Study: Wellness Cuts Hospital Trips

Wellness

Source: PLANSPONSOR
02-May-2011

By Rebecca Moore

A retrospective study examined the changes in participation in verified fitness activities and the impact on hospital claims over five years among members of Discovery Health medical plan and found an increased frequency of gym visits was associated with a lower probability of hospital admissions. Two additional gym visits per week reduced the probability of hospital admission by 13 percent. 

According to a press release, the percentage of Vitality members using the gym one or more times a week increased by almost 23 percent. Over time, the percentage of members who joined the gym but were “inactive” decreased by 8 percent, and there was an increase in the percentage of members classified as “medium- and high-engaged” in fitness related activities. 

Members who consistently maintained or increased engagement with fitness-related activities had the best outcomes related to hospital admission and costs. Hospital costs were 6 percent lower in those members who were inactive and became active and 16 percent lower in those members who were active throughout the study compared with those members who remained inactive. 

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