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"We partnered with Appleton Papers on this unique model to care for Appleton employees. I am sure other companies will approach us in the future on helping them set up similar programs." - Sandy Panzer, vice president of health services for ThedaCare At Work window – so you can talk about other things," Potter says. "It's very convenient since it's right here. This is a great option that Appleton Papers is providing to its employees." The clinic provides preventative care, disease and wellness management and basic first aid services at no charge to Appleton employees, their spouse or domestic partner and dependents age 18 or older. Advanced testing and more complicated diagnoses treated within the clinic require a $45 fee. The clinic is connected to ThedaCare's electronic medical records system so everything done there will be visible to the employee's primary care physician. Sandy Panzer, vice president of health services for ThedaCare At Work, says more employers are looking for creative ways to control health care costs. "We partnered with Appleton Papers on this unique model to care for Appleton employees," she says. "I am sure other companies will approach us in the future on helping them set up similar programs." Since the clinic falls out of the traditional health care system, Panzer says there are more options available for how to address health problems. For example, the clinic's primary care physician, Dr. Kay Theyerl, can work with several employees at once in small group settings to discuss chronic disease management. "That's an effective tool for things like how to deal with high blood pressure, but it's not something that traditionally insurance providers will pay for," she says. The clinic is housed across Wisconsin Avenue from the main production facility and is located in a building that was formerly used for Kaizen and IT services. It was remodeled to house the clinic and includes two exam rooms, a small room for group meetings, the doctor's office and a prep area. If more diagnostic care is needed, such as an X-ray, employees can go to the nearby Appleton Medical Center. Appleton pays ThedaCare a retainer fee for the clinic so insurance is kept out the equation. "We'll be able to care for minor illnesses in more cost effective ways," Panzer adds. The new clinic is Appleton's latest initiative to improve employee health. Last year, the Wellness Councils of America awarded Appleton its goldlevel workplace wellness award for the company's onsite wellness program. Appleton CEO Mark Richards says the "We have long been committed to helping our employees improve their health, such as an onsite fitness center. This is just the next step," — Kerry Arent, Appleton senior vice president of human resources company's commitment to employee wellness began in the 1940s when it partnered with the YMCA to subsidize memberships for employees. "This onsite clinic is the latest step in our commitment to helping employees improve their health," he says. "Employees who are healthier are more engaged and productive, which is good for business. We are also trying to do whatever we can to manage health care costs and this clinic fits right in with those goals." Independent to better serve your needs. From engineering to manufacturing, Argus is Northeast Wisconsin's choice! Whether your needs are personal or business, short-term or long-range, Argus provides the manufacturing industry with qualified personnel while aiming to connect jobseekers with positions that match their skills and ambitions. Serving Northeast Wisconsin for over 35 years with offices in Appleton, Milwaukee and Madison. w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m March 2013 2339 W. Wisconsin Ave. Appleton, WI 54914 920-731-7703 www.argus-tech.com • / insight on manufacturing | 21