BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program
Questions
- What is the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
- What can BiophysicalCheck tell employees about their health beyond their annual physical?
- How does testing biomarkers help determine the health of an employee?
- What is velocity of change in biomarkers and why is this important?
- How is biomarker testing different from genetic testing?
- How can Biophysical test for so many biomarkers with a single sample of blood?
- What biomarkers are evaluated in the BiophysicalCheck?
- Why does Biophysical compare two blood samples?
- Who should participate in the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
- Can BiophysicalCheck diagnose disease?
- How has BiophysicalCheck been tested?
- How do employees prepare for a blood draw?
- How much does it cost?
- What will be included in the BiophysicalCheck report?
- If a BiophysicalCheck test result shows that an employee has biomarkers that are out of range, what does that mean?
- Where can employees go for further clarification of their BiophysicalCheck results?
- How is the privacy of an employee's personal results maintained?
- How long should employees participate in the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
- Where is BiophysicalCheck available?
- Is BiophysicalCheck covered by insurance?
- Does Biophysical offer other biomarker assessments to corporate customers?
- How is BiophysicalCheck different from Biophysical250?
What is the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
BiophysicalCheck is an annual corporate program developed to help keep your employees healthy by helping to identify the presence of many common diseases and conditions. It is an affordable biomarker-based blood test which aids in the discovery of many conditions not routinely evaluated during the annual physical exam and blood work*. BiophysicalCheck looks at biomarkers used to help identify conditions that are often misdiagnosed or difficult to diagnose as well as many types of cancer, and assesses cardiovascular risk. The benefit is providing more information that your employees and their physicians can use to track health status and make better decisions. Not only is BiophysicalCheck invaluable for your employees, your company also benefits from improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and lower healthcare costs.
Please note: BiophysicalCheck does not include routine labs such as CBC, Chem 20 or a basic lipid profile. These important labs are typically ordered and reviewed by your physician during your yearly physical. BiophysicalCheck includes many labs that are valuable but not routinely ordered. We recommend that everyone follow their physician's advice regarding routine, yearly lab testing. If you have not had these routine labs conducted, we recommend that you visit with your physician to determine whether or not you should have these tests performed.
What can BiophysicalCheck tell employees about their health beyond their annual physical?
Blood tests in annual physical examinations typically evaluate a limited number of biomarkers. BiophysicalCheck goes beyond the standard annual physical blood test to measure a number of biomarkers that can help indicate the presence of over 25 diseases and conditions that are prevalent in the U.S. population, but are often difficult to diagnose. If undiagnosed, the diseases and conditions can contribute to employee absenteeism, lower job productivity and higher health insurance costs.
In Year Two and subsequent years, BiophysicalCheck measures biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. By measuring these biomarkers annually and comparing the results to a blood sample drawn the previous year, physicians can often detect significant changes that could indicate a problem is developing, even before symptoms appear. To illustrate the importance of this testing, consider cholesterol. Many people have their cholesterol measured annually, yet approximatlely 50 percent of people who have a heart attack have normal cholesterol levels. For this reason, BiophysicalCheck Year Two goes well beyond a simple cholesterol test to measure additional important biomarkers that can help evaluate the risk for cardiovascular disease. Treating cardiovascular disease and cancer at the earliest stages can improve treatment outcomes and lower the cost of treatment.
Please note: BiophysicalCheck does not include routine labs such as CBC, Chem 20 or a basic lipid profile. These important labs are typically ordered and reviewed by your physician during your yearly physical. BiophysicalCheck includes many labs that are valuable but not routinely ordered. We recommend that everyone follow their physician's advice regarding routine, yearly lab testing. If you have not had these routine labs conducted, we recommend that you visit with your physician to determine whether or not you should have these tests performed.
How does testing biomarkers help determine the health of an employee?
Biomarkers are one the best indicators of what is currently occurring in our bodies. Numerous biomarkers provide scientific indication of a person's health. By measuring key biomarkers that may indicate the presence of chronic diseases and conditions as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer, employees can better understand the current state of their health. Biomarkers that measure outside the normal reference ranges can mean there is an underlying, problem causing an employee to be unable to perform their job at peak performance. Out-of-range biomarkers could also indicate the presence of potentially life-threatening cardiovascular disease or cancer. Identifying cardiovascular disease and cancer at the earliest stages—often before symptoms appear—may improve the effectiveness of treatment and lower the cost.
What is velocity of change in biomarkers and why is this important?
Biomarker assessment measures an individual's biochemistry, which can help indicate the presence of developing diseases and medical conditions. Levels of specific biomarkers changing dramatically over time can be indicative of health problems; therefore measuring biomarkers on multiple occasions is much more helpful in detecting diseases than measuring biomarkers one time. The first assessment serves to indicate an individual's current state of health and establishes a baseline for future analysis.
