Integrated Care: Wellness & Disease Management

Health care solutions and benefits management for employers and HR teams. Providing direction on health care consumerism and population health and wellness.

Integrated Care: Wellness & Disease Management





Oregon Employers Launch Value-Based Benefits Program to Improve Health of Employees, Their Families
Oregon Health Strategy Project to promote wellness and prevention, and manage health care costs

Employee Wellness Plans Should Include Entire Company, not Just Sick Workers
A study of employees at a west Michigan hospital showed some of the most unhealthy workers that University of Michigan researchers had ever seen. But in four years, the workplace wellness plan at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Mich. had fueled some of the biggest improvements in employee health that those same researchers had ever witnessed.

Care Continuum Alliance Launches New Brand for Population Health Improvement
The Care Continuum Alliance launched a new name and brand to support its members’ evolution toward comprehensive, coordinated and integrated health services that improve the quality and value of care across all states of health and care settings.

ROI & the 'Forgotten' Benefit
Let’s face it, in today’s economic environment employees are stressed out, overworked, and dissatisfied, and yet we plan to increase productivity and bottom line profits with this group of Zombie-like creatures.

Interactive Intelligence Opens On-Site Health Care Clinic
Services designed to give employees increased convenience; unique model focuses on employee wellness and prevention

Employers can Lower Health Care Costs with Medforma’s Next-Generation Health Portrait™ Platform
Medforma is providing a streamlined and confidential wellness program that employees and employers can trust

Wellness Program Provides Return on Investment for Eastman Chemical Company
Strong employee engagement leads to cost-effective culture of health

Limeade Unveils “Team Challenge” Feature, Announces 23% Increase in Ongoing Engagement
Employee wellness company launches team challenge system, adding to its company and peer-to-peer social challenge functionality. The Bellevue, Wash. firm also reports a 23% increase in ongoing employee engagement in well-being, productivity and health activities since June 2010.

eHealth Easier, User Friendly for Caregivers
For RememberItNow! Founder Pamela Swingley, her company was created out of sheer necessity.

NBGH Honors 66 U.S. Employers for Healthy Lifestyles
A record number of U.S. employers have been honored by the National Business Group on Health for their continuing commitment to promoting healthy work environments and encouraging workers to choose healthier lifestyles

Participation High in Incentive Program
The city of Fort Smith, AR, under the guidance of Human Resources Director Richard Jones, M.A., strongly believes in a proactive approach to health care

Wellness Program Participation Soars
Because of its diverse locations and various businesses, Saint-Gobain Corp. has developed a corporate-wide model that encourages local ownership and adoption of corporate wellness programs

Benefits Team Lowers Financial Stress
Aetna’s financial benefits team, headed by Carol Klusek, believes that employee wellness should encompass the fiscal as well as the physical

New Wellness Program Gets Employees Feeling Better About Health, Benefits
Just as Ardent Health Services employees make a difference in the lives of those they treat, the company is making a difference in its workers’ lives

Success Continues with Enhanced Benefits Coverage
Robert Ihrie has helped Lowes create a comprehensive wellness program that fosters a culture of health and demonstrates real-life results for Lowe’s employees and bottom-line success for the company

Predicting Employee Savings Pays Off
Still in its infancy, Bravo Wellness has rapidly carved its niche in health care comsumerism.

Athletic Trainers Provide ROI on Injury Prevention, Management
A new survey by the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) shows that certified athletic trainers working in occupational and industrial settings provide companies positive ROI.

New Value-Added Program Offers Comprehensive Guidelines and Assistance
Keenan Develops “Thinner Winners” Challenge to Assist Clients in Fighting Obesity and Developing Healthy Employee Lifestyles

Population Health Gains Traction Among Employers
Aug/Sept 2010

Corporate Wellness Programs Maximizes Benefits
Properly designed wellness programs can help corporations reduce employee benefit expenses, increase productivity, and positively affect the bottom line. Employee morale measurably improves in 56% of the companies that offer wellness programs.

Wellness, Population Health Management Programs Maintain Upward Trend
Strong employer support, important new research, and federal health care reform initiatives have converged this year to make the outlook for workplace health and wellness programs particularly bright.

Corporate Flu, Wellness Programs Provide Long-term Benefits to Companies, Employees
Over the past decade, an increasing number of companies have come to recognize corporate flu and wellness programs as a sound investment that provides value to both the company and its employees. With good reason, companies with flu and wellness programs have seen an average of 28 percent less sick leave taken, a 30 percent decline in workers compensation claims, and $5.93 saved for every dollar invested.

