Getting regular calls from a nurse on how to handle your diabetes or heart condition might sound like a hassle. But for many patients, it's turning out to be a helpful and reassuring adjunct to their existing care routine. Employers like UPS are hiring health professionals, particularly registered nurses, to touch base regularly with employees and coach them on how to manage chronic illnesses, address health concerns like weight loss or even answer insurance coverage question. Some plans wait for members to call in, while others ask the "health coach" to check in at a regular interval. Many of these programs also offer workbooks, exercise tools and Web sites useful for recording and monitoring exercise and diet.
Early evidence suggests that these programs are reducing complications from chronic conditions and cutting back on hospital admissions substantially. Consulting firm Watson Wyatt projects that 54 percent of the largest US employers will offer health coaching to employees by 2007.
To learn more about health coaching:
- read this article in the Los Angeles Times
PLUS: Hoping to cut costs, most large employers have begun to offer wellness programs. Article
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Nurse-trained patients less likely to be readmitted. Report