Clinical services organization deploys virtual visits to allow maximum reach to engage and
access health plan members around the country

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 3, 2020) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the entire U.S. population on some level, people at highest risk are older Americans and those with multiple chronic conditions. With states implementing stay-at-home orders and the likelihood of seclusion extended into the foreseeable future, Matrix Medical Network (Matrix) announced today that it has launched telehealth visits to help health plan members across the country to prepare and cope during the pandemic.

Knowing that these members have now been urged not to leave their homes, or to have visitors that might put them at greater risk, Matrix now offers the ability for its healthcare providers to visit with health plan members virtually.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for this type of service; we’ve answered the call from many of our clients on a need to find alternative ways to support their members,” said Keith Henthorne, Chairman and CEO of Matrix. “Until the time when in-home visits can resume, telehealth visits offer an opportunity to connect with health plan members who need our help, allowing us to address member COVID-19 concerns while completing a comprehensive health assessment.”

Matrix has implemented a targeted program that uses its proven clinical excellence to help members not only identify the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, but to address concerns about their care and well-being. That includes ensuring they have taken the steps to secure a sufficient supply of their medications, learning coping strategies for loneliness and depression, and helping them initiate and navigate the necessary care management and community referrals that are available to help them access health services, food and supplies in this time of need. Additionally, Matrix providers can connect members with the resources and benefits that are readily accessible from their health plan. Now more than ever, Matrix is helping this population get informed about safe practices and ensure they become active in protecting their health during these difficult times.

“In light of this national crisis, telehealth capabilities quickly rose to the top as a capability we needed to provide to ensure member well-being while serving the needs of our clients,” said Ian Worden, Chief Information Officer for Matrix. “Our teams came together quickly to enable real-time, secure audio and video communication in combination with our proprietary clinical platform allowing our providers to address COVID-19 concerns as part of completing this essential virtual visit.”

In these unprecedented times, health plans now have the ability to deliver an invaluable and convenient virtual experience to their members. Additionally, Matrix continues to seek ways to bring value to the members and communities it serves, while coordinating with its health plan and health system clients, to ensure the safety of its providers and members across the country.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a memorandum on the Health Plan Management System (HPMS) pertaining to COVID-19 and the use of telehealth. Additionally, under the 1135 waiver authority and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, CMS expanded the use of telehealth and encouraged its application where possible.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network helps health plans and providers create an affordable, patient-centered approach to successfully navigating value-based care. The clinical services organization’s unmatched network of healthcare professionals meets difficult-to-engage members where they are to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. Matrix then uses AI and machine learning to harness the massive amounts of data captured to drive better clinical decision-making, improving outcomes and member satisfaction while reducing the cost of care and delivering unparalleled ROI. For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com

Media contact:

Marcia Rhodes, Amendola Communications for Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
480.664.8412 ext. 15

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Clinical services organization deploys nationwide network of providers to visit with hard-to-reach populations, armed with screening tools to keep both the provider and member safe.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (March 18, 2020) – While the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the entire U.S. population at some level, people at highest risk are older Americans and those with multiple chronic conditions (source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Knowing that these are also the most difficult health plan members to reach, Matrix Medical Network (Matrix) has implemented a targeted COVID-19 program that uses its proven clinical excellence to balance the social isolation that vulnerable seniors may be feeling during the pandemic. Now more than ever, Matrix nurse practitioners (NPs) are helping this population become informed about safe practices and ensure they become active in protecting their health during these difficult times.

“Much of the information coming from government and healthcare sources is being delivered and shared online,” said Laura Jonsson, senior vice president of clinical services at Matrix. “Yet older Americans, currently considered to be the highest-risk population, often get their information from television, radio and newspapers so they may be missing vital steps to protect themselves. By going into their homes and sitting with them face-to-face, our NPs not only deliver important information and ensure members understand what to do to avoid acquiring the virus, they can also look around the home to make sure members have adequate food and medical supplies, uncover any social determinants of health issues that might put them at greater risk and generally ensure they’re prepared to follow the CDC’s guidelines.”

The key to success is Matrix’s 3,000+ licensed NPs who are dedicated to bringing care and compassion to the individuals they see every day despite working now in very uncertain times. The NPs visit with members in the safety and comfort of their own homes while building a trusted relationship with them. These relationships will enable them to bring vital accurate information to many in the high-risk group. It also avoids the need to seek this information by visiting a potential high-contagion area such as their primary care physician’s office. Matrix is committed to screening practices that help ensure the safety of the members they see every day as well as their own providers.

Although anyone is susceptible to acquiring COVID-19, early data showed higher death rates for people in their 60s, 70s and 80s (source: Bloomberg). According to the CDC, seniors are most susceptible because 85% of adults over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes, which exacerbates the effects of COVID-19 by creating medical complications. Seniors who are not receiving care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), assisted living community or other group situation are often socially isolated as well, which means if they have been exposed to COVID-19 they may not have quick access to care.

“The Internet is filled with all types of misinformation, and even if members didn’t see it directly themselves, it may have been passed along to them through email or a well-meaning friend or family member,” Jonsson said. “We try to make sure that by the time the visit is over members understand what to do as well as what not to do so they can remain safe in their homes until the danger has passed.”

Another target for Matrix’s COVID-19 program are dual-eligibles – members whose healthcare expenses are covered under both Medicare and Medicaid.

