Report Prepared by: Maggie Fuentes, Human Resources Technician III, Human Resources
Title
SUBJECT: Approval of a Two-Year Agreement for Medical Services for Current Workers’ Compensation Claims with The Noble Group - Patients First
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving the bid proposal submitted by The Noble Group - Patients First to provide occupational medical services for employees that are currently being treated through workers’ compensation at Patients First.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion awarding the medical service program to The Noble Group - Patients First for a 2-year term on a month-to-month basis to provide primary medical care services in support of the self-insured workers’ compensation program and authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Direct staff to develop other options; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Take no action.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article XI, Fiscal Administration.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2021-22 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
On May 21, 2021, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was mailed to five medical providers who previously expressed interest in providing medical services to the City of Merced. In response to the RFP two bid proposals were received by the stated deadline of 4:00 p.m. on June 21, 2021: Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, Inc. - Olivewood Meadows Occupational Health Center and The Noble Group -Patients First Medical Center and Urgent Care. The two bid proposals were comparable in pricing as well as the services offered. The proposals are not attached to this report but if needed they will be available for Council review at the meeting.
Following internal review of the proposals, it is the recommendation of this office to award the contract for medical service programs to Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, Inc. - Olivewood Meadows Occupational Health Center.
To ensure the continuity of care for current treating workers’ compensation patients, it is recommended to award a contract to The Noble Group - Patients First for workers compensation medical services. Patients First is a professional medical company in operation in Merced at 394 E. Yosemite Ave. and have been the primary treating physician for the City of Merced workers’ compensation patients since 2014. This agreement will allow existing employees to receive treatment from their current providers, while any new claims are treated by the newly awarded provider.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
On average the City pays $55,000 to $65,000 annually for Workers’ Compensation medical treatment for the primary treating physician services. No appropriation of funds is needed as funding is available within Fund 666-Workers Compensation of the adopted FY 2021/22 Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agreement