By establishing baselines for each biomarker and then performing biomarker assessments periodically—every year or two thereafter—physicians can get better insights into what is normal blood chemistry for an individual and what is not. If, in subsequent testing, the levels of a particular biomarker change dramatically, it may be because of a developing problem.
For example, repeatedly measuring the level of the PSA biomarker over the course of several years may show that one man's PSA level is consistently on the higher level of the normal range. This consistency indicates that this "higher than average" PSA level is normal for him and that his prostate remains healthy.
Another man's first biomarker screening may show that his PSA level is in the low normal range, again indicating a healthy prostate. Subsequent screenings, however, show a marked increase in his PSA level to the high normal level. By monitoring and observing the "velocity of change" in this individual's PSA level, his physician has an indication that this man may be at risk. With this early warning, further tests can be performed to discover if, in fact, the man has early-stage prostate cancer.
How is biomarker testing different from genetic testing?
Biomarker testing is not the same as genetic testing. Genetic testing indicates an individual's predisposition for a certain disease or condition, whereas biomarker testing indicates what is currently occurring in the body. BiophysicalCheck assesses biomarkers that are actually present in a person's blood, which can provide more insight into important health conditions that may be present and provide a good snapshot of an employee's current health status.
How can BiophysicalCheck test for so many biomarkers with a single sample of blood?
BiophysicalCheck builds on the science and success of Biophysical's flagship, health assessment, Biophysical250 evaluating dozens of biomarkers using just a sample of blood, with the same innovative technology that has been used for many years for clinical research and by the pharmaceutical industry. To compare, if you wanted to test all of these biomarkers using conventional laboratory methods, it would take multiple blood draws and cost significantly more.
What biomarkers are evaluated in the BiophysicalCheck?
There are a number of biomakers assessed to help identify many diseases and conditions. To view a list click here.
Why does Biophysical compare two blood samples from each employee?
One of the most effective ways to manage our health is by monitoring the velocity of change of medically significant biomarkers, especially those related to cancer. For that reason, Biophysical draws a small sample of blood from each BiophysicalCheck participant each year: the sample is tested immediately and a small portion is saved for testing along with the next year's sample. The first sample establishes a baseline for an employee's health and the second helps identify at the earliest stages if there is a call for concern with regard to cancer.
Comparing blood samples drawn a year apart enables physicians to detect any significant changes in biomarker readings. Each year of participation in the program brings powerful information to a person's health surveillance program. Tracking changes in a large panel of interrelated biomarkers is the most powerful benefit of the BiophysicalCheck program.
A company may also choose to substitute the Biophysical250 health assessment for Year One of the BiophysicalCheck program. Biophysical250 assesses over 250 markers from 12 medical specialities, giving a more comprehensive view of one's health. Following the Biophysical250 in year one, the employee would take the BiophysicalCheck in year two.
Who should participate in the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
Corporate health and wellness programs may contribute to reducing health-related absenteeism, improving job productivity and reducing health insurance costs by helping employees adopt a lifestyle designed to maintain—or regain—optimal health through good eating habits, exercise, weight maintenance, annual physical exams, recommended health screenings and inoculations.
BiophysicalCheck goes far beyond the annual physical blood work* and complements your corporate health and wellness program by testing biomarkers that can indicate the presence of over 25 diseases and conditions that are prevalent in the U.S. population. These diseases and conditions are often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms they produce are often ambiguous, yet, when present, they can increase employee absenteeism and reduce productivity. BiophysicalCheck also measures biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease and cancer.
For these reasons, every executive and employee can benefit from participating in the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program for as long as they work for your company.
*Please note: BiophysicalCheck does not include routine labs such as CBC, Chem 20 or a basic lipid profile. These important labs are typically ordered and reviewed by your physician during your yearly physical. BiophysicalCheck includes many labs that are valuable but not routinely ordered. We recommend that everyone follow their physician's advice regarding routine, yearly lab testing. If you have not had these routine labs conducted, we recommend that you visit with your physician to determine whether or not you should have these tests performed.
Can BiophysicalCheck diagnose disease?
BiophysicalCheck assesses biochemical changes in the body that frequently correlate with specific diseases; it is not a diagnostic test. Only personal physicians can make the actual diagnosis of a specific disease.
How has BiophysicalCheck been tested?
The biomarker testing technology used for the BiophysicalCheck program is based on our flagship product, the Biophysical250 health assessment. The world's leading pharmaceutical companies have used this technology successfully for years in human clinical trials. Since January 2004, the Biophysical250 has been used on hundreds of individuals. The results have shown that even outwardly healthy people can discover the initial stages of serious problems by taking the Biophysical250.
