Workplace benefits at Cook Children’s give employees access to Occupational Health and CareATC for help with your health concerns. What’s the difference between the two sites? 

Here’s the easiest way to distinguish them: Occupational Health treats work-related injuries, while CareATC treats primary care medical needs including illnesses and chronic conditions. 

Occupational Health is located at 901 7th Ave., Fort Worth, next to the Terrell Avenue Garage. The Occupational Health team promotes the health and safety of employees in the Cook Children’s workplace through injury care, immunization programs and surveillance for chemical or radiation hazards. Additional services include: 

• Drug screens and other processing for new hires 
• Tuberculosis testing 
• Respiratory protection (mask fittings) 
• Leave of absence and return-to-work processing 
• Worker’s compensation management 
• Medications for business travel 

“Healthy workers are productive workers,” said Karen Mahoney, Manager of Occupational Health. “If they’re unhealthy and they can’t work, then that’s a detriment to the whole organization. Our goal is to keep everybody at work and keep them healthy.” 

You don’t need an appointment to be treated at Occupational Health for minor work-related injuries. Karen pointed out the most common injuries: 1) slips, trips and falls 2) overexertion from heavy lifting, and 3) bites, kicks or other injuries from patient behavioral violence. 

Employees also come to Occupational Health for monitoring, such as annual hearing tests for those in noisy areas; equipment for proper ergonomic setup at work stations; and accommodations for the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Bridget Page, Director of Occupational Health Employee Wellness and Employee Safety, said Occupational Health does evaluations to make sure workers are physically fit for the demands of their role – whether they lift heavy boxes in materials management, or work a desk job. 

Occupational Health provides quick and convenient care for work-related injuries/illness so that employees can get back to their work area. “You’re still on the clock, you come see us, we typically have you in and out in about 30 minutes,” Bridget said. “If you needed medication, we can get medicines ordered to the retail pharmacy.” 

Services that Occupational Health is unable to provide include emergency care for chest pain, breathing problems or major injuries; treatment for illnesses such as sinus or urinary tract infections; management of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol; prenatal and maternity care or gynecology exams; birth control or narcotics prescriptions. 

Occupational Health and CareATC keep separate records but work collaboratively when employees need referrals from one site to the other. “Earaches, sore throats and sinus infections are acute care things that CareATC takes care of,” she said. “CareATC can also be your medical home to help manage your chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.” 

How to Access Occupational Health and CareATC

Any visit to CareATC is 100% covered by Cook Children’s when enrolled in the HRA or EPO plans. For those enrolled in the HSA1 and HSA2 plans, the cost for a diagnostic visit is only $10. Employees not enrolled in a Cook Children’s medical plan have access to acute medical care at CareATC for $10 per visit. 

For help with anxiety, depression, emotional trauma or other mental health concerns, two options are available. Employees can make an appointment through CareATC with one of two onsite therapists by going to www.careatc.com/patients , or by calling 1-800-993-8244. The second option is to call the Employee Assistance Program for up to six free visits. The EAP number is 1-800-395-1606. 

The CareATC Fort Worth-Henderson Health & Wellness Center is located at 500 S. Henderson St. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Appointments can be made on the CareATC mobile app, the Patient Portal at www.careatc.com/patients, or by calling 1-800-993-8244. 

Cook Children’s Occupational Health is located at 901 7th Avenue, Suite 4200. Hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.-5p.m. Contact the department at 682-885-3837 (or ext. 53837) or email occhealth@cookchildrens.org. 

The New Year is a great time to jumpstart your healthy lifestyle goals as part of improving your wellbeing, managing stress and safeguarding your overall quality of life.

But making changes with an eye toward slimming down is easier said than done. That’s why providers at CareATC want to help Cook Children’s employees achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle and body mass index through potential behavioral changes and health maintenance strategies.

Cook Children’s partners with CareATC to offer enhanced primary care services at multiple locations with quick accessibility. Shital Chavda, M.D., and Cassandra Muff, FNP-BC, provide care at the CareATC Health & Wellness Center at 500 S. Henderson St., less than a mile from Cook Children’s Medical Center- Fort Worth.

Patients can come to CareATC for advice about good nutrition, water consumption, avoiding processed foods, exercise and other lifestyle habits that affect the weight we carry.

“It’s not new information. We all know what we’re supposed to be doing,” Cassandra said. “But people get frustrated when they’re trying to do it and the results are not working as well as they would like.”

