Last Friday, Oscar, an insurtech health insurance company based in the USA, launched the first testing center locator for COVID-19 in the U.S., featuring more than 100 centres where the public can get a Corona Virus test. What IE magazine loves about this thinking is that it follows a sensible triage protocol; you self assess symptoms, get physically tested if that’s deemed necessary and then discuss the results via a virtual doctor – no further physical contact with other patients or clinic staff.
It would be great to see an initiative like this announced by the UK government. Obviously many older people don’t have internet access but this is still a much needed data gathering exercise for the 85% of the UK population who do. In theory, it could help government departments identify Corona hotspots and even help identify those working in retail, food production & packaging, the NHS, emergency services, utility companies etc who DO need to isolate themselves much more rapidly.
All those sectors of the economy need to be kept going, for the benefit of everyone, and so a testing regime that is free, and easy to access, has to be a useful tool in the fight until a vaccine can be approved by regulatory bodies. Here is some more detail from Oscar;
The testing center locator is the latest update to the tools Oscar is developing in response to member needs as the outbreak evolves. The tool builds on the insurer’s at-home risk assessment survey, also launched this week. Here’s a step-by-step look at the consumer journey to coronavirus planning and care using Oscar’s full-stack tech platform and advanced clinical capabilities:
1. Take Oscar’s risk assessment survey: The clinically-validated tool assesses your risk of contracting COVID-19 to develop your personalized care guide.
2. Find a testing center: If your assessment includes a recommendation to get tested, you’ll be taken directly to the testing center locator to find a center and get instructions for your visit, including the importance of calling ahead to understand center-specific requirements. Oscar is waiving cost-sharing for testing for all members.
3. Follow your assessment recommendations: If you’re not recommended for testing, you can still take action. Your personalized guide includes recommendations on how you can reduce your risk of contracting coronavirus based on factors like your location and age, and whether or not you have any chronic conditions.
4. Discuss your personalized results with a telemedicine doctor: The survey seamlessly links to Oscar’s telemedicine solution, offered at $0 for members for COVID-19 treatment. Members can speak with a Doctor on Call about symptoms, risks, prescriptions and more. Speaking to a doctor is an important piece of assessing risk.
The new testing center locator is based off of information collected directly from Oscar’s provider partners. It is being updated daily as new testing locations are stood up around the country.
Oscar continues to provide updates directly to members and through its COVID-19 resource center, which houses the latest information and guidances on how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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