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Kathleen Hondru
KLH Communications
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Press Release

HDH Group and Vantage^® Healthcare Offer Free Sleep Apnea Screening

Service to help transportation companies improve safety and reduce healthcare and insurance costs

PITTSBURGH, PA – June 4, 2009 – The HDH Group, a nationally recognized leader in the risk management and employee benefit insurance intermediary markets and Pittsburgh’s largest privately-held commercial insurance brokerage firm, is partnering with Vantage® Healthcare to offer free, at-home sleep apnea screening to qualified transportation companies. Through the proactive screening and treatment of sleep apnea, Vantage® Healthcare’s sleep diagnostic services can help trucking companies identify at-risk drivers within their organizations and take effective steps toward improving safety and reducing their healthcare and insurance costs.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. Industry studies estimate the average cost per Tractor-Trailer accident involving a fatality due to sleep apnea is $3,540,000, while the average cost per accident involving an injury is $217,000. In addition, drivers with untreated sleep apnea have an elevated risk for high blood pressure, cardiac disease, heart attack, stroke, fatigue, and diabetes.

Results of a new study that was funded in part by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration found that sleep apnea increases traffic accident risk up to seven-fold. With projections of approximately 2.4 – 3.9 million commercial drivers suffering from this common sleep disorder, the study recommends that the federal government begin mandating sleep apnea screening.

“While the government is not currently mandating sleep apnea screening, leading U.S. trucking companies have already adopted proactive screening and treatment programs that are working to improve overall health and safety,” said Anthony Kocis, director of HDH Group’s Transportation Division. “Studies from these companies have shown that these programs contribute to reduced medical costs, accidents, and turnover – and improved productivity. The HDH Group is committed to helping our clients to improve safety and reduce their insurance costs and risks, so we are delighted to partner with Vantage® Healthcare to bring this valuable – and free – screening service to transportation companies throughout Pennsylvania.”

To learn more about how to participate in this free initial Sleep Apnea Screening Program, contact Jim Kopec of the HDH Group at 412-992-2861. This screening will help transportation companies determine if additional testing and treatment is needed, costs of which are typically covered by most health plans.

About HDH Group

The HDH Group is an employee-owned professional services firm offering risk management, human capital management and alternative risk business solutions that improve clients’ bottom-line performance. HDH works with clients across a wide range of industries, including transportation, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, information technology, financial services, the public sector, and others.

HDH is an owner in Assurex Global, the largest global network of independent insurance brokers with over 500 offices across 6 continents. By combining specialized industry and insurance expertise with an extensive national and international reach, HDH helps its clients to successfully manage their total cost of risk, both today and tomorrow. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, HDH also has offices in Harrisburg and Erie, Pennsylvania. For more information about the HDH Group, visit www.hdhgroup.com, or call 800-434-7760.

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