Easy access, Integrated Healthcare for NJ’s state and local law enforcement, corrections, firefighters, EMT and child protective services personnel

(Red Bank, NJ) – Integrity Health announced today that it has been chosen by the State of New Jersey Division of Pension & Benefits to administer the First Responders Provider Pilot Program – aimed at improving access of New Jersey’s first responders to integrated primary care with specialist care coordination.

Integrity Health will open and manage a robust, primary-care center exclusive to first responders called the First Responders Partnership Health Center (FRPHC). In addition to same-day-appointment primary care, inclusive of doctor visits, labs, x-rays, and prescriptions, FRPHC will offer pain management and behavioral health services. Care-coordination through referrals to outside healthcare facilities and specialists will be especially valuable for patients requiring further treatment.

“We are impressed with the collaboration among New Jersey’s government and union leaders taking this initiative to focus on the unique health needs of our communities’ hometown heroes,” said Doug Forrester, CEO of Integrity Health. “We are certain that robust primary care services and care-coordination provided at First Responders Partnership Health Center will be of immense value to these families. Unlike clinic models which limit choices, no one will be required to use FRPHC. However, we are confident first responders will choose to use FRPHC as intended, a healthcare ‘Partnership’ and ‘home-base’ for treatment and referral.”

Dr. Joseph Calabro, Integrity Health’s Chief Physician Executive, observed that easy access to primary care integrated with behavioral health and care coordination resources is key to success. He noted, “Although first responders’ public health benefit coverage is often generous on paper, the marketplace delivery of those benefits is often fragmented among providers, inaccessible because of shift work, and lacking coordination of care among specialists. FRPHC will address these problems.”

“First responders cope with high levels of stress that can exacerbate or cause physical illness,” explained Kevin Lyons, member of the State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee. “Because of work-related pressures and behavioral health issues, a comprehensive approach to care is what is needed. We’re very pleased to be supportive of this State initiative and encourage our members to use First Responder Partnership Health Center services.”

Judy Lagana, Integrity Health’s Sr. VP & Chief Clinical Officer summed things up well by sharing, “I’ve been involved with treatments of first responders my entire career in a variety of healthcare facilities. First Responders Partnership Health Center is what they’ve been waiting for.”

FRPHC, which will be located in central New Jersey, is expected to open in Spring 2020.

About Integrity Health

Integrity Health, LLC is an employee benefits management company specializing in the design and operation of customized, self-funded employer health plans using an on-site, dedicated healthcare facility called Partnership Health Center as the hub for healthcare services. Integrity Health’s motto is “Lower Costs Through Better Health” and its focus is to facilitate all components of a health benefits program working together to realize this goal. Founded in 2007, Integrity Health has pioneered the integration of health services at primary care facilities dedicated to New Jersey public employees. It manages a variety of health plans for New Jersey public employers. For more information about Integrity Health, please visit www.integrityhealth.com.

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