CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Carolinas HealthCare System has entered into an agreement with Nashville-based Applied Health Analytics to license the company's software platform used to assist employers with building a healthier workforce and managing their healthcare costs.

"Improving the overall health of a workforce today requires employers to perform more detailed analysis of their population of employees and invest in more robust tracking and measurement capabilities to support and sustain an overall cultural shift to a healthier organization," said Joe Piemont, President and Chief Operating Officer of Carolinas HealthCare System. "This relationship accelerates Carolinas HealthCare System's ability to help our employer partners create that platform. It builds an interactive way to inform, educate and incentivize their employees to make healthier lifestyle choices and ultimately control their healthcare costs."

In the last 30 years, companies have experienced double digit cost increases that now threaten the viability of their organizations.  In partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System, Applied Health Analytics' software applications link the business interests of employers, brokers and benefit consultants with the resources of community-based healthcare professionals who are best able to encourage lifestyle changes.

"Applied Health Analytics helps companies identify potentially costly health situations and guide employees to healthier lifestyle choices with education and resources," said Russ Guerin, Carolinas HealthCare System Executive Vice President for Business Development and Planning.

Applied Health Analytics provides companies an in-depth analysis to model projected healthcare costs and offer solutions that result in healthier, more engaged employees. "The overall goal is to improve employee health and productivity," said Robert Chamberlain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Applied Health Analytics. "Teaming with a respected healthcare provider such as Carolinas HealthCare System increases the program's benefits."

Carolinas HealthCare System has developed one of the most extensive corporate health and wellness programs in the region, serving more than 2,000 employers from a wide cross section of industries with healthcare solutions designed to improve the overall health of employees, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and reduce healthcare costs.

Applied Health Analytics' new software tool for employers is one of many customized health and wellness workplace solutions offered through Carolinas HealthCare System's employer health and wellness initiative. Other customized elements can include on-site clinics, which offer employees convenient access to health and prevention services; worksite wellness services such as health risk assessments, biometric screenings and health counseling; health fairs featuring glucose screenings and flu shots; "fit-for-duty" assessments and occupational health services such as injury treatment, drug screenings and physical exams.

About Carolinas HealthCare System

Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. CHS works to improve and enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.

About Applied Health Analytics

Applied Health Analytics, LLC, is a Nashville-based software development firm that specializes in the design of evidence-based population health enhancement applications.  The company's suite of software services provides hospitals and health systems a comprehensive, business process support platform to effectively and efficiently manage the health of targeted populations.  In the new era of healthcare, Applied Health Analytics is the recognized leader in advancing the role of health systems across the United States as they seek to engage employers to enhance health and increase share among commercial populations.

SOURCE Carolinas HealthCare System