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Print Press Release | ||||
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June 30 , 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (6/30/09)
LOCAL COMPANY EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HIGH-TECH HEALTHCARE INNOVATION Focusing on Preventing Disease, Healthy Lifestyles Sharply Cuts Healthcare Costs The Denver-based company was recognized for its track record of success in helping companies generate an average Return On Investment of 2:1 for their wellness budget through pursuing healthier lifestyles, including exercise, proper diet and weight loss. “incentaHEALTH is a shining example of a positive and common-sense approach to reducing healthcare costs by focusing squarely on preventing chronic disease,” said Shannon Csotty, director of PFCD Colorado. “We are very pleased to recognize this pacesetting Colorado company.” At the core of the company’s successful employee health program is the patented HEALTHspot kiosk – a cutting-edge device for private weight measurement that allows participants to track their success. The kiosk confidentially collects and transmits Body Mass Index (BMI) data. Participants receive scientifically-based behavior change coaching via email, allowing the program to reach each employee with a tailored set of instructions each day, regardless of their distance from company headquarters. The kiosk uses digital camera technology to protect against fraudulent weigh-ins, and provides employees with a visual record of their progress over time. The employer can access reports showing participation rates and how their workforce is improving their health overall, but the system protects against seeing individual data. Another vital component to the success of the program comes in the form of quarterly bonuses paid to participants. The bonuses increase as an employee achieves a healthy Body Mass Index and remain in effect as long as a healthy BMI is maintained. “We’re proud of the positive difference our technology has made in employees’ lives and in the bottom line of companies that are being hit hard by rising healthcare costs,” said Todd McGuire, Chief Operating Officer of incentaHEALTH. “We’re very grateful for this national award, and even more grateful for our dedicated partners, such as Hercules Industries.” “This program is very popular with our employees because it puts them in charge and gives them confidentiality and positive reinforcement,” said Bill Newland, President of Hercules Industries. “Our employees are healthier and more productive, and healthcare costs have been cut by 19.6 percent. This is a great ‘win-win’ program.” Colorado PFCD noted that preventing chronic disease and promoting healthier lifestyles is the key to lasting healthcare reform nationwide. Chronic disease accounts for 75 cents of every healthcare treatment dollar spent in the U.S. each year and the healthcare coverage costs for Americans with a chronic condition average more than $6,000 annually or more than five times higher than those without such a condition. Today’s award is one of a number of awards presented around the country as part of PFCD’s “Promising Practices” campaign that highlights innovative companies and organizations for their efforts to prevent chronic disease and lower healthcare costs. About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is a national bipartisan coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising healthcare costs in the U.S.: chronic disease. The PFCD mission is to:
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