Baptist Health System’s Workplace Wellness Programs Named Healthcare Superstar

<0> For Aegis Health GroupCarol Stevenson818-597-8453, x-3 </0>

(BHS) worksite wellness initiative has been selected as a 2013 HealthCare Consumerism Superstar by the (IHCC). Its program, which received the IHCC’s “Most Effective Population Health Management” award, has utilized tools provided by since 2008.

The IHCC’s Annual HealthCare Consumerism Superstar Awards recognize and honor individuals and organizations that are making a difference in America’s healthcare system. According to the IHCC, this year’s population health management award winners “demonstrate that wellness has a considerable role – perhaps more important than ever – in contemporary U.S. businesses. These award winners have designed next-generation wellness programs that eschew the one-size-fits-all mantra.”

Baptist Health’s internal wellness program initially was launched as a way to mitigate escalating healthcare costs for its 4,800 employees, but has grown to include increasingly innovative tools and engaging outreach efforts. Relying on Aegis’ proprietary tools, BHS has been able to engage 85 percent of its workforce and measurably reduce tobacco use, decrease body mass index, and improve cholesterol and blood pressure. This led to a 40 percent reduction in primary diabetes claims and complications, among other results.

“Baptist Health is honored to be selected a HealthCare Superstar,” said Beth Francis, BHS’s vice president and chief human resources officer. “Using Aegis Health Group’s data-driven approach has made it easier for us to identify health risks prevalent in our workforce and design specific outreach and educational programs to help our employees become healthier, which makes them feel better and reduces the costs associated with chronic conditions.”

Earlier this year BHS added Aegis’ population health portal, , to its health management initiative. This allows each employee to complete a secure online population health profile, which collects information about lifestyle as well as family and health history then determines potential health risks. Biometric data, such as blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, can be imported directly into an individual’s online profile. BHS receives aggregated data on its workforce, protecting the privacy of individual employees.

Aegis Health Group has assisted hundreds of hospitals with proven-effective business development strategies for nearly 25 years. Its strategic solutions enable hospitals to grow market share and revenue by identifying and intelligently managing the health risks of local consumers within the community they serve. Complementing thisAegis’ data-driven Physician Relationship Management strategy creates strategic alignment between hospitals and their medical staff to drive service-line growth, enhanced patient care and quality, and timely issue resolution. Further information about Aegis is available at or on their blog at .

Baptist Health System Inc. is one of the largest healthcare systems in Alabama and one of the state’s largest employers. The system is a not-for-profit, 501(c) corporation that owns and manages four hospitals in Alabama. Baptist Health System is a ministry of the churches of the Birmingham Baptist Association, whose representatives elect the board of trustees. It was founded in 1922 by a group of local Baptist congregations. More information is available at .