Stress eating, convenience foods and lack of time/energy to exercise can all play a role in weight gain. Sweet treats, fast food and overeating can be temptations when people work long shifts, night shifts and stressful jobs. Thyroid problems, hormone imbalance and some medications also affect appetite and weight. But your health care providers can team up with you to help set goals for improving your diet and exercise habits.  

“People feel good when they’re able to set aside some time for a walk or to go to the gym,” Dr. Chavda said. “When they’re just too busy and stressed to make that time a priority, in combination with other habits, it can lead to unwanted side effects like weight gain.”

CareATC provides enhanced access to primary care services for no charge or a reduced cost. Dr. Chavda and Cassandra are accepting new patients, and they specialize in seeing Cook Children’s employees and their covered family members ages 18 and older. Members also have access to four other CareATC locations across the DFW Metroplex.

Visits are 100% covered by Cook Children’s when enrolled in the HRA or EPO plans. For people enrolled in the HSA1 and HSA2 plans, the cost for a diagnostic visit is only $10. Employees not enrolled in a Cook Children’s medical plan have access to acute medical care for $10 per visit.

You can make an appointments on the CareATC mobile app, the Patient Portal at www.careatc.com/patients, or by calling 1-800-993-8244. 

Go to CookNet to learn more about the Cook Children’s HealthyMe wellness initiative, which includes:

·         Discounts for joining Weight Watchers or other recognized weight loss programs 

·         Wondr Health online behavioral counseling program that includes lessons for weight loss and eating tips for preventing heart disease and diabetes

·         Free access to the Wellness Zone workout facility

·         Screening of weight, BMI and other biometrics through Quest Diagnostics

If you’re struggling with fatigue, the providers at CareATC are here to help.

Shital Chavda, M.D. says exhaustion is common for people who work in health care systems. She says the stress and “go-go-go mentality” in hospital settings contribute to physical and mental fatigue in employees.

“They’re doing their job and when they go home, the stress can follow them while trying to spend time with their family, play with their kids, make time to prepare a healthy dinner,” Dr. Chavda said. “And, depending on how it is handled, it can contribute to the development of chronic medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”  

Cook Children’s contracts with CareATC to provide enhanced access to primary care services at multiple locations for no charge or a reduced cost. Dr. Chavda and Cassandra Muff, FNP-BC provide care at the CareATC Health & Wellness Center at 500 S. Henderson St., less than a mile from our medical center. Both providers specialize in seeing Cook Children’s employees and their covered family members ages 18 and up. In addition to the Health Center on Henderson, members also have access to four other CareATC locations across the DFW metroplex.

Any visit is 100% covered by Cook Children’s when enrolled in the HRA or EPO plans. For those enrolled in the HSA1 and HSA2 plans, the cost for a diagnostic visit is only $10. Employees not enrolled in a Cook Children’s medical plan have access to acute medical care for $10 per visit.

Fatigue can lead to headaches, inattention, lack of focus, weight gain and other health challenges for health care workers, Cassandra said. “We are here to make sure each individual feels great and is able to not only perform their best at work, but benefit from good health in their personal and family life.”

Fatigue can also be a symptom of anxiety, depression or unresolved conflicts. Alicia Hooper, LCSW offers therapy at the CareATC Fort Worth-Henderson Health & Wellness Center as part of the Employee Assistance Program benefits at Cook Children’s. Employees have access to six free counseling appointments per issue they are facing.

If fatigue has impacted your ability to care for yourself or others, Alicia invites you to come for a visit. “We can’t pour from an empty cup,” she points out. Set up a session with Alicia by calling the EAP main phone number, 1-800-395-1616.

Appointments with Dr. Chavda or nurse practitioner Cassandra at the Fort Worth-Henderson Health & Wellness Center can be made on the CareATC mobile app, the Patient Portal at www.careatc.com/patients, or over the phone by calling 1-800-993-8244. 

What steps can we take to feel less fatigued?

·         Talk to your doctor. Persistent fatigue can lead to or indicate diabetes, heart disease, anemia, thyroid disease, sleep apnea or other conditions that require medical attention. 

·         Be sure to mention if fatigue increased after starting a new prescription. Blood pressure medicines, antihistamines, diuretics and other medications can contribute to fatigue. 

·         If needed, talk to a counselor about any mental health concerns, which can cause or worsen fatigue. Prioritize your mental well-being.

