HealthQuotient™

1. What is HealthQuotient?

HealthQuotient, is a confidential online or paper-based health risk assessment administered by WebMD.  It asks about current and past health conditions, family history, lifestyle behaviors, readiness-to-change and health care resource utilization. 

2. Who is WebMD?

WebMD is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, other healthcare professionals, employers and health plans.

3. Who is eligible to participate in HealthQuotient?

Full time faculty and staff who are benefit eligible and part time staff participating in Notre Dame’s medical insurance as well as their covered spouses.

4. Why is the University of Notre Dame encouraging the completion of the HealthQuotient™?

The Notre Dame’s Healthy Campus Initiative, has three goals:

1. Create a healthy culture
2. Support individual health
3. Control long-term health care costs

HealthQuotient has the opportunity to meet all three of these goals by placing a greater emphasis on prevention and education and providing the resources needed for faculty and staff to attain their personal health goals.

5. How does Notre Dame benefit from individuals completing the HealthQuotient?

Notre Dame will receive a management report with aggregate data.  This summarized information will help in planning programs based upon the needs and wants of faculty and staff.  Individual personal health information will not be shared with the University!

6. How do I know my information is safe and confidential?

WebMD is an industry leader in the privacy and security of electronic health information and communications.  The information you provide WebMD is available only to you and those you authorize.  You may wish to share your personal information with others such as your doctor, emergency rooms or other healthcare providers.
To view the WebMD® privacy policy, visit
www.wbmd.com/privacy.shtml

7. Why should my spouse and I complete the HealthQuotient?

By completing the health risk assessment you will receive a personalized health report.  This will provide you with a related analysis and a motivational plan to improve your health.  Completing HealthQuotient also provides you the opportunity to work with a Health Coach.  If you complete the assessment during the month of October, a $10 per month credit towards your medical plan contribution will be provided ($120 annually).  If you are not enrolled in a University medical plan, you will receive a $10 per month credit ($120 annually).  If your spouse is covered on the University's medical plan and participates,, an additional $5 per month credit towards your medical contribution plan will be provided ($60 annually). This credit will take effect on your January 2009 paycheck. 

8. How long does it take to complete the HealthQuotient?

The assessment takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. 

9. How do I request a paper version of the HealthQuotient?

Beginning October 1st, English and Spanish versions of HealthQuotient will be available in Human Resources (200 Grace Hall).  Stop by to pick one up or call askHR at 1-5900.

10. What information is needed to complete HealthQuotient?

It is recommended that you complete the following health screenings prior to filling out HealthQuotient:  blood pressure levels, resting heart rate, total cholesterol level, LDL value, HDL value, triglycerides value, blood sugar level, height and weight.

A local provider will be available this fall on campus and at off campus locations to provide you and your spouse the opportunity to obtain these screenings conveniently.  These lab services are also available and are fully covered under all three of the University’s medical plans.

11. How does HealthQuotient work?

HealthQuotient is designed to collect just enough information to identify the essential health risks of individuals between the ages of 18 and 65.  Through lifestyle information, family history, personal medical history, readiness-to-change information and health screening results, HealthQuotient is designed to calculate an overall health status score, a variety of valuable derived risk factors and disease risk potential.  When you complete the assessment, WebMD® will present the results of the scoring and provide helpful reports to guide you in maintaining or improving your health status.

12. How do I benefit from my personal health report?

Using the information you have provided in the HealthQuotient, your personal health report gives you a detailed evaluation of your current health status, identifies personal health risks and creates a customized plan to help reduce your risks.

13. What is Health Coaching?

Health Coaches are knowledgeable, experienced professionals who help you to stay motivated with your health goals.  Through a series of phone conversations, your coach will use the results from the HealthQuotient report to assess your personal needs and provide the information and support you need to make improvements in your health.  Some of the topics you may discuss include:  Exercise, Nutrition, Weight Management, Stress Management, Smoking Cessation, Depression and Alcohol.

14. What qualifies my Health Coach to give me advice?

Health Coaches have degrees in health education, nutrition, exercise physiology, mental health counseling and diabetes management among other specialties.  They are Certified Health Education Specialists or have a similar certification in their specialty.  Health Coaches do not provide clinical information, diagnosis or advice regarding medication.  They are trained to help you move toward better health at a pace that is comfortable for you.

15. How do I begin working with a Health Coach?

Your Health Coach will contact you within 30 days of completing HealthQuotient at the number and the preferred day and time that you provided on the health risk assessment.  If you wish, you may also call WebMD Health Coach at 1-888-696-0790.