Provant Health Solutions Renews NCQA Accreditation
Provant Health Solutions Renews NCQA Wellness & Health Promotion Accreditation With Performance Reporting: New compliance audit makes Provant among the first to validate its data reporting.

Optimizing the Efffectiveness of Health and Wellness Offerings
Arcadia Solutions, a national health care IT consulting firm, announces an important new whitepaper about the design, development and delivery of effective Health and Wellness programs for health plans.

ConnectYourCare Enhances CDH Participant Portal
ConnectYourCare Enhances CDH Participant Portal with WebMD Health Management Resources and Engagement Services: Innovative Pairing of Consumer-Directed Healthcare Account Information with Health Management Services to Drive Healthcare Consumerism & Better Health Outcomes

The Vitality Group to Provide Incentive-Based Behavioral Change Services
The Vitality Group to Provide Incentive-based Behavioral Change Services to Wellness & Prevention, Inc.

Health Care Reform Law: Guidance Issued on Coverage of Preventive Services


Nurtur Unveils the Third Dimension in Health Care


Nurtur Unveils Third Dimension in Health care at SHRM Conference
Introducing Nurtur PeopleCare™ – a new perspective on the health care system that applies a consumer-focused approach to address lifestyle behaviors, improve health and reduce healthcare costs

Predicting Future Health Care Costs Can Be Effective and Affordable
When it comes to managing employee health care costs, the ability to forecast future cost trends comes in handy.

MagnaCare Launches Social Networking Initiatives to Advance “Care Right Here”
MagnaCare, a health plan services company with national reach, announced its ongoing social networking campaigns are successfully raising awareness of the importance of personal health improvement and preventive care, emphasizing issues that sometimes fall between the cracks of larger causes.

Thomson Reuters Report Focuses on Capping U.S. Health Care Expenditures, Cutting Costs
Report Focus on shifting from a culture of "Sick Care" to true "Health Care"

Dental Health Linked to Overall Health
By David Guarrera, DDS Vice President MetLife Dental Product Management

Incentives Make Wellness Programs More Rewarding
By Anne Platt Senior Director of Marketing Services Best Buy

Health Incentives Accomplish More: Immediate, Intermediate, Long-term Methods of Incentives Programs
By Michael G. Dermer President and CEO, IncentOne

Employees Don't See What They Are Missing Without Vision Benefits
By Wendy Marshall Assistant Vice President, Corporate Benefits Medstar Health Inc.

Dental Health Linked to Overall Health
By David Guarrera, DDS Vice President MetLife Dental Product Management

Carrots and Sticks? How About Personal Accountability!
Jim Pshock, President of Bravo Wellness

Employee Health: Yeah, There’s an App for That …
Colin Evans, president and CEO of Dossia, and Jacob Sattelmair, Dossia Senior Research Fellow

Forgotten Medications: The Secret Health Care Costs to Employers
By Pamela Swingley, CEO and founder, RememberItNow!

Building a Culture of Health at H&R Block
By Molly Hayden, strategic account manager, StayWell Health Management

Simonton Windows® Strengthens Commitment to Employee Health
Simonton Windows®, a leading manufacturer of energy-efficient vinyl windows and doors, has contracted Wellness Coaches USA to provide one-on-one individualized wellness coaching for its employees nationwide.

Consumer Incentives Aid Care Management Program Engagement
Jim Hardy thinks incentives programs alone won't solve your employees' wellness problems

HealthPrize Unveils Approach to Solve Medication Non-Adherence Problem
Pharmaceutical industry, health insurers and large employers can partner with HealthPrize to reduce healthcare costs and increase patient wellness through web-based software that combines financial incentives, online games and education.

Care Coaching Shown to Improve Patient Outcomes
Health plans with members suffering from both physical and behavioral health conditions can reduce their medical expenses

Study Shows Integrated Medical and Pharmacy Benefits Lower Costs, Promote Better Health
At a time when employers are seeking innovative ways to control medical benefits expenses, a study from Highmark Inc. has revealed that the integration of medical and pharmacy benefits lowers overall medical costs while promoting better health.

New Ingenix TrendView Helps Employers Manage Medical Costs
Employers face intense pressure to control their medical costs while offering competitive health benefits that will attract and retain the best talent

Teleseminar Series Launched to Help Patients Get Well Faster
One Health LLC, a physician-owned company, introduces How to Get Well Faster Introductory Teleseminar series

Alere Introducing New Global Brand at AHIP’s Institute 2010
Branding intended to bring diagnostics and health management solutions closer to physicians, nurses and participants

Social Network Helps Nelnet Employees Shape Up


Companies Increasing the Use of Both Incentives and Penalties to Motivate Employees, Improve Outcome
A new survey by Hewitt Associate shows employers' appetite for penalizing workers for unhealthy behaviors is on the rise.