·         Talk to your primary care provider about increasing your physical activity. Exercise can help boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue.

·         Watch what you eat. Highly refined carbs, cookies, juice etc. can cause sluggishness when the “sugar high” wears off.

·         Reduce caffeine. It’s a short-term fix for low energy.

·         Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

For videos, locations and more information about Cook Children’s partnership with CareATC, go to Cook Children's (careatc.com).

CareATC can be your home for acute medical services, preventative screenings and management of chronic conditions – with same-day appointments available – for no more than $10 per visit.

Cook Children’s contracts with CareATC as an employee benefit offering affordable primary care, convenient locations and prompt scheduling. There are five locations in the North Texas area, including one near Cook Children’s Medical Center.

“CareATC makes it as easy as possible. There’s less wait time, and you can get in a lot quicker,” said Shital Chavda, M.D., who works out of the clinic at 500 S. Henderson St., less than a mile from our hospital. “It takes a lot of that burden out, making it more accessible.’

Dr. Chavda and Cassandra Muff, FNP-BC, are the providers at the Fort Worth-Henderson location. Since opening in December 2020, the partnership has served more than 2,500 Cook Children’s employees and their covered family members (spouses and adult dependents). Many individuals come to CareATC for screenings, sick visits, diabetes and cholesterol management, and other needs in-person at the clinic or virtually. 

Any visit is 100% covered by Cook Children’s if you are enrolled in the HRA or EPO plans. For those enrolled in the HSA1 and HSA2 plans, the cost for a diagnostic visit is only $10. Employees not enrolled in a Cook Children’s medical plan are still allowed to use these benefits for $10 per visit.

Appointments are required and can be made on the CareATC mobile app, the Patient Portal at www.careatc.com/patients, or by calling 1-800-993-8244. Established patients may schedule virtual visits by computer or phone. Same-day appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To get started, activate your CareATC patient account by visiting www.careatc.com/activate or downloading the CareATC app and following the prompts. It's important that each eligible member aged 18 and older creates his or her own account. For more information, visit careatc.com/cc.

The staff at Cook Children’s are urged to come in for checkups and care to prevent minor irritations from becoming bigger issues.

“If you tweaked your knee running six months ago and have put it off and don’t come to see us until you can’t walk right and perform normal daily activities, now you’re looking at a potential surgical problem,” Cassandra said. “Same thing with abdominal pain. If we don’t evaluate that and find the cause and the fix quickly, then it can escalate to an ER visit or a hospitalization. It’s much easier to take the time to figure things out in the beginning than to deal with the consequences of ignoring it.”

Mental Health Services

Employees at Cook Children’s can also take advantage of free counseling sessions available through the Employee Assistance Program. Benefits include six sessions per incident, per calendar year for employees, their adult dependents and minor children. 

Alicia Hooper, LCSW, offices out of the CareATC Fort Worth-Henderson location and is available to work with adults, couples and adolescents ages 12 and older.

Schedule an appointment with Alicia by calling the EAP main phone number, 1-800-395-1616. If this is your first time contacting the EAP, you will create an employee profile before speaking with a case manager. The wait time for an appointment varies, but you can usually be seen within two or three weeks.

“Pick up the phone and call. They may be able to get you in today,” Alicia said. She wants to help her clients acquire healthy coping techniques to deal with stress, depression, grief or other mental health challenges. Regular appointments are 50-minute sessions. 

Alicia’s in-person hours mimic the CareATC clinic’s hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

She urges everyone to utilize this Cook Children’s benefit. Don’t allow an emotional struggle to fester and potentially escalate. 

“If you are struggling, if you have had thoughts that are alarming to you -- thoughts that you've never had before or thoughts that you've been living with for a really long time -- if you are feeling anxious and unsupported,” make the call, Alicia said. “Recognize that we can't get help if we continue to just go along like everything's OK.”

By Jean Yaeger

In a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association, 75% of essential workers, including health care personnel, said they needed more emotional support than they received during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We experience burnout and we experience compassion fatigue. And then we have the complications of having a workforce that has been severely hampered by COVID and by other challenges as the workforce changes,” said Alicia Hooper, a licensed clinical social worker at the CareATC site at 500 S. Henderson St., near Cook Children’s Medical Center.

In an effort to prioritize mental health, Cook Children’s provides each employee with up to six free counseling sessions per year, per issue (such as depression or anxiety) per year. Alicia offers counseling for employees and their dependents ages 12 and older, as well as couples therapy.

