HealthPartners now offering digital physical therapy

New option through Omada Health’s Musculoskeletal Program provides convenient, affordable physical therapy experience for members

Bloomington, Minn. — About 50 percent of adults in the U.S. have a musculoskeletal (MSK) disorder, an injury or condition that affects the body’s bones, joints, or muscles. The most common MSK disorders are arthritis-related conditions, back and neck pain, injuries and osteoporosis, according to research.

To help its members manage these issues and simplify their experience, HealthPartners is now offering virtual physical therapy through Omada Health’s Musculoskeletal Program for Joint and Muscle Health. Members schedule appointments with physical therapists, who use technology to assess movement and range of motion.

“Options like this make care and coverage simpler and more affordable for our members and give them the flexibility to receive care that works for them,” said Dr. Kevin Ronneberg, medical director with HealthPartners. “As an organization, we are constantly innovating and looking for more ways to expand our digital portfolio to augment the amazing network of clinicians we have across the region.”

A simple physical therapy experience
After a digital assessment, a physical therapist creates a customized treatment plan for the member’s MSK condition and then continues to work with the member through video visits and live chats. The app-guided experience includes exercises that feature 3D animations and voice narration that helps with pacing and form. Members use tools from an exercise kit that is mailed to them based on the physical therapist’s recommendation.

The new therapy service is the latest digital condition management tool in HealthPartners portfolio. It also provides members with digital condition management tools to help manage hypertension, pre-diabetes and diabetes. A majority of people living with diabetes also have MSK conditions.

The new digital physical therapy service will be available to fully insured large group and small group members. According to the National Business Group on Health, 44 percent of employers ranked MSKs as the top condition impacting their health benefit costs, while 85 percent ranked it among the top three conditions. Additionally, MSKs are responsible for $297 billion, or $2,397 per employee, in lost productivity annually, making the treatment and management of MSKs a critical issue for U.S. employers.