Blog

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rises dramatically, even in places that seem isolated, many clinics are closing to patients with flu-like symptoms. In the Seattle area, we are seeing cancellation of surgeries, and big notes posted on clinic doors announcing their inability to see patients at all. Telehealth, or virtual care, may be your only and best bet at avoiding a trip to the Emer…

As you are all aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged as a significant public health threat. Like many other companies, First Choice Health is monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our workforce and ensure that we can serve our clients. We believe that our standard business continuity plans will allow us to meet our business obligations:FCH is already highly virtualized with over…

The coronavirus, or COVID-19, is here in the United States and more people are getting sick, but the message remains the same: do not panic.  I'm reminded of the safety briefing on a plane "if the oxygen masks drop down and we lose altitude, put your mask on and stay calm."Not panicking is easier said than done for many of us.  In fact, it is completely normal to panic when there is…

Online therapy (also known as e-therapy, internet psychotherapy, distance therapy, etc) is becoming quite popular as of late, and an increasing number of people appreciate the features often associated with technology-based psychotherapy such as video or texting therapy. FCH EAP's online therapy partner, BetterHelp, has helped facilitate more than 41 MILLION therapy sessions online with one of the…

You've probably been hearing lots of news reports about Coronavirus (officially known as 2019-nCoV). These virus outbreaks can be scary. The internet is a great source of information, and unfortunately sometimes incorrect information. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) is a reliable source of information on this topic. It also publishes key health information, including weekly data on all death…

Women's rights movements have made great progress toward gender equality in the workplace. Prior to 1963, it was legal for businesses to pay women performing similar work as men a lower wage. It was also uncommon to find women in workplace positions of authority. It was not until the following year in 1964 that the Civil Rights Act was established granting equal rights for women in all areas of em…

The team at First Choice Health works passionately each year to provide an improved health outlook for its members, and as we move into 2020, our commitment to promoting healthy behavior and addressing the issues facing today's workforce remains stronger than ever. We are proud to look back on a number of key advancements and accomplishments from 2019, including:The addition of new hires Anis…

Establishing a strong collaborative relationship with a health system partner is critical in today's rapidly changing healthcare landscape and why First Choice Health has partnered with the Eastside Health Network (EHN). Together, FCH and EHN are developing and implementing evidence-based, data-driven healthcare initiatives aimed at improving outcomes, increasing efficiency and reducing costs for …

This year, just like the one before, we're all busier than ever, and yet the holidays wait for no one. The last thing we need is more money worries, more hassles, and more stress. Unfortunately, that's exactly what the holidays can bring. You can decide to take the bull by the horns and make this the year you change your approach to the holidays, for the better.Don't sweat the small stuff. Fo…

It's no secret that there's been a great deal of stigma associated with mental health over the last few decades, with several studies backing it up. The individuals made to feel like pariahs have been more likely to experience housing and employment discrimination, among other issues, when compared with those who haven't been open about their mental health problems. In 1992, the Americans wit…