Fact Sheet
“Healthiest Company in America” 2008 Award
The Award
What is the history and background of this award?
Interactive Health Solutions, Inc. (IHS) has developed a distinctive way to recognize companies that are committed to the concept of preventative healthcare.
The Award recognizes a commitment to the health and well-being of employees and the creation of a corporate culture that encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own health and to take an active role in their preventative care.
How does a company win a Healthiest Company in America Award?
Winners of the award are those companies who have measurably met the objectives assigned by IHS. Winners are chosen by category:
“Most Improved” Awards go to companies that made the greatest improvement in their employees’ health, based on annual improvement of IHI scores.
“Healthiest Companies Overall” Award goes to the organizations that have the best annual scores.
How many winners are there?
103 organizations won awards.
How is a ‘winning’ IHI score determined?
To assess individual and company-wide health, IHS employs a proprietary metric called the ‘Interactive Health Index’ (IHI). The Index, developed in conjunction with physicians and other healthcare professionals, tests for indicators of heart disease, diabetes, smoking and other measures of health status that are at least, in part, controllable by the individual.
At the beginning of the IHS preventative program, each participating employee is rated based on an IHI score via an annual Health Evaluation. Throughout the year, the employee takes a variety of steps – with the help of IHS -- to address specific goals and any identified health conditions.
At year-end, IHS calculates an employee aggregate IHI ‘score’ for the company as a whole. Based on these scores, companies are selected as one of the Healthiest Companies in America in the various Award categories.
What is the minimum number of employees a company must have in order to qualify for an award?
There is no set minimum number of employees required to qualify for this award.
Can a company win the Award in different categories?
Yes.
Will winning companies be given specific guidelines for improvement to win again next year?
Yes.
As an Award winner, how will these companies be recognized?
Winners will be presented with awards, in addition, IHS will launch a national media program to recognize the Healthiest Companies in America. IHS will also provide each winning company with marketing materials to help them promote their accomplishment through local media outlets.
Interactive Health Solutions (IHS): The Company
When was IHS founded?
IHS was founded in 1992.
How big is IHS, is it a national firm?
IHS is a privately held company and provides services in all 50-States. IHS’ current number of clients exceeds 2,000. Clients range in size from 100 employees to over 50,000 employees.
How can a company/organization enlist IHS’ services?
Commonly, the preventative program provided by IHS is introduced through either their health insurance consultant, or a Third Party Administrator (TPA). IHS also works on a direct basis with large, national accounts. Companies can also contact us directly by calling Nancy Brantner at (800) 840-6100.
How was the IHI program developed, and by whom?
The IHI program is based on measuring, assessing and goal-setting of commonly identified risk factors, such as blood pressure, smoking prevention or cessation, blood glucose levels, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It was developed by IHS in conjunction with physicians and other healthcare professionals employed by the company. An IHI score is based on a review of quantifiable data and is completely objective and fact-based.
Employees are grouped by risk category (low, moderate and high). Steps for improvement or maintenance are then communicated to each participant.
Is the Program Voluntary?
Yes.
Who performs and processes the results of employee tests?
IHS employs a nationwide team of health care professionals who perform Health Evaluations on-site at the employer’s location. Follow-up recommendations and assessments are provided in written laymen terms in a HIPAA-compliant manner.
Are there incentives for employees to participate in the program?
Incentives for participating in the program are based on the policies of each company. While there are no standard incentives for participating, HIPAA guidelines are often used in plan design to reward participating employees.
Can families/dependents participate in the program?
Yes.
Each company can decide if they want to include dependents in the program.
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Editor’s Note:
For further details, please contact:
Joseph O’Brien, President, IHS, (847)754-2712 or e mail j.obrien@interactivehs.com
Or:
Robert Reed, Media Relations, (630) 579-1770 or e mail bob@rurelevant.com