“Many in the dual-eligible population don’t have Wi-Fi or mobile phones, so their access to up-to-date information is very limited,” Jonsson said. “With so much changing day-to-day we try to ensure that they understand what is happening now so they don’t panic or accidentally put themselves in harmful situations.”

The COIVID-19 situation continues to be very fluid. As such Matrix continues to seek ways to bring value to the members and communities they serve, while coordinating with its health plan and health system clients, as well as local, state and federal public health authorities to ensure the safety of its corporate staff, providers and members across the country.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network helps health plans and providers create an affordable, patient-centered approach to successfully navigating value-based care. The clinical services organization’s unmatched network of healthcare professionals meets difficult-to-engage members where they are to assess health and safety, identify and close care gaps and offer life-changing services that activate them to manage their own health. Matrix then uses AI and machine learning to harness the massive amounts of data captured to drive better clinical decision-making, improving outcomes and member satisfaction while reducing the cost of care and delivering unparalleled ROI. For more information, visit www.matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

Media contact:

Marcia Rhodes, Amendola Communications for Matrix Medical Network
[email protected]
480.664.8412 ext. 15

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SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, January 21, 2020 – Matrix Medical Network, a leading provider of in-home and mobile health clinic assessments and care management, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, which delivers health care coverage across upstate New York, have partnered to provide a state-of-the-art mobile health clinic (MHC) to ensure that members have even greater choice and convenience in accessing important care and preventive services.

“Many of our screenings can detect disease, diagnose conditions before they become advanced, and help people live longer and healthier lives,” said Dr. Daniel J. Castillo, Matrix chief medical officer. “We are excited to have one of our mobile health clinics on the road in upstate New York and we are very proud of our ability to improve access of care to Excellus BCBS members and help improve their lives.”

Eligible Excellus BCBS members can receive preventive diabetes screenings such as a dilated retinal exam, as well as colorectal screening and mammography. Eligible Medicare members can also receive bone density screening. Appointments will be scheduled only for members with gaps in care based on nationally recognized preventive services guidelines.

To assist Medicare and Medicaid members who haven’t had their preventive screenings, Excellus BCBS is inviting those members by mail to make an appointment and visit the mobile health clinic, which will be at prominent locations in the neighborhoods where these members live. During December, the mobile health clinic staff saw members in New York’s Monroe, Onondaga, Oneida and Broome counties. The program continues into 2020.

“Closing the gaps in care related to preventive screenings is an ongoing challenge for some members and that makes it an ongoing challenge for their doctors and their health insurer too,” said Dr. Brian Steele, Excellus BCBS chief medical director for Safety Net products.

“The goal is to work in partnership with the member’s physician to help the member receive the preventive services they need,” said Dr. Steele. “We want all of our members to stay healthy.”

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network provides a broad array of assessment and care management services to individuals that improve health outcomes and health plan financial performance. Matrix providers engage with health plan members wherever they are in their journey to health improvement. Our national network of community-based clinicians delivers in-home services for members while our fleet of mobile health clinics provides community-based care with advanced diagnostic capabilities. These options, and our advanced engagement approach, helps health plans manage risks, close care gaps and connect members to more options for the care and support they need. Matrix is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, and partners with leading health plans and providers across the country. Matrix is backed by Frazier Healthcare and Providence Service Corporation (Nasdaq: PRSC) of Stamford, CT. For more information, visit matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

About Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company’s mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 3,500 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

Matrix Medical Network Media Contact

David M. Goodspeed: office 480.862.1970 or [email protected]

“The Impact of Quality Incentive Models in Medicaid Markets” to be Presented Online

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, December 11, 2019 — Matrix Medical Network (Matrix), a leading provider of in-home and mobile health clinic assessments and care management will be co-presenting an upcoming America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) webinar. The hour-long online session will focus on the increasing accountability placed on health plans for quality outcomes.

Aerste Howells, Matrix Senior Vice President of Sales, will co-present with Clay Farris, Director of Operations at Mostly Medicaid. The webinar, “The Impact of Quality Incentive Models in Medicaid Markets” will be held online on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST.

During this session Ms. Howells and Mr. Farris will discuss key insights about the pay for quality models used in state Medicaid managed care programs, address how plans implement strategies and solutions, identify emerging trends and changes in major markets and the impact of a single in-home visit to address multiple care gaps and enhance care plans.

“Many health plan members forego seeing a physician if they are anxious about going or do not have easy access to a provider”, said Ms. Howells. “As health plans and providers are assuming a growing role in ensuring quality care for members, Matrix focuses on high-value interventions with the member where they live making quality care easily accessible and more comfortable.”

To learn more, register for the event here.

About Matrix Medical Network

Matrix Medical Network provides a broad array of assessment and care management services to individuals that improve health outcomes and health plan financial performance. Matrix providers engage with health plan members wherever they are in their journey to health improvement. Our national network of community-based clinicians delivers in-home services for members while our fleet of mobile health clinics provides community-based care with advance diagnostic capabilities. These options, and our advanced engagement approach, helps health plans manage risks, close care gaps and connect members to more options for the care and support they need. Matrix is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, and partners with leading health plans and providers across the country. Matrix is backed by Frazier Healthcare and Providence Service Corporation (Nasdaq: PRSC) of Stamford, CT. For more information, visit matrixmedicalnetwork.com.

Matrix Medical Network Media Contact

David M. Goodspeed: office 480.862.1970 or [email protected]