for payers and employers. By combining leading-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning with its proprietary platforms, Matrix is able to harness the massive amounts of data it captures to identify emerging health issues, close care gaps, connect individuals to additional resources for care, and drive better clinical and business decisions. For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

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Media contact:

David M. Goodspeed
[email protected]
480.862.1970 office