Biometric Health Screening - What you need to know

Biometric screenings often send people running in the opposite direction. To ease your mind before participating in your company’s screening, here are some of the most common questions.

What is a biometric screening?

Think of a biometric screening as a quick snapshot of your health. A biometric screening offers you insight to your current health status. Our certified coaches explain your results to you and may make recommendations for you to improve or maintain your current health.

Our biometric screenings measure:

· Height/Weight/Body Mass Index (BMI)

· Waist Circumference

· Blood Pressure

· Blood Glucose (amount of sugar in the blood)

· Total Cholesterol

· LDL and HDL Cholesterol

· Triglycerides

During the screening, a small amount of blood is taken by a finger-stick to measure blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Why is it important to get a screening?

Completing a biometric screening might identify potential health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high blood sugar. The information provided during a screening can help you discover areas to make changes to support a healthy lifestyle.

How long does it take to get a screening done?

We set aside 15 minutes per screening but it can take longer or shorter based on questions that you may want answered.

How do I prepare?

· Fasting is recommended, not required. Results are the most accurate if you have nothing to eat or drink besides water about 6-12 hours prior.

· Stay hydrated. It helps the finger stick and blood pressure measurement.

· Wear a short sleeved shirt or be able to remove a layer to get an accurate blood pressure reading on your upper arm.

How accurate are the results from my screening?

A fasting blood draw from your doctor’s office or lab is the most accurate measurement. However, the results you receive from our team provide terrific, in-the-moment information about your health. To get more accurate results at a screening event, consider reducing or eliminating caffeine the morning or day of your appointment, and take time to relax a few moments before the screening.

What happens with my information after the screening?

The only person who can access the information from your screening is you and the coach performing the screening. Neither your insurance company nor your employer will have access to your individual results. Results are stored in our secure system to allow for yearly comparisons, making it easy to see your health trends.

How much blood will you take?

We only take a small amount of blood for this test (less than ¼ of a teaspoon).

Do I still need to see my doctor?

Yes. A biometric screening does not replace your annual doctor’s visit or well-check. It is important to have a trusting relationship with your doctor or health care provider. If you do not have a doctor, or unhappy with your current provider, our team can help you find a new provider.

Do I have to have every measurement taken?

No. We encourage participants to complete each measurement to get the most accurate snapshot of your health, but it is not mandatory. You can decline any question or measurement that you are not comfortable with.

When do I get my results?

At the end of your screening one of our coaches reviews your report and results with you.

You also receive an email from www.MyBioCheck.com with a link for you to set up a user name and a password to access your report.

If you are nervous or unsure about participating in a biometric screening, please email us your questions at wellness@magellanhealth.com or give us a call at 1-855-586-2568 to talk to one of our coaches.