She urges Cook Children’s staff members to utilize this benefit to recharge their mood and learn some healthy coping techniques. It's not a sign of weakness to seek out therapy that supports mental well-being, she pointed out. Alicia uses a collaborative approach that catalogs the strengths of her clients and focuses on specific solutions to the struggles they face.  

“It's not about me telling you what to do,” she said. “It's asking the right question that helps you remember the processes in your life that have been helpful, and identifying those processes that haven't been helpful. From there we create a framework for moving forward with intention." 

What sorts of issues come up in 50-minute therapy sessions? Every topic from school shootings and mass violence to the tension and fear of COVID-19 disruptions. Other topics might include home and work relationships, loss, motivation, and life transitions. Alicia is a listener who wants to help her clients unpack how their mood is impacting their personal and professional lives and their sleep and eating routines. She finds it gratifying to serve health care professionals.

“I really enjoy working with first responders, with individuals who have been on the frontline. I like the idea of being the helper for the helpers,” Alicia said. “I would say that I'm a fairly hopeful person. I believe that people can change and that every day people have the ability to make new choices that reflect their values and their needs in intentional, mindful ways.”

Even though cost and location can often be barriers to appropriate mental health care, Cook Children’s has made this benefit accessible for our employees by providing a nearby and comfortable private setting at the CareATC Fort Worth-Henderson clinic. Alicia adds: “And really, it’s free. Why not try it?” 

Alicia’s in-person hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment by calling the EAP main phone number, 1-800-395-1616, to get started with an employee profile. The wait time to be seen is normally two to three weeks.

Workers in the health field often aren’t comfortable in the role of the patient. Faced with their own illness or injury, they might disregard symptoms or wait for problems to go away. 

But what happens when medical helpers need medical help?

“We are a servanthood profession, and by nature, we have always put others’ needs before our own,” said Cassandra Muff, FNP-BC, at the CareATC Fort Worth-Henderson clinic. “Health care providers tend to either minimize their health needs or they prioritize other things in their personal time.”

No matter what job they do, there can be many reasons that people delay going to the doctor: inconvenient locations, high cost of deductibles or co-pays, and long waits for an appointment. But Cook Children’s wants to make access to health care easy and affordable for all employees of the system.   

Cook Children’s contracts with CareATC to provide inexpensive primary care, close to where you live or work, for employees and their covered spouses and dependents ages 18 and older. Services include preventive care like physicals and well-woman exams. Visits for illness, minor injuries and mental health are also available. Depending on your enrollment plan, the cost is either covered 100% by Cook Children’s or $10 per visit. 

Cassandra and Shital Chavda, M.D., are welcoming new patients at 500 S. Henderson St., near Cook Children’s Medical Center. Both said that health care providers sometimes balk at getting treatment for their own health issues.

“If you’re caring for hospitalized children, then your own knee pain isn’t a priority, in comparison,” Cassandra said. “When you stratify severity on a huge scale, proportionally some of your complaints are minimal. But you should still take time to address them."

In her experience, Dr. Chavda said, many times people who work in health care minimize the severity of their medical problems because they are busy taking care of others. But by waiting – with a urinary tract infection, for instance – the problem might get severe.

Dr. Chavda and Cassandra want to encourage Cook Children’s employees to take advantage of their close proximity and availability. If you don’t have a family practice provider, come and try out CareATC. Appointments are required and can be made on the CareATC mobile app, the Patient Portal at www.careatc.com/patients, or by calling 1-800-993-8244.

“If you can just take some time to take care of yourself for a little bit, you’ll be stronger and healthier to take care of other people,” Dr. Chavda said.

Employee Assistance Program

Alicia Hooper, LCSW offers therapy at the CareATC Fort-Worth Henderson site through the Cook Children’s Employee Assistance Program. Employees and family members ages 12 and older are allowed six free counseling appointments with Alicia per situation, per year. She also provides therapy for couples.

She describes a lingering stigma that might prevent people from seeking out counseling for stress, depression or other struggles with mental well-being. It’s difficult to ask for help, Alicia pointed out.

Health care workers might hesitate to nurture their own health because it requires stepping away from patient care or family, she said. “It feels like to put ourselves first, we take away from someone else sometimes.” Another roadblock? "It's often easier to suggest changes for others to make, rather than to maintain consistent change in our own lives."