Eligibility

Who can use the ParTNers Center?

Active employees enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Plan (PPO or CDHP) can use Center services. Covered family members, retirees and state contractors are NOT eligible at this time.

 

Can I use the Center if I’m not covered under the State Group Health Insurance Plan?

No. The Center is available only for active employees enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Plan.

 

Cost

How much does it cost to use the ParTNers Center?

The ParTNers Health & Wellness Center is paid for by the State Group Health Insurance Plan. If you are an active state employee enrolled in a PPO, there are no copays or any other charges for your visits. If you are an active State employee enrolled the CDHP, you will pay out of pocket for services until you reach your deductible. Then services are provided at no cost to you. See the CDHP section below for more details.

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Appointments

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. You need to make an appointment. In many cases, we can see you the same day or early the next day. We do our best to offer you the appointment time you request. However, there are certain times that may be in high demand. In these cases, we schedule on a first come, first served basis.

 

I’m running late for my appointment. Can I still come in?

Please call to reschedule if you are going to be more than 15 minutes late. If you arrive late, we will do our best to see you in the next available appointment slot.

 

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

If you cannot make your appointment, please call us so we can use the slot for someone else.

 

Can I make an appointment online?

Yes. Online appointment scheduling is available after your first visit. At your first visit, we will explain how to sign up for our FollowMyHealth patient portal. This will enable you to make an online appointment. See the next question for more about the patient portal.

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Patient portal

What is the patient portal?

The ParTners Center offers a patient portal called FollowMyHealth. A web portal is a type of web page that uses encryption to keep unauthorized people from reading communications, information or attachments. Only someone who has the correct password can log in and view portal information.

 

The FollowMyHealth patient portal is a secure, password-protected website that allows you to:

• Schedule an appointment

• Access your electronic health record (lab and medication information)

• View instructions from your provider after a visit

• Ask a provider a question

• View patient education materials

 

At any visit, ask our front desk staff for an invitation to access the FollowMyHealth patient portal. The invitation will be sent to you via secure email with instructions on how to create an account and log on.

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Parking

Does the ParTNers Center have patient parking?

Yes! The Tennessee Tower garage has a limited number of free parking spaces just for ParTNers Center patient appointments. When you call to make your appointment, tell the scheduler you need parking. We'll let you know if a space is available during your appointment time. There may be times when parking is not available. You may not use the parking space prior to or longer than your appointment time. Parking is granted by General Services and may be lost if used inappropriately.

 

When you arrive in the garage, tell the Security attendant you are on the visitor parking list. You must give your name, but you do not have to say where you are going or your reason for being in the Tower.

 

Don't forget you can also use the mid-day shuttle provided by General Services. View the route and schedule.

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Center capabilities

What conditions do you treat?

Visit our Services page for details.

 

Does the ParTNers Center dispense medicine?

While the ParTNers Center does not have a full pharmacy, we do stock a limited supply of generic prescription and over-the-counter medications. This includes:

• Antibiotics

• Pain relievers

• Cough, cold and sore throat medicines

• Stomach upset medicines

• Skin creams and ointments

• Allergy medicines

• Tobacco quit aids

• New! Certain medications for treating the following conditions (We can fill your initial supply; subsequent fills will be sent to your preferred pharmacy.):

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Depression/anxiety

 

If, during an office visit, your provider determines you need a medication and that drug is in stock, we can fill your initial supply; subsequent fills will be sent to your preferred pharmacy. If we don’t stock the medicine your provider determines you need, we can write a prescription. You will then pay for the medicine through your insurance.

 

There is no cost to active employees enrolled in a PPO for these medicines. Active employees enrolled in the CDHP will be required to use a pharmacy for medicine prescribed by the Center until their deductible is met.

 

Can you prescribe antibiotics?

Yes. Our health care providers can write prescriptions if indicated by your condition and determined by the provider.

 

Do you offer allergy shots?

Yes, if your allergist or other specialist determines you need allergy shots. Bring your allergy serum to the Center and we can give the shots as directed by your allergist.

 

Can you help me monitor my blood sugar or blood pressure?

