HealthFitness and StatBridge, LLC introduce iPad app to streamline employee health screening events

Tablet technology reduces screening time, enhances on-site health advising for employees

MINNEAPOLIS, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- HealthFitness announced today its partnership with StatBridge to develop its own proprietary biometric screening event-management tool utilizing an iPad-based software application that streamlines worksite health screening events and provides employees with immediate actionable information to improve their health status.

HealthFitness is a leading provider of population health management services, serving one out of five Fortune 100 companies in locations across the country. StatBridge LLC, a specialty IT developer of data management and connectivity solutions, is an outgrowth of Stat Technologies, Inc., which is among the nation's largest independent distributors of point-of-care testing products and supplies, serving wellness companies, medical offices and clinics, hospitals and health management program providers. The companies are based in Minnesota.

Since January 2010, HealthFitness has screened 392,500 participants at worksite screening events. HealthFitness measures height, weight, and blood cholesterol levels, and also assesses other health indicators. Health advisors at the screenings then use the results to provide a confidential, personalized session explaining the individual's risk factors and discussing resources available to improve health status. Data is seamlessly managed and individual biometric data is uploaded into personal health assessments within 24 hours. The process today—from registration through screening and including health advising—typically takes 30 minutes per employee.

Using the StatBridge technology, HealthFitness can significantly reduce the time employees are away from their jobs, while enhancing the information flow and accuracy of data used to advise each individual. The technology includes a dedicated server connecting the iPads, which are used by the screening staff to add data at each station visited by the employee. To ensure the privacy and security of the data, the server pulls information from the iPads automatically every 10 seconds, so no personal information resides on the iPad devices themselves.

"We are excited to roll out an iPad application that takes our proven screening process to a new level," said Paul Lotharius, president and CEO of HealthFitness. "We increase accuracy and event efficiency, and roll back our average screening and advising period by a third. For an employer screening 500 workers, that time efficiency can represent 75 more hours employees are at their jobs."

Employees can also take HealthFitness' INSIGHT® health risk assessment (HRA) on iPads during onsite screenings. The data gathered from the HRA is immediately integrated with biometric screening results to produce a customized, employee-specific report, and offers another layer of information for health advisors to assess and discuss with individual participants. With the opportunity to complete both the HRA and the screenings at one event, employees can gain a more complete picture of their current health status and are more likely to engage in appropriate health improvement programs.

Lotharius said HealthFitness worked closely with StatBridge in the development of the application, as its customized version merges the many integrated health management features and services HealthFitness offers its 250 clients. New capabilities, including a Spanish-language version, will be released in 2013.

"The goal is to engage employees so they want to participate in improving their health status. We're combining advanced technology with personalized interaction to make a health screening event not just informative, but fun," Lotharius said. "Being able to see your health screening results immediately, and reviewing your results with a health advisor using engaging graphics and editorial content, helps people decide to take that next step."

StatBridge is thrilled to partner with HFC in the development of this exciting wellness platform for connectivity, data collection and management, said co-owners Perry Witkin and Peter Brew. "StatBridge will allow wireless connectivity to the leading point of care devices for the first time, enabling HealthFitness screeners to use accurate data collection and management tools, along with innovative and user-friendly client applications which are critical for the efficient and cost effective performance of today's corporate wellness screening events," Witkin said.

About HealthFitness

HealthFitness, a subsidiary of The Trustmark Companies, is an award-winning, NCQA-accredited provider of health, fitness and condition management solutions. With 30-plus years of experience, HealthFitness is a proven leader and partner for infusing a culture of health. We maximize client results through personalized interaction and a science-based approach to on-site program management, engagement, prevention, and health and lifestyle management. HealthFitness provides a portfolio of solutions, including best-in-class integration, condition management, INSIGHT® Health Risk Assessments, screenings, EMPOWERED Coaching™ and fitness facility design and management. For more information on HealthFitness, visit http://healthfitness.com/.

About StatBridge, LLC

StatBridge, LLC, is an IT development company specializing in the Corporate Health and Wellness market. Developing tablet based wireless technology platforms used to automate "point of care" testing systems, data collection and management tools. StatBridge systems provides unique customization abilities, allowing clients to utilize both proprietary and market available wellness tools.

SOURCE HealthFitness