By Carly Peck, Fredy #027 | MyFredy Employer Partnerships
This is my first post in a new role: writing for Employee Health Benefits, a blog designed to help HR and benefits managers understand how outpatient companion care requirements affect the workforce. You may have read about my first day as a Fredy—when I learned firsthand how important it is to have a trusted adult present at medical procedures. Now, I’m taking those lessons and connecting them to the workplace.
Why This Matters for Employers
Every week, employees across the U.S. face outpatient procedures. From colonoscopies to cataract surgeries, medical providers enforce strict rules: patients must be accompanied by a trusted adult or healthcare companion at check-in, discharge, and sometimes during early recovery. For employees without family nearby, these rules can cause cancellations, missed workdays, or even negative health outcomes.
The HR and Benefits Perspective
When employers consider employee health benefits, the focus is often on insurance, wellness programs, or preventive care. Yet the discharge requirement creates a practical gap that impacts productivity and compliance. Employees who can’t access a companion may delay important care—or take extended leave to work around these rules.
How MyFredy Fills the Gap
MyFredy provides trained medical escorts and healthcare companions who step in when family or friends are unavailable. For employers, this translates to fewer cancelled procedures, faster recoveries, and peace of mind knowing employees are supported during vulnerable moments.
Looking Ahead
This blog will highlight stories, policies, and resources that help HR leaders and benefit managers align outpatient support with their employee health strategies. I’ll share what I’m learning—directly from employees, providers, and the HR community.
—Carly Peck, Fredy #027 | MyFredy Employer Partnerships
