Mosaic Partners with Telemedicine Service StationMD

It’s estimated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 and have a higher mortality rate due to complications related to the virus. As a whole-person healthcare organization serving people with IDD, Mosaic has been and must be nimble and innovative, particularly in looking for solutions to help keep everyone across Mosaic as safe as possible.

With that, Mosaic has teamed up with a like-minded service, StationMD, which is a telemedicine physician practice that’s dedicated to providing medical care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Right now, StationMD is delivering 24/7 medical care to 32 Mosaic locations across Nebraska. This gives 255 people with IDD access to immediate care should they need it. 

According to StationMD’s chief strategy officer, Dr. Maulik Trivedi, “We are unique because all of our physicians go through a special training and certification so they understand the clinical and non-clinical needs of people with IDD. We also have other features, such as instant access to the individuals’ medical records and the ability to prescribe medicine to be picked up at the nearest pharmacy. If we need to take a next step and send a person out to a medical office or emergency room, we’ll call ahead to let the staff there know what’s going on with a physician-to-physician conversation.

“It’s been a blessing,” said Misty Ideus, one of the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for Mosaic in Beatrice and Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska. “Before, if you tried to book a visit at a doctor’s office, the next available appointment could be days or even weeks away. Then on top of that, you have the multiple-hour task of bundling someone up if there’s cold weather, assisting them into a specialized vehicle, and traveling to and back from the appointment.

“Even if you want to refill a medical cream for something the patient has had before, you have to call a receptionist, then talk to a nurse, then wait for someone to call you back with a prescription. It can take hours. With StationMD, we just have to get their computer tablet with their cart, put in a call, then a doctor who knows how to treat people with IDD is online within five minutes to evaluate the situation. It keeps individuals safer in their normal surroundings, where they’re comfortable.” 

Shawntii Haase is supported by Mosaic in Beatrice. She’s had some ongoing, non-threatening health concerns and connects with StationMD from her room. “I guess when you’re sick, you just want to be home. And that’s pretty much all you want to do. Just be home and try to get better,” she remarked.

Dr. Trivedi applauds Mosaic for being “proactive and progressive” especially during a crisis such as COVID-19. “Even after the pandemic, telemedicine is going to become the standard of care. It has its most value when it addresses social and clinical determinants of health.”