Employers using wellness programs are seeing a 6.1 percent average annualmedical cost trend reduction and a 13.5 percent average annualmedical cost trend reduction among members with core conditions,according to a new study.

The study was conducted by Zoe Consulting Inc. on behalf ofInteractive Health Solutions Inc, a provider of performance-basedhealth management solutions for employers.

Asthma, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive lungdisease, diabetes and hypertension are examples of core conditions,and many of the health effects from core conditions can be managedthrough early detection as well as compliance with prescribedtherapies.

The study also finds a 7.7 percent reduction in per member permonth during the survey’s final year, and 85 percent of membersmaintained or lessen their health risk levels.

Additionally, respondents spent fewer days out of the workplacebecause of workers’ compensation and short-term disability claims,the study reveals. In fact, respondents returned to their jobs upto nine days sooner while under workers’ compensation and 17 dayssooner for those on short-term disability.

"Employers are continuously searching for responsible ways toreduce health care spending, which has grown to over 25 percent oftotal labor expense," says Joseph O'Brien, president and CEOof Interactive Health Solutions. "We have a long history ofpioneering game-changing wellness programs. The analysis conductedby Zoe Consulting confirms our wellness programs deliver meaningfulresults for individuals and their employers."

This independent analysis is based on multiple years of medicalclaim data from two comparable population groups.