VitalSpring Launches Code Blue Initiative to Help Employers Respond to New Health Law


Employers' Support Leads to Increased Biometric Screening and Health Coaching Growth in 2009
Encouragement and incentives drive employees towards better health

Latest DSS Research Survey Reveals That Consumers Are Torn Between Access and Coverage
In the most recent survey, Americans were given a choice between making their first priority providing some level of health insurance coverage for all citizens or slowing down the rapidly rising costs of health care.

Care.com Now Offers Resources Through Ceridian Lifeworks
Today Care.com (www.care.com), the premier source of trustworthy family care options, announced a partnership with Ceridian Health & Productivity Solutions. As part of the agreement, Care.com will provide caregiving resources and discounted access to its nationwide network of care providers for Ceridian LifeWorks program customers and their employees.

72% of Doctors Say Employers Should Play a Role in the Health of Employees with Chronic Conditions
The Midwest Business Group on Health recently conducted a national survey of physician views on employers' health management programs. The non-profit coalition of more than 100 private and public employers, finds that 72% of doctors surveyed agree that employers should play a role in the health of their employees with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Among survey findings:

Incentives Drive Completion of Health Risk Assessments
St. Dominic’s discovered through a health risk assessment that the health and well-being of its employees needed improvement. Leadership at St. Dominic’s learned that the average person had 3.7 health risks, including eating, exercise, back care, weight, blood pressure, and well-being.

Population Health Management Maintains Momentum
Support Grows for Health Information Technology

MagnaCare Positioned for Growth in National Health Care Marketplace, Expanding Member-Centric Progra
MagnaCare, ( www.magnacare.com) a health plan services company with national reach, today announces plans to build on its stable customer base and dominant position in the fiercely competitive NY/NJ/CT region to expand into the broader health care services market.

Winter Depression Leaves Employees in the Dark
Winter depression leaves employees in the dark. Workplace options offers tips for beating the winter blues.

Companies Face Worker, Health Care Challenges as Millennium Closes
Overall Outlook for 2010

Well-Designed Programs Can Energize Employees
Good Baseline Assessment Key to Success

Maximize Corporate Value When Implementing Parity Act
Mental health parity has been misunderstood as long as it has been debated. The cost concerns expressed for many years have been eliminated, with years of experience showing the beneficial corporate and improved health effects of recognizing the mind-body relationship.

Employee Stress Takes Huge Toll on Productivity
Stress is a root-cause health issue and driver of unhealthy habits for employees, but it can be curbed with tools and lifestyle changes.

Simplex Partners with Onlife to Bring Comprehensive Wellness Initiative to Employees
Opening of State-of-the-Art Fitness Facility on Feb. 15 Kicks Off Partnership

Swine Flu Remains a Threat to Every Office
Tips to help your staff combat swine flu.

CIGNA Expanding On-site Health Programs
Kronos Optimal Health Becomes Part of the CIGNA Team

Polk County (FLA.) School Districk Selectes Healthstat for On-Site Health Clinics
$8 Million Annual Estimated Cost Savings

Revolution Health PHR 'before its time'
Personal health records are not catching on with consumers as quickly as anticipated and Revolution Health is retiring it's PHR offering.

Chronic Diseases and Health Care Accounts, Dispelling the Myth
Industry data shows those with chronic care needs, who have account-based plans, have lower medical costs as compared to those with traditional plans...

Knoxville Takes Charge of Health Care Costs with NavigatorMD Analytics
The city of Knoxville, TN, offers an innovative wellness program that includes HRA contributions for physical activity, tobacco avoidance, and chronic disease self-care.

Trustmark Buying HealthFitness for $97 Million
Trustmark Buying Integrated Health, Fitness Manager for $97 Million

Human Resources Targets Your Family
HR has yanked the junk food and badgered you to get healthy. Now it's eyeing your spouse and children

Online Tools to Transform the Way People Manage Their Health
With the national debate on health care still churning, innovations in technology will have a bottom-line impact on people’s health. While a lot of attention has been paid to electronic health records, there is a new breed of technology aimed at preventative, integrative health solutions. HealtheHuman has released the latest version of their online integrated health tracking tools, providing members ways to track, understand, and improve their health by helping them be more informed decision makers.

