As a network of primary care doctors for adults on Medicare, Oak Street Health’s dedicated care teams across the country work to keep 85,000 patients happy, healthy and out of the hospital. Patients love having access to a patient support line 24/7, riding to and from appointments in its green vans and getting help navigating Medicare. Most importantly, patients know they’re receiving high quality preventive care and individualized treatment plans from care teams who truly know them and make their health and well-being the top priority.
When COVID-19 hit and shelter-in-place mandates went into effect, Oak Street Health quickly moved almost all of its in-center patient appointments to telehealth visits in order to provide continued support and care while keeping its senior patients – those most at-risk for the infection – safe, healthy and comfortably at home. Oak Street Health conducted proactive wellness checks throughout the pandemic and also utilized its fleet of transport vans to deliver food, medical and household supplies to patients in need.
Thomas Rexroat is one of those patients. However, COVID-19 is not the first hardship he has faced in his life. The Indianapolis resident suffered burns on more than 90 percent of his body in a house fire seven years ago. When COVID-19 hit, Thomas, who prides himself on helping others even with difficulty walking due to nerve damage in his legs, found himself homebound and in need of some extra help.
“I was amazed to receive a phone call every day from my Oak Street Health care team to see how I was doing and if I needed anything,” said Thomas. “Most of my friends didn’t hear from their doctors at all, and Oak Street Health even delivered groceries to my home. They truly care about me and went above and beyond to help. I am so grateful for my care team.”
In Rhode Island, sweethearts Carmina and Gerard “JR” Ruzzo have been married for 62 years and do almost everything together, including receiving care at Oak Street Health.
“The doctors spend quality time with us and ask a lot of questions. I am so happy we found this place and feel so much better since coming here,” JR said.
JR and Carmina appreciated the level of care and concern they received from Oak Street Health during the pandemic, including the wellness checks and telehealth visits, but even before COVID-19, they knew they were receiving care from a special place.
JR continued, “We can’t imagine ever going anywhere else. I recommend Oak Street Health 100%.”
COVID-19 emphasized just how important it is for older adults to engage in preventive, primary care and manage their chronic conditions. Oak Street Health will continue offering telehealth visits to current and new patients. As communities across the country begin to open up, Oak Street Health is looking forward to welcoming seniors safely back in center, too. While cleanliness and infection control has always been a top priority at Oak Street Health, the organization has increased its sanitation protocols to ensure the safety of patients, staff and communities in light of COVID-19.
For more information on Oak Street Health or to learn how you can become a patient, visit www.oakstreethealth.comor call 888-237-6047.