Yes. Our providers can diagnose, monitor and treat elevated blood sugar, elevated blood pressure and other possible chronic conditions. We offer lab work and other testing, as determined by your condition. We can also assist with needed medications, referrals and follow-up visits to assist you managing your condition(s). Visit our Services page for details.

 

Can you perform annual physicals?

Yes. We can also serve as your primary care provider (PCP) for ongoing care and to help you determine which preventive care screenings you need.

 

Can you do in-office procedures?

Yes. In many cases, we can perform simple procedures, such as stitches, ear wax removal, mole, wart and skin tag removal and breathing treatments. However, if we determine that your condition is more serious, we will refer you to the appropriate provider, such as a specialist.

 

What if I need a primary care provider/physician (PCP)?

We can serve as your PCP. Or we can work with you to find a trusted and convenient PCP to help with your ongoing health care needs.

 

What if I need to see a specialist?

If we see you and feel you would benefit from seeing another provider, we can refer you to a specialist in your insurance plan’s network.

 

If my doctor orders blood work/lab tests for me, can these be done in the Center?

Most routine blood work/lab requests can be performed in the Center. In some cases, these tests will be sent to an outside lab for processing.

 

What if I have a health problem after hours?

If you have an emergency, always call 911. If your situation requires prompt assistance but is not an emergency, you have several options:

• Telehealth — All health plan members have access to the state-sponsored medical telehealth programs through BCBST and Cigna. You can talk to a doctor by phone or computer from anywhere, at any time at a lower cost than a typical office visit. Visit www.tn.gov/partnersforhealth/health-options/telehealth to learn how to preregister with your carrier.

• Cigna 24-hour nurseline — If you are a Cigna member, registered nurses will answer your medical questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-997-1617.

 

Are you similar to drug store clinics?

We provide care and limited medications for minor illnesses and injuries like drug store clinics. But we offer many more services than they do, including primary care, physicals, preventive and wellness services, diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions, behavioral health, and employee assistance counseling services. Plus, we are convenient to where you work, and our services are offered to active state employees at low to no cost.

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CDHP

Why do active employees enrolled in the CDHP pay out of pocket for services?

Consumer-driven health plans are structured differently – they have a higher deductible that must be reached, per Federal regulations, before the plan begins to pay for a portion of medical expenses. Additionally, the plan includes a Health Savings Account (HSA) that allows active employees to set aside tax-free money to pay for medical expenses such as Center visits. For these reasons, you will pay for ParTNers Center visits until you meet your deductible.

 

I am enrolled in the CDHP.  What would the cost of services look like?

These are only ESTIMATED costs and will vary based on services received:

• Low-level office visit (such as a cold): $40-$50

• Mid-level office visit (such as monitoring diabetes or high blood pressure): $50-$75

• High-level or complex office visit (such as pneumonia): $100-$150

 

Costs will be higher for new patients. Biometric screenings and preventive services are provided at no cost to the member.

 

I am enrolled in the CDHP. When will I be expected to pay for my services? Do I pay in the Center?

The ParTNers Center will submit a claim to your insurance company for the services you receive in the Center. After your insurance company processes the claim, UCHS will send you a statement with your responsibility. You may either mail or call in your payment to UCHS’ billing department (615-932-7631). The Center front desk staff will not take payments directly; however, they may assist you with contacting the billing department to process a payment by phone.

 

Employee Assistance Program

Is my EAP visit confidential?

Yes. A member’s information is confidential and is not shared without a signed release by the member.

 

What if I need to see the EAP counselor beyond the five free sessions covered under the Employee Assistance Program?

The EAP allows for up to five free sessions, per separate issue. After you have used those five sessions, the counselor will work with you to make an appropriate referral to an in-network provider in your community.

 

If the Center is closed and I need to speak with an EAP counselor, whom do I call?

Here4TN, our ParTNers EAP provider, is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Simply call 855-437-3486 or visit Here4TN.com to learn about all the benefits associated with your ParTNers Employee Assistance Program. If you are having a behavioral health emergency, please call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.