Physical and Financial Health the Goal of Innovative Partnership Announced by Wake Forest Baptist and Allegacy Federal Credit Union

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Feb. 6, 2018 – Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Allegacy Federal Credit Union today announced an innovative partnership – believed to be the first of its kind in the country – focused on improving both the physical and financial wellbeing of people in our community.

WellQ, located at 575 N. Patterson Avenue next to the Allegacy financial center at Biotech Place in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, is a membership-based service that provides access to convenient high-quality health care for everyday illnesses and wellness needs, along with wellness and financial coaching and education.

Members will enjoy same day treatment of minor illnesses such as strep throat, upper respiratory illnesses, poison ivy and pink eye, for just $35 per visit. Financial benefits include membership at Allegacy Federal Credit Union with an AllHealth Wellness Savings Account, offering higher-than-market dividends, health care financial advising, no-obligation Healthcare Financial Planning to help plan for current and future health care costs and on-site financial education classes.

“There is a strong correlation between people’s physical and financial wellbeing as financial stress can negatively impact their physical health and vice versa,” said Cathy J. Pace, President and CEO, Allegacy Federal Credit Union. “Healthcare expense can be one of the top costs for families and a WellQ membership can be a vital part of financial planning for those who need an affordable, convenient place to go for minor illnesses, as well as valuable financial education and planning assistance.”

Additional health benefits include complimentary annual wellness exams and monitoring of conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, health screenings, wellness classes and access to 24-hour virtual visits. A convenient onsite visit-related pharmacy is stocked with common prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

“The clinic at WellQ is not designed to be a substitute for a primary care provider, but rather as a convenience that complements a person’s existing primary care provider and supports the physical and financial wellbeing of members,” said Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Interim Dean, Wake Forest School of Medicine. “The Allegacy – Wake Forest Baptist partnership is about becoming champions for improving the overall health and wellbeing of the folks who live and work in our community.”

The clinic at WellQ is operated by Wake WellQ, LLC with experienced, licensed providers from Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Insurance is not accepted for clinic appointments or visit-related prescriptions at the onsite pharmacy, appointments are made online or through a smartphone app, and payment is made only with credit or debit cards, including those attached to Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts.

At least one physician assistant will be on site along with other clinical and office staff, including staff that will help guide members’ financial wellness and healthcare financial planning.

Annual membership for an individual is $199 and $249 for a family. Up to two adults and children/dependents ages 2-21 who share a household are included in the family membership. Membership may be free to individuals if their employer opts to add WellQ as a corporate benefit.

Membership and more information can be found by visiting www.yourwellQ.com or by visiting WellQ in Wake Forest Innovation Quarter.

SOURCE: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center