Healthcare Technology Featured Article

December 08, 2020

How Chad Price and MAKO Medical Are Helping North Carolina Battle COVID-19




North Carolina has been hit hard by the pandemic, accumulating nearly 400,000 cases and more than 5,000 deaths. The state needs reliable medical services that tackle the real-world needs of both patients and practices.

MAKO Medical was known for its testing services before the pandemic, and the company was able to quickly shifted to COVID testing in the immediate wake of the catastrophe. The company also looked for ways to increase communication and ensure that patients are getting the help they need — even when they were unable to leave the house. MAKO Medical is helping multiple states navigate through this unpredictable crisis, but much of its work has been concentrated in its home state.

Founder and CEO of MAKO Medical, Chad Price, also looked for ways to meet the needs of all doctors, not just those treating the coronavirus. He assessed and implemented a variety of cost-effective solutions that could bridge the gap for patients who were unable to leave their homes. We’ll look at what it’s doing in North Carolina and beyond to help curve the negative effects of COVID-19.

Testing Services

Prior to the pandemic, MAKO Medical was offering standard lab tests. Because the staff already had the assets and expertise on hand though, the company quickly expanded its offerings to include coronavirus tests. In fact, the company largely prioritized COVID-19 cases as the virus wound its way through the country.

Serving more than 20 states, including North Carolina, the company has so far completed more than 2 million COVID-19 tests. After participating in an independent verification program through an accredited laboratory, it was determined that the results of its COVID testing were highly accurate. In the first few months of COVID, the company also donated 20,000 COVID testing kits to the North Carolina Medical Society and provided two kinds of antibody tests to businesses that were ready to reopen.

MAKO Medical's staff have had to coordinate with schools, government agencies, and medical providers alike to accomplish this monumental task. The company hired additional workers to handle the load, bringing financial opportunities to a lagging economy. 98% of all testing takes place in the company's Henderson facility. In 2020, the company was named as one of America’s Best Startup Employers for 2020 by Forbes. It’s a testament to the company’s respect for the staff and commitment to the public good.

COVflu-19

COVflu-19 is the name of the MAKO Medical Laboratories' test. According to MAKO Medical's Executive Director, Ryan Nibert, the test can detect both Influenza A and B, as well as COVID-19 within 24 – 48 hours. It can differentiate the RNA in multiple viruses and provide highly accurate results.

This test took several months to develop and was designed to save doctors and patients both time and hassle. Instead of having to take separate tests, the experience is simplified with just one. When so many strains present have so many of the same symptoms, this 3-in-1 can prevent unnecessary exposure for patients, allowing them to receive accurate results without having to sit for multiple swabs.

The company has the capacity to process up to 100,000 tests per day. With the help of more than 800 team members, the staff of MAKO Medical is aware that timing is of the essence. Without fast results, doctors and patients alike have to make difficult decisions in the interim. It's why the company has set up a designated patient portal so people can access their results in real-time. Their staff is working around-the-clock to brainstorm, plan, and implement solutions that work.

Simplifying Technology

When the pandemic hit, the industry saw a major dropoff in patients, largely due to stay-at-home orders and fears of catching COVID-19. It wasn't unusual for practitioners to see 70% declines in their workload. Many struggled to keep their staff amidst the confusion. Medical practices also had a difficult time pivoting to telehealth services.

To the average person, telemedicine might seem as simple as setting up a Zoom profile. But for telemedicine to truly function, it needs to address more than just video services. From HIPAA laws to prescriptions, there are a lot of issues to address. MAKO Medical worked with different companies to simplify and streamline the process. Chad Price set up two platforms: one was a telemedicine platform and the other was a mobile messaging service.

The telemedicine platform offered by MAKO does not have to be downloaded nor does it require complicated sign-ups. Plus, it’s free for patients and practice alike. The mobile messaging platform made it possible for patients to receive updates and guides to help manage their condition.

Chad Price MAKO Medical has remarked that the two platforms working in tandem have been the best way for practices to retain patients who are struggling through the pandemic. MAKO Medical might not have been able to cure the virus, but they could at least offer help in getting patients the care they needed.

About Chad Price & MAKO Medical

MAKO Medical got its start when its founder, Chad Price, became frustrated while waiting for test results for his sister. For MAKO Medical, disrupting the status quo has to start with integrity before it moves onto innovation. From cost-savings to accuracy, MAKO Medical focuses on the outcome of the patient. In doing so, the company addresses the needs of medical facilities too.

MAKO Medical is also committed to giving its staff the opportunities they need to get ahead. From the beginning, the company has prioritized service members. Veterans and reservists are uniquely qualified to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the healthcare industry, making then invaluable to handle everything from supply chain management to procurement. The company has won multiple awards for being a leader in both Lab and Pharmacy services and a highly regarded employer in North Carolina.



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