How do employees prepare for a blood draw?
Once the blood draw is scheduled, a Biophysical representative will provide your designated company contact all the necessary details. The blood draw takes just a few minutes. The BiophysicalCheck test does not require any fasting at all. The Biophysical250 requires employees to fast for 8-10 hours prior to having their blood drawn; however, they may drink water, black coffee and take their normal, regular medications.
How much does it cost?
The BiophysicalCheck program is $795 per person per year. If companies choose to offer the Biophysical250 test in Year One, there are volume discounts available for the Biophysical250 for companies committing to a multi-year program.
What will be included in the BiophysicalCheck report?
BiophysicalCheck results are presented in a well-organized, private electronic report that includes an easy-to-understand overview of the biomarkers and associated diseases and conditions along with the reference ranges and the employee's personal lab results for all of the biomarkers included in the BiophysicalCheck assessment.
If a BiophysicalCheck test result shows that an employee has biomarkers that are out of range, what does that mean?
If one or more of biomarkers is outside the normal range—which is not unusual—Biophysical recommends the employee share the BiophysicalCheck results with their doctor to find out what next steps he or she may recommend.
Where can employees go for further clarification of their BiophysicalCheck results?
Once your employees receive their BiophysicalCheck results, Biophysical recommends that they visit with their personal physician for any follow up or questions.
How is the privacy of an employee's personal results maintained?
Privacy and personalized service are founding principles of the Biophysical's health assessments. Following the blood test, a private electronic report will be provided directly to the employee. Test results are the personal property of each individual employee and will not be shared with the employer. Security and Privacy Policy
How long should employees participate in the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program?
Regular testing of cardiovascular and cancer biomarkers allows physicians to analyze the trends that can be the earliest sign of impending problems. For that reason, employees should be encouraged to participate in the BiophysicalCheck program each year of their employment with your company.
Where is BiophysicalCheck available?
BiophysicalCheck is currently available to companies through the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program in 48 contiguous states. BiophysicalCheck is not currently available direct to the consumer. Additional markets are under development.
Is BiophysicalCheck covered by insurance?
BiophysicalCheck is not currently covered by insurance providers.
Does Biophysical offer other biomarker assessments to corporate customers?
Yes, Biophysical also offers its flagship health assessment, Biophysical250. Biophysical250 delivers a more comprehensive assessment of over 250 different biomarkers, and may indicate potentially serious medical conditions before symptoms appear and when treatment options are the widest and most effective. The Biophysical250 assessment can be substituted for Year One of the BiophysicalCheck program.
How is BiophysicalCheck different from Biophysical250?
BiophysicalCheck is an annual health assessment program that measures biomarkers to help identify over 25 common diseases and conditions seen in the U.S. population. Many of these diseases and conditions are difficult to diagnose, but can have an affect on employee productivity and wellness.
The second stage of the BiophysicalCheck program—which begins with the second year of participation in the program and goes on indefinitely—assesses cardiovascular health and monitors the velocity of change of many important cancer biomarkers. This establishes a baseline for an employee's health and helps identify at the earliest stages if there is a call for concern with regard to cancer or their cardiovascular health. Each employee receives a private electronic copy of the report outlining the results.
Biophysical250 is a more comprehensive health assessment. Biophysical250 simultaneously assesses 250 biomarkers used by 12 different medical specialties. The additional markers tested by Biophysical250 can help indicate the presence of a variety of diseases and conditions, often before symptoms appear and when treatment options are the widest and most successful.
Biophysical250 includes a complete medical history prior to taking the test and a private, in-depth phone consultation with a Biophysical physician. It also includes comprehensive report analyzing all the biomarkers that comprise Biophysical250, as well as a copy for the employee's physician. The findings are color-coded to make them easy to read, and accompanied by a detailed glossary arranged by category and prioritized with an explanation of their significance.
Under the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program, companies can substitute the Biophysical250 health assessment for Year One of the BiophysicalCheck program.
We hope we've answered your questions about the BiophysicalCheck Corporate Program, but if we've overlooked something of importance to you we invite your questions. Please email us at info@biophysicalcorp.com or contact Nicole Miskovsky at 800.532.7092 or nmiskovsky@biophysicalcorp.com.
Disclaimer: BiophysicalCheck results do not constitute a medical opinion or advice. These results are not medical care, treatment, a treatment recommendation or a diagnosis. Communication with medical professionals employed by Biophysical Corporation about BiophysicalCheck or its results does not establish a physician-patient relationship.