The Cost of a Heart Attack: How Prevention Programs Equal Long Term Savings

If you want to identify a primary force behind the nation's rising health care costs, look no further than cardiac care.

A heart attack, hospital stay and recovery can easily cost $100,000. But because of the prevalence of heart disease in America, cardiac care also offers a valuable opportunity for long-term savings.

In the Business Report, Justin Catanoso interviews Triad Business Journal reporter Owen Covington about his cover stories on both sides of this health care equation. Covington looks at how new doctor-patient relationships are helping to bend this cost curb when treating cardiac patients, and how some employers are also playing a role. He also explains why companies such as Allegacy Federal Credit Union are instituting wellness programs to help their employees manage their health care.

To read Owen Covington stories and more breaking business news from the region, go to The Triad Business Journal online at triad.bizjournals.com. 

Justin Catanoso is director of the Journalism program at Wake Forest University and a regular contributor to 88.5 WFDD.