Initiative to help employers stay informed on COVID-19

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The Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, the Central Penn Business Group on Health, and HealthCare 21 based in Knoxville, Tenn., have launched an initiative to help better inform employers about the impact of COVID-19.

The companies’ healthcare data partner, the Pittsburgh-based Innovu, will track the virus’s potential economic impact on business along with its effect on people. The information will be used to give employers data to make quick decisions about healthcare coverage.

“Employers are faced with an unprecedented challenge in ensuring their employees are getting access to the care they need should they require it,” said Jessica Brooks, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health CEO and executive director. “Employers must rely on relevant, real-time data to inform their decisions as to how they help protect the viability of their organizations while safeguarding their workforce.”

Innovu will begin tracking COVID-19 testing next month when the codes are released to the providers for billing. It also will track certain claim categories that may be impacted.

Innovu will also track the number of claims regarding mental health and substance abuse to see if there is an increase. It will measure overall claim trends and the pandemic’s impact on patients with chronic conditions.