Why a biometric screening is essential
What is a biometric screening?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines biometric screening as “the measurement of physical characteristics such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood glucose that can be taken at the work site and used as part of a workplace health assessment.” This information becomes the baseline to monitor and evaluate changes in an employee’s health each year.
According to a 2022 Employer Health and Benefits survey, biometric screenings are second only to flu clinics as the most popular worksite wellness tool, with 24% of small firms and 45% of large firms offering them. These percentages are on the rise after many wellness programs were put on hold during the pandemic, with large firms almost reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Additionally, 85% of companies with 200 or more employees offer at least one wellness program focused on tobacco cessation, weight loss and/or another program emphasizing lifestyle or behavioral change.
But why the popularity? A few important reasons stand out.
Why employers are offering biometric screenings
1. Up to 50% of factors that determine our health are attributed to lifestyle and healthy behaviors
These behaviors include eating habits, level of physical activity, stress management skills and more. Post-screening health coaching is beneficial for identifying behaviors and habits to modify for improved outcomes.
2. 75% of healthcare costs stem from preventable chronic health conditions
These costs are considered preventable in that lifestyle change and professional support can make a significant difference in condition severity, progression and status. A biometric screening may be the first step in identifying a possible health condition.
3. Three of the five most costly out-of-pocket health conditions have a strong link to lifestyle modification
Diabetes
If worksite biometric screenings help only 10% of the Americans with prediabetes discover they’re at risk, that represents over 9 million people
Obesity
If 15% of obese Americans decreased their BMI (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) to less than 29.9, 10.5 million individuals would decrease their risk of dying early (mid-adulthood) by 50%
Heart disease (stroke)
One of the major risk factors of stroke is high blood pressure, which often presents without any symptoms. Catching hypertension early, at its mildest form, may result in 50% lower disability costs. Lowering blood pressure by just 10 mmHg cuts the risk of stroke by over 20%
Make the most of biometric screenings with these five steps
Even if you don’t offer on-site biometric screenings through a partner like Labcorp, you can still get your employees started on the right path by suggesting they:
- Schedule a biometric screening with their doctor so they can know their numbers
- Review high risk numbers with a health professional
- Get screened annually to stay in the know
- Modify their behaviors (if needed) to stay healthy
- Work with a health coach to improve their overall health
It’s your employees’ lives, health and journey. What they do now can help them live longer, healthier lives.