thrive! A Publication of the Healthiest State in the Nation Campaign

Think you’re good at word games, crossword puzzles, and quizzes? Well try your luck at answering these health-related questions (created just for thrive! by two state health experts)—“Jeopardy style”—with the answer first, THEN the question!

During the 2007 Governor’s Health Bowl, earn 100 bonus miles for completing an online health risk assessment (HRA)! State employees can do this through Washington Wellness, the wellness program for state employees, retirees, and their families. (See Washington Wellness in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of thrive!).

Find out what a health risk assessment can tell you about your health...

It’s a survey that asks questions about your health, including diet and physical activity habits and previous health screenings you’ve had. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.

The online survey gives you an immediate individualized report about your health and health risks; affirming what you are doing well and making recommendations where improvement is needed to lower your health risks.

Some HRA feedback includes reminders about preventive care services available through your health plan coverage.
What is a Health Risk Assessment?

You’ll receive valuable feedback about your health and your risk factors for chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. Evidence shows that this individualized response can increase your awareness of your health issues. Awareness is the first step to making healthy changes that can reduce your risk for disease and improve your quality of life.
Why should I take a Health Risk Assessment?

The information you provide in the HRA remains with your health plan. Similar to your other medical information, federal laws require your health plan to keep your personal information confidential.
Who has access to my Health Risk Assessment information?

You are encouraged to take an HRA once a year, or when you experience major changes in your health.
How often should I take a Health Risk Assessment?

You can skip questions that you do not want to answer. With questions you are comfortable answering, you are encouraged to answer them honestly. Your answers are completely confidential and there is no penalty for skipping questions.
Do I have to answer all of the questions?

You get personalized feedback regarding your health risks. Some employers offer incentives for taking an HRA. For state employees, these assessments provide the state with a broad picture of employees’ health, so you get to help create a healthier worksite. If you are a Uniform Medical Plan (UMP) member, you will get points towards earning a $30 premium rebate for good health habits.
Is there an incentive for taking a Health Risk Assessment?

You can take an HRA by logging-in to HealthiestState.org, and clicking on “My Health Risk Assessment”. State employees can do this by going to the Washington Wellness website. Under “Taking Charge of Your Health,” follow Step 1, and click on “health risk assessment.” If you are a state employee, be sure to get your 100 bonus miles in the Governor’s Health Bowl on the “My Health Risk Assessment” page when you are logged-in at HealthiestState.org.
Where do I go to take a Health Risk Assessment?

Nancy L. Fisher, MD has been with the Health Care Authority since 2003. Her background includes running a solo practice as a clinical geneticist, and an attending physician appointment at Harborview Medical Center’s Pediatrics Clinic. Dr. Fisher received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Registered Nurse degree from Wayne State University. She then went on to get her Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, and her Masters of Public Health and Certificate in Ethics from the University of Washington.

Malcolm Dejnozka, MD is a distinguished retired military veteran who has served as Medical Director since 2006 for the Uniform Medical Plan (UMP), a self-insured preferred provider organization (PPO) for state employees, retirees, and their families. Serving in multiple capacities such as Chief of Hospital Services and VP of Clinical Services, Dr. Dejnozka has 28 years of proven physician executive experience. He received an MD degree from the University of Texas Medical School and completed pediatric residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio.