Stonegate Strategic Advisors' research study provides insight into what the corporate...

Stonegate Strategic Advisors' research study provides insight into what the corporate marketplace seeks from health and productivity management, disease management and wellness programs

Study results published at Managed Healthcare Executive Web site
CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Health and productivity management (HPM), disease management (DM),
and wellness programs continue to gain traction in the corporate
marketplace, but questions remain about measurable impact, according
to a Stonegate Strategic Advisors' research study published on the
Managed Healthcare Executive Web site.

To read the study results, go to
http://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/stonegate. Stonegate
principal Scott C. Dillingham authored the article.

The study, conducted in 2007, shows that HPM, DM and wellness
programs will become fundamental elements in employer efforts to
contain health benefit costs, especially as employers and vendors
address gaps in these programs. Employers also see these programs
helping them to better manage benefit use and achieve transparency
across a broad spectrum of employee data.

Study participants noted current strengths and gaps:

-- There is growing interest in and use of HPM, DM and wellness
programs.

-- Employers perceive HPM as an "evolution" and ideal future
state beyond wellness and DM.

-- HPM is not well understood as a concept.

-- Employers still view "standard" DM and wellness efforts
skeptically from a financial and business management
perspective.

-- Firms continue to struggle with the data integration, impact
measurement, and analysis and coordination efforts required
for effective program implementation.

-- A gap remains between business goals and the perceived ability
of HPM, DM and wellness programs to deliver solid measurable
impact. When employees are actively engaged in these programs,
measurable improvements in healthy behaviors can be achieved.
Yet, employers and their vendors still face data management
and coordination challenges, unclear health and financial
impacts, and softly defined abilities to manage cost and
benefit use.

Current DM users; prospective HPM, DM and wellness users; and
large group benefit consultancies were interviewed as part of the
study.

About Stonegate Strategic Partners

Stonegate Strategic Advisors, LLC, provides strategic counsel and
business advisory services to companies within the health and wellness
industry. The firm has doubled in size within the past two years by
rapidly delivering tangible results for clients through focused
assignments and actionable recommendations. Stonegate's unique focus
on research and analytical rigor provides the foundation for the
practical advice the firm provides. Stonegate's attention to the
fundamentals that support strategic decision making enables the firm's
clients to think, grow, market and sell more effectively. For more
information about Stonegate Strategic Advisors, call 312-397-1111 or
visit http://www.stonegateadvisors.com.

for Stonegate Strategic Advisors
Ray Valek, 708-352-8695
ray@valekco.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008