A locally based self-insured health care program that emphasizes wellness services and health management is reporting success in holding down health costs.

The Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, in a plan administered by Aetna, says medical claims costs for the 15,000 members and dependents enrolled its health care program in Pittsburgh and 170 other markets grew by one-half percent in 2006-07.

By comparison, Aetna's other fee-for-service plans saw an 11 percent increase during the same period.

One key, said PBGH Executive Director Christine Whipple, is that the plan bundles in care management services at no extra cost.

Those services may include coaches, usually nurses, to help patients manage their diabetes, asthma or other chronic condition. Other specialists might provide dietary tips for lowering cholesterol. The specific offerings differ from employer to employer, depending on individual employer health plans.

"We do believe that including those care management programs makes a difference," she said. Given the results, she added, "We believe there is an important message here to get out to the employers."

Bill Jesserer, Aetna's top executive in Western Pennsylvania, likened the PBGH approach to "having a personal health care action plan." By addressing a health problem early, then having ongoing follow-up, patient outcomes improve and employer claims costs are lower, he said.

"In some instances, we're saying that services need to be added based on the particular condition a patient has."

One measurable benefit, he said, has been increased patient compliance, which he attributed to the program's emphasis on follow-through. "The patients actually felt there was a partnership with us as well as the doctor."

Mr. Jesserer said he hoped to see the program grow 15 percent to 20 percent annually as more employers see its results.

PBGH is a nonprofit coalition of 64 members nationwide employing more than 1 million workers, their dependents and retirees that works toward improving the delivery, cost and quality of health care. Aetna insures 37.3 million people nationwide.