WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BIOMETRIC SCREENING? A biometric screening measures some basic physical characteristics such as your height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. The blood draw test includes measurements of your Glucose, Cholesterol (Total, LDL, HDL, Risk Ratio), A1c, and Cotinine (a test for nicotine).
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE MY SCREENING RESULTS IN THE DESIRED RANGE? The annual biometric screening, provided to you by Oaks, offers you the opportunity to establish a baseline of your health status. By completing this screening annually you and your physician will be able to evaluate your risk for various health issues. Many health conditions can be prevented with early detection, which is why knowing your numbers is so important.
Often times, when your screening results do not fall within the “desired range” it will help identify issues which may be controlled through proper nutrition and exercise. You want to be aware of your results and take action on correcting any issues as quickly as possible.
WHY IS MY BLOOD PRESSURE READING IMPORTANT? If your blood pressure is not within the “desired range” you may have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. But often having high blood pressure has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it. Ideally, for people with normal blood pressure, your top number (systolic pressure) should be lower than 120 and your bottom number (diastolic pressure) should be lower than 80. If your blood pressure is a bit high, or you’ve never had high blood pressure in the past, often as a first step, a doctor may recommend tweaking your diet (less sodium, more fruits and vegetables), quitting smoking, or starting an exercise program.
WHAT IS HDL? HDL clears from the body via the liver. HDL may therefore prevent buildup of plaque, protect your arteries, and protect you from cardiovascular disease. It’s considered the “good” cholesterol, and higher levels are better. Aim for HDL higher than 50 mg/dL for women and 40 mg/dL for men. The higher your HDL cholesterol numbers, the lower your risk is for heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke.
WHAT IS AN IDEAL BLOOD SUGAR (GLUCOSE)? Learning your blood glucose number can potentially help you prevent or delay becoming diabetic, or help you make necessary lifestyle or medical changes to better control your sugars. If you have pre-diabetes and are overweight, for example, losing even a small amount of weight (5 to 7 percent) can help cut your risk of developing diabetes. For people without diabetes, a fasting glucose under 100 mg/dL or A1C under 5.7 percent is normal.
TRIGLYCERIDES, WHAT ARE THEY? Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. Oil, margarine, butter and most other fats in your food are triglycerides. Your blood absorbs them after you eat. But that’s not the only source. Your body also turns extra calories – especially from “simple carbs” such as pastries, white bread, candy, sugar and alcohol – into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells.
The right amount of triglycerides are used to transfer and store energy for later use. Too many can raise your risk of heart disease or stroke, especially if you have high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Triglycerides are increased by obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and alcohol. A desirable result for your triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL.
DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM? An annual physical exam is an extremely important component of your overall health and well-being. Medically enrolled employees and spouses should plan to complete their yearly physical and submit the physician affidavit form to Innovative Workplace Wellness in order to earn one point towards the incentive. It is important to remember that you can complete an annual physical exam once every plan year, you do not have to wait a full 365 days to complete a physical exam.
WHAT IF I AM NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE OAKS MEDICAL PLAN? If you are planning to enroll or are going to be new to the Oaks Integrated Care medical plan, you are encouraged to participate in the wellness program.
If you are not eligible for benefits or if you are not enrolling in the Oaks medical plan, you are not eligible to participate in the wellness screenings.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT THE SCREENING? The process takes about 15 minutes from check-in to completion and includes a blood draw. The test panel includes Glucose, Cholesterol (Total, LDL, HDL, Risk Ratio), A1c, and Cotinine (a test for nicotine). There will also be measurements taken of your height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Remember to fast. No food or drink except water for 8-12 hours before your screening (unless otherwise advised by your physician). Drink plenty of water and take all medications according to your regular schedule.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY SCREENING?
Fasting for 8 hours is strongly recommended for the most accurate results. Fasting is defined as no food or other caloric intake, so drink only water in the 8 hours prior to your screening. Also, avoid chewing gum, or mints (even if sugarless).
If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, please consult your physician prior to fasting for the screening.
Take all prescription medications as you normally would, with water.
Wearing light, non-bulky clothing will assist with more accurate readings of body measurements.
Arrive a few minutes prior to your appointment time and take a few minutes to relax to help ensure that your blood pressure is at a resting level.
WHEN AND HOW WILL I GET MY RESULTS? Quest will mail you a copy of your results within 10-14 business days after your screening. Also you can log into the Quest portal to view them online: www.my.questforhealth.com.
Your results will NOT be sent to your personal physician’s office, but we encourage you to bring a copy of your report to your next doctor’s visit, or mail a copy to be included in your medical record.
In addition, upon completion of your biometric screening with Quest, Innovative Workplace Wellness will be emailing you an update of your points status.
IS THE WELLNESS PROGRAM CONFIDENTIAL? All information is personal and confidential, as protected by federal law. Innovative Workplace Wellness professionals have access to your individual information for program facilitation only. For incentive and payroll purposes, Oaks Integrated Care will receive the following individual information: 1) Your wellness program total points status AND 2) Your tobacco/nicotine use.
Any Personal Health Information (PHI) gathered during a screening is protected by state and federal privacy laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). To comply with this law, privacy practices are posted throughout the organization.
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? If you have any questions at all regarding the wellness program, please contact Innovative Workplace Wellness at wellness@ibpllc.com.
DISCLOSURE: Your health plan is committed to helping you achieve your best health. A premium incentive for earning 4 points in the wellness program is available to all employees under the Medical plan. You have the right to appeal under this wellness program. In order to appeal contact us at (888) 427-7383 or email wellness@ibpllc.com by October 15, 2023.
Oaks complies with Reasonable Alternative Standards (RAS). If you think you might be unable to meet a standard for achieving discounted health plan contributions under “A Healthier You” wellness program, you may qualify for an opportunity to earn the same reward by different means.
Those who use tobacco have the option to participate in a Tobacco Cessation program to be eligible to earn the best rate.