Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today its launch of Whole Health Dimensions, a suite of programs and services designed to help companies manage the health risks of their employees.

One of the programs will provide “community wellness coordinators” from Wellmark to work directly with employers.

As part of the initiative, Wellmark members will be encouraged to establish a “medical home” with their health-care provider and take a more active role in managing their health through an array of services. Those programs and services include:

– Decision-support tools that include 24-hour telephone services to help Wellmark members navigate the health-care system and receive answers about their health-related questions;

– Wellness programs that include an online health assessment, Web-based tools, on-site wellness screenings, telephonic health coaching and on-site program delivery;

– Consultative services to help companies plan and design health-management strategies based on their unique situations and needs; and

– More robust disease management, pregnancy care, utilization management and case management programs.

“Helping our members live healthier lifestyles is a top priority for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield,” said Dr. Dale Andringa, Wellmark’s chief medical officer, in a press release. “Our research supports the approach we are taking with Whole Health Dimensions because it facilitates the patient-clinician relationship and encourages the member to establish a medical home and helps encourage improved health and productivity.” The services can be tailored to the specific needs of members and are integrated to enable members to move easily from one program to another, officials said.

Wellmark, which covers about one in three Iowans, said it plans to introduce the full suite of Whole Health Dimensions to its fully insured group and individual customers through 2008. The programs are also available to self-insured groups and their members. A number of those self-funded employer groups are already using these programs, according to the release.

To support the programs, Wellmark has established a “center of excellence” service center at the Capital Square building downtown, staffed with 65 employees to provide telephone and face-to-face support. In total, the company has so far created 80 new positions to support the Whole Health Dimensions services and plans to create another 30 to 40 positions in 2010 when it moves its Personal Health Assistant support center from San Antonio, Texas.