Delivering High-Value Musculoskeletal Care - A Virtual Care Solution That Preserves In-Person Physical Therapy Volume

Managing musculoskeletal conditions presents significant challenges, including high health care expenses from various medical interventions. These challenges are magnified when pain becomes chronic in nature. Early access to conservative measures, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, can reduce downstream health care costs and use. Because accessibility and cost to the patient can be barriers to engaging in noninvasive services, virtual musculoskeletal care may be effective in decreasing the barriers to participation in rehabilitation services. Through a pilot study with its own insured population, Emplify Health by Bellin implemented a third-party virtual platform to help Bellin and its patients navigate these barriers. The integration of the virtual musculoskeletal care solution did not reduce in-person visits per beneficiary but added to the overall number of combined visits - virtual and in person. It is plausible that the addition of the third-party virtual musculoskeletal care service enabled participation for individuals who would not otherwise attend in-person therapy because of their own concerns about timely or convenient access to care or other obstacles. Further studies are needed to assess if the integration of a virtual musculoskeletal care option decreases downstream health care costs and use.