Insurer Steps Up Fight to Control Health Care Cost
UnitedHealthcare takes an aggressive approach to cut health costs ahead of the wave of reform.

Lifestyle Changes Stick Long-Term with Ready-to-Change Program
Losing weight is easy. Keeping it off is the hard part. Just ask the person who's lost the same 25 over and over again, and still weighs as much or more than when he started.

UnitedHealthcare Recognizes Outstanding Worksite Wellness Programs
UnitedHealthcare has awarded 11 companies its "Well Deserved" award for 2009

Walgreens Expands Health and Wellness Offerings with Walgreens Optimal Wellness™
Innovative Chronic Care Management Program for Type 2 Diabetes Capitalizes on Power of Face-to-Face Interaction with a Trusted Clinician Supplements and Reinforces Physician Care and Expands Role of Pharmacists

New Applications Provide Employers with Competitive Position of Health Care Costs, Benefit Plans...
New Application from Thomson Reuters and HighRoads Provides Employers with a Deeper Understanding of the Competitive Position of Their Health Care Costs and Benefit Plans

Weighing Wellness Program Incentives
Employers offer incentives in exchange for saving bucks on Employee health costs

Groups Say Senate Health Bill Wellness Incentives Are Unfair
Groups Say Senate Health Bill Wellness Incentives Are Unfair

Health Dialog Expands Health & Wellness Offering
Collaboration with Hallmark Insights and Health Solutions Services Strengthens Program with Incentives, Biometric Screening

Most Americans Are Wellness 'Wannabes'
National Study Reveals America’s Wellness Habits: Healthy diet, vitamins and other supplements, and exercise work together to form a foundation for wellness. The more education Americans have about these three pillars, the easier it will be to live healthy lifestyles.

Meijer Saluted for Employee Wellness Efforts


HMS Acquires Verify Solutions, Adding Dependent Eligibility Audit Services...
Acquisition moves HMS into the employer-based market with a valuable new service that fits well with mission to help control health care costs

Gordian Health Solutions Announces Transformation to Onlife Health
The name change reflects the personal health coaching firm’s rollout of innovative Positive Living Programs

American Specialty Health, Subsidiary Healthyroads Implement Value-Based Program Designs...
in Their Employee Benefit Plan to Motivate Employees to Participate in Health Improvement Activities

Wintertime Wellness Woes: The Hartford Finds Flurry Of Disability Claims Due To Respiratory Illnesse
Benefits provider offers tips on surviving the season of stress, storms and sniffles.

U.S. Health Bill Passes Crucial Senate Test
In a middle-of-the-night vote, Democrats unanimously backed the first in a series of three procedural motions to cut off debate and move the bill to a final vote by at least Christmas Eve.

The Solution to Lowering Health Care Costs? Keep Your Employees Healthy.
Healthy Americans may account for only 8 percent of the population, but these 24 million people are the answer to saving America billions of dollars on unnecessary health care expenditures each year...

HealthInsight & HealthMedia Partner, Offer Personalized Health Coaching...
HealthInsight and HealthMedia Partner to Offer Personalized Health Coaching with Value-Based Benefit Design

UPMC Health Plan Offers Brain Fitness Software to Improve Health
Insurer Promotes Healthy Minds and Bodies

RedBrick’s Health Earnings System Projected to Generate Five Percent Savings...
RedBrick’s Health Earnings System Projected to Generate Five Percent Savings on Health & Productivity Costs for Welch Allyn

Is There a Doctor in the Corporation? Maybe Soon
Employers find putting employee wellness first curbs costs and boosts performance

Healthways Among First Organizations to Receive NCQA Wellness and Health Promotion Accreditation
Important Accreditation Assesses Health Plans and Vendors Providing Wellness Services Using An Evidence-Based Set of Requirements to Distinguish Quality

Consumer’s Medical Resource Announces Next Generation Medical Decision Support
Consumer’s Medical Resource Announces Next Generation Medical Decision Support (MDS®) Program Expanded to Reach More Consumers

U.S. Preventive Medicine Introduces The Prevention Score
Score Helps Employers Measure and Reward Employee Preventive Health Care Efforts

JourneyWell Receives National Accreditation for Wellness Programs
First in the state to earn distinction for wellness and health promotion programs

Case Study: An Integrated Wellness Program Centered Around a PHR
A major Midwest retailer is a good example of an employer offering an integrated wellness program that leverages the unique aspects of a clinical decision support-powered PHR.