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1. Are my health assessment results released to my employer?

Absolutely not! No personal or identifying information will be released to your employer. A health assessment is completely confidential. The city only receives an aggregate report covering group figures, but no individual information will be included on this report. This aggregate data will aid the inBalance Employee Wellness program by identifying areas of greatest health risk which will offer guidance in creating programs to address health concerns.

2. Can my health assessment information be shared with my doctor?

Of course! In fact, we highly encourage it! inBalance wants to equip you with the tools and information you need to take responsibility for your individual health decisions. The results from your personal health questionnaire and biometric screening can be found online at MyBioCheck. Your results will be linked to your MyMercy Account so your physician can access them.

3. Can my spouse or significant other participate?

Yes! Mercy is offers the HRAs to spouses on the City’s insurance for FREE.

4. How do I sign up?

We only offer the health assessments once a year (around the Spring). Check back soon for information about the schedule and registration!

Registration Directions

5. How long does a health assessment last?

Your assessment shouldn’t last much longer than 20 minutes!

6. How long must I be “fasting” for the blood test?

Before your health assessment:

1. Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for at least 8 hours before your scheduled appointment. (You must be fasting this length of time for the blood test to be accurate.
2. Please drink plenty of water as it will help in locating a vein for the cholesterol test.
3. Wear loose clothing around arms to facilitate evaluation procedure.
4. Please take any prescribed medications ordered by your physician with water only. If you are a diabetic and are taking medications, schedule your assessment early and refrain from taking your medication until your blood work has been drawn.
5. Fill complete and bring any required paperwork with you the day of the health assessment.
   6. Please notify the staff if you are pregnant prior to the assessment.

7. If I am out of the office and/or unable to attend any of the health assessment dates, what can I do?

If you are unable to attend any of the set dates for the 2020 health assessment, please contact Audrey Cova, [email protected] or 417-864-1685.

8. Is there a special dress code for a wellness check?

There is no specific dress code for an HRA, but a tip for your clothing choice of the day would be to wear a short sleeve shirt or one with sleeves that can be rolled up. This will provide easy access to your arm for both the blood draw and blood pressure check.

9. What can I do to get the most accurate body fat percent reading at the assessment?

• Do not exercise before the assessment.
• Drink plenty of fluids – do not come in dehydrated.
• Do not drink an excessive amount of fluid within 2 hours of the assessment.
• Do not lie down 30 minutes before the assessment.

10. What does a health assessment include?

Your free health assessment will include:

• Health risk questionnaire
• Lipid Panel (including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose)
• Blood Pressure and pulse
• Weight and Height
• Body Composition analysis

Optional tests are offered for an additional and can be paid for on location through cash, check, or credit card. For updated list of available tests, please email Audrey Cova, [email protected].

11. What if I just went to my doctor for my physical, can I still participate in the health assessment?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage you to do both! Did your physical examination include blood-work? If not, it is a great idea to participate in a health assessment which provides these services for free! Want to participate but don’t want to do the blood-work again? No problem! If you have completed your blood-work in the past 12 months and still want to participate in the HRA, you can check your lab results to make sure they include the following:

• Glucose
• Triglyceride Levels
• HDL
• LDL
• Total Cholesterol

If so, bring a copy of these results to your HRA appointment. When in doubt, complete your lab tests at the HRA as all of the lab results assist us in providing the most accurate wellness picture for you and the City of Springfield.

12. What is a health assessment?

A wellness check consists of 2 parts: a health risk assessment questionnaire and a biometric screening. It is personal and confidential, and because they contain personal health information, they are subject to the HIPAA Privacy laws. Participation in a wellness is completely voluntary and is not required of any employee. 

Part 1: Health Risk Assessment Questionnaire

This is a tool that looks at a person’s behaviors and health history in order to determine individual health. The tool evaluates not only specific measurements, but also measures health habits that can include: 

• Attitudes
• Emotional Health
• Environmental Safety
• Fitness
• Nutrition
• Personal Habits
• Responsibilities
• Social Support
• Spirituality
• Stress

Part 2: Biometric Screening

• Lipid panel (including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose - A1C)
• Blood Pressure and pulse
• Weight and Height
• Body Composition analysis
• Click Here for a list of additional labs offered on the day of your wellness check.

13. When will I receive the results of my health assessment?

Your results will be mailed and uploaded to My BioCheck profile within 2 weeks after the completion of your health assessment. If you haven’t received your report after 2 weeks, please call 417-820-2325 to request your report.