#United States #Baltimore #WellCheck #EquiLoop #AHEC West

WellCheck's EquiLoop Platform: A Catalyst for Health Equity

In a significant move towards improving health outcomes in underserved areas, WellCheck, a leader in public health innovation, has partnered with the Maryland Area Health Education Center West (AHEC West) to implement its flagship product, the EquiLoop platform. This collaboration, supported partly by funding from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC), represents an essential step in fostering health equity across rural communities in Maryland. The goal is clear: no referral will go unaddressed, ensuring that every individual has access to necessary care and support.

A Holistic Approach to Care Coordination

The EquiLoop platform stands out as a comprehensive tool that unites clinical providers, community organizations, and non-medical service partners on a single, secure framework. By addressing Social Drivers of Health (SDoH)—which include aspects such as food security, housing stability, transportation, and behavioral health—EquiLoop plays a critical role in tracking and managing referrals effectively.

Melissa Davis, the Associate Director of AHEC West, shared insights into the platform's profound potential: "What began as a project for one grant with six partners has already evolved into a database we can utilize across the board. EquiLoop transforms identified needs into actionable support for our communities."

Features of EquiLoop

EquiLoop simplifies the often convoluted processes involved in enrollment and consent, while also offering real-time tracking of referrals and automated follow-ups. Furthermore, it champions multilingual and culturally responsive communication, which is vital for engaging diverse populations effectively.

Proven Success in Prior Implementations

EquiLoop’s effectiveness isn’t merely theoretical. Previous deployments resulted in remarkable metrics: the platform successfully screened 11,129 individuals and facilitated 22,274 services, achieving a staggering 92.3% referral completion rate—more than double the national average. These results affirm the platform's capability to drive tangible community impact from SDoH screenings.

Addressing a National Necessity

As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Medicaid payers impose increased mandates for SDoH screening and follow-up, healthcare providers face significant pressure to demonstrate effective outcomes. Unfortunately, studies indicate that nearly half of all health referrals remain unresolved, leaving many families without essential support.

Chris Nickerson, CEO of WellCheck, emphasized the urgency of this issue: "Half of all health referrals go unresolved, which puts families in tough situations and poses risks for providers who may lose funding. EquiLoop was designed to ensure that every referral results in real assistance, and we are honored to collaborate with AHEC West to bolster health equity in Western Maryland."

About AHEC West

The Maryland Area Health Education Center West (AHEC West) strives to enhance access to healthcare and improve quality through education, partnerships, and regional collaboration. Headquartered in Western Maryland, AHEC West supports various initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties.

About WellCheck

WellCheck is a forward-thinking public health technology enterprise committed to achieving Total Health Equity through innovative digital solutions. Its premier product, EquiLoop, is a HIPAA-compliant, closed-loop referral and care coordination platform embraced by health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), non-profits, and private entities across the nation. For organizations interested in exploring EquiLoop, demos can be scheduled via their website.

By integrating advanced technology into care coordination, WellCheck and AHEC West are taking formidable steps towards ensuring that every individual receives the comprehensive care they deserve. As these partnerships flourish, the landscape of healthcare access and equity continues to evolve positively in Maryland and beyond.