Commitment to Community Cardiovascular Health Benefit for Firefighters
Colorado State Statute 14-172, outlines the importance of ensuring our firefighters are equipped with health benefits to specifically address understanding and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. Our CORE program ensures our firefighters have access to critical testing outlined by statute 14-172. Please see the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust website for more in-depth information on how this program applies to you and your crew. You can also find information on reimbursement procedures and any grant funding available to your department.
We do our best to make this process easy and accessible. When you get your testing at our CSU facility in Fort Collins, CO, there are no extra fees. But if logistics make it difficult to come to us, we can come to you. The only catch is we do charge additional fees to cover our travel expenses and we need to make sure your facility can accommodate our testing procedures.
See info on preparing your site for CORE testing which outlines all the details to help you make a determination if on-site testing will work for your department. We encourage you to work with neighboring fire agencies to organize cost-sharing strategies whenever possible.
Are you ready to get started?
Request a proposal or schedule testing
Request a CORE Trip
Steps to Completing the CORE Screening
What tests do I get in the CORE screening?
The CORE screening includes the following tests:
- Resting 12-lead electrocardiogram or ECG
- Fasting glucose
- Fasting lipids
- Height
- Weight
- Waist circumference
- Resting blood pressure
- Review of other risk factors including family and personal health history and smoking habits
Based on the results of the screenings, we will recommend any additional tests if necessary. We advise additional tests based on a physician’s interpretation of the ECG and individual risk factors.
Information for Testing
CFH Trust
The Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust aids the state’s fire professionals to minimize the human and financial burdens created by serious health issues by providing both mandated cardiac and voluntary cancer benefits to the state’s firefighters. Spread the word about the CFH Trust and how it is a valuable health benefit for firefighters.
Testing Site Requirements and Instructions
Make sure your facility can accommodate our testing staff and equipment. Use this checklist to prepare for testing day.
Testing Day Preparation Instructions
Share this Information with the firefighters and staff who will be getting the CORE testing. This will help them prepare for what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need additional tests?
Based on the results of the screenings, we will recommend any additional tests if necessary. We advise additional tests based on a physician’s interpretation of the ECG and the number of risk factors. If you need a follow-up, we refer you to your personal primary care physician. You are responsible for follow-up with your doctor.
Who has access to my test results?
This data is considered private health information and only the individual will have access to the results of the testing, NOT the department, with one exception. *If the ECG results show there is a condition that impacts your ability to safely perform your duties as a firefighter.
*An example would be if we found an undiagnosed heart issue like atrial fibrillation, we would need to contact someone at your department. This would likely mean you would be removed from on-duty status until you see a physician who can determine if/when you are able to return to duty based on firefighter job performance requirements.
What happens to the data once it is collected and results are sent out?
Your data is only accessible to the Heart Disease Prevention Program staff approved to work in the program. Each firefighter is assigned a number that is not associated with any identifying information. In the end, the collected data belongs to the firefighter.
We cannot send the information to anyone without written consent from the firefighter.
You collect information on firefighter's family history, does this violate the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008?
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act is meant to eliminate any discrimination of access to health insurance and employment status based solely on genetic information. For the CORE testing program, providing any information on family history is optional because of GINA as identified in the Heart Trust form on this page. The Fire Department will not see any individual data collected from any firefighter. Therefore the Heart Trust form simply indicates that we reviewed pieces of information such as family history and smoking status in relation to the individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. No family history or genetic information will be shared with the department.
If a firefighter does not feel comfortable with answering questions related to family history, s/he can simply choose to opt-out of these questions. When an individual does not complete the family history portion of the testing, family history is counted as a risk factor. This occurs in other situations such as with individuals who are adopted and may not know their family history.
How long does it take to get my results?
Physician interpretation of the ECG may take up to one week, so you can expect to get your results about two weeks after your screening.
How much does it cost to get the screening?
The cost for each individual firefighter is $115 in addition to travel costs.
Do I need documentation to get reimbursed?
We will also provide a completed verification form for each individual that the screening was performed as required by the State Statute to apply for benefits.
How is the Fire Department reimbursed from the Heart Trust?
The Heart Trust does not receive anything directly from the CORE program. Your department receives one form for the entire department that will indicate which tests were done and is signed by the physician who reviews the 12 lead ECG. Your department will submit these forms to the Heart Trust for reimbursement.
Contact the Colorado Firefighter Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust to determine if your agency qualifies for reimbursement.