A comprehensive health promotion program reduced cardiovascular disease-related medical and hospital costs, according to a new study.
CSX Transportation, a national company with 30,000 employees, developed the program in 2004 to address employees' high rates of cardiovascular disease when compared to national benchmarks and the associated higher healthcare costs.
Over time, the program included a variety of interventions, such as biometric screenings, nutrition and exercise health coaching, and on-site fitness centers at multiple employee locations. Researchers analyzed the impact of the program on cardiovascular disease-related medical and hospital claims, using 2006-08 data on 5,768 non-contract employees.
They found: