COVID19

I chose to pursue a career in medicine after a childhood spent watching my father, also a physician, tirelessly care for his patients. His dedication and depth of knowledge were inspiring. Today, I am equally inspired by so many of our team members at GuideWell who are using their time, talent and expertise as doctors to help our members and patients in a wide variety of roles.

Whether in a clinical setting or serving our organization in another, equally important way, our community of doctors across the enterprise is quite literally our mission in action. They have chosen to spend their days helping people and communities achieve better health. We couldn’t do it without them.

We continue to see a steady increase in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations across the country. So far, more than 44 million people have received at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

Among the first phase of people receiving the vaccination are frontline health care workers. While supplies are still very limited – even to this population – many of our own GuideWell Health team members have gotten their first shot.

After persistent efforts with the Department of Health, Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group – or DCMG – was able to secure a supply of 60 vials of the vaccine. Those were quickly spoken for by members of the DCMG team, eager to get vaccinated.

I’m heartened to see our GuideWell family leading the way as we work together to end the spread of COVID-19. It’s an important step for these team members as they prepare to play a critical role in distributing vaccinations within their communities.

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, announced 13 health-tech companies from across the nation will showcase solutions that address some of the major challenges of the current health pandemic today at the GuideWell COVID-19 Health Innovation Collaborative Showcase. A virtual substance abuse support system and an AI-powered COVID-19 symptom attestation platform are among the concepts and prototypes that will be featured.

All of the ideas focus on increasing the scope and scale of resources to reduce the complex stress factors COVID-19 is having on our country’s health care system.

COVID-19 has changed how we live our lives. Many of us are working remotely. Some of our kids are learning virtually. And we’re all depending on technology to help us stay connected. This demonstrates that we didn’t let this pandemic stop us from doing what’s important. We found a way to do them safely.

It remains of critical importance to maintain vigilance in our response to COVID-19.

As we all work to stop the spread, the most important step is still one of the easiest---wear a mask.

Masks help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto others. This can happen when you sneeze, cough or talk wearing a mask isn't just about keeping you safe. It helps protect our families and neighbors because symptoms often don't appear for several days after infection, a mask can help ensure that you don't spread the virus without knowing.

Today it is very clear that COVID-19 is not easing up. In fact, in Florida – we’re hitting new COVID-19 records almost daily. The number of new cases is climbing. And hospitalization rates are also on an upward trend.

It is imperative to urge one another, our families and our neighbors to renew our commitment to stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Each of us need to do the right thing for ourselves and one another to avoid our community experiencing an even more severe impact.

The most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus is to avoid being exposed in the first place. There are four proven, simple steps we can take to reduce the risk of transmission.

1: Wear a mask.

2: Practice social distancing.

Because of fears of contracting COVID-19, health care professionals say people throughout the country are afraid to go to emergency rooms and urgent care centers.

Now, health care providers are sounding the alarm.

Bethany Carlson, RN, who is a nurse manager at the GuideWell Emergency Doctors in Winter Park, says delaying care can be dangerous---even life threatening. She wants to urge the public not to put off seeking necessary or emergency care for themselves or their loved ones.

“A lot of the times they’re ignoring them (symptoms) a lot longer than they should so by the time they come to us they’re sicker than they needed to be just because they’re afraid.”

Dr. Christopher Hamann, MD, a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician, says ignoring symptoms is risky. He says someone who experiences a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or chest pain but ignores symptoms could end up having a stroke or heart attack.

While many of our local economies are beginning to take slow steps to reopen, we know for sure the implications for the coronavirus pandemic will be long lasting.

Caring for our members, customers, partners, and employees, as this situation evolves will require a long term, sustainable response.

We are uniquely positioned as a mission-driven health solutions enterprise, to respond to this pandemic in meaningful ways.

Our holistic approach to health care is what sets us apart. Our work goes far beyond providing quality health insurance, and the compassion we're demonstrating during these unprecedented times is reflected in our response efforts across our family of companies.

The COVID-19 public health crisis has resulted in a critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns, N95 respirators and especially face masks.

Sharon Daily has spent nearly three decades as a social worker caring for older adults and those with disabilities. But, the past few months have been unlike any other time. During COVID-19, her work has shifted from in-home visits to telephone check-in calls. And, the types of conversations she’s having with clients are different, too.

Prior to COVID-19, Daily helped health plan members navigate all aspects of their life. Now, she’s focused on making sure people are safe and their basic needs are met.

“Every phone call, every check-in is dealing with the more practical issues within life. We ask if they have enough food, who is grocery shopping for them, how are they getting their prescriptions,” she said.