Demand for Virtual Musculoskeletal Care Is On the Rise 2020-2023

Published Date: Sep 29, 2020

Hinge Health Learning Center
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Demand for Virtual Musculoskeletal Care Is On the Rise 2020 to 2023

Reviewed by our clinical and medical experts

Annie Barton

Chicago native, Creighton University graduate, loves living an active lifestyle.

__Annie Barton__ is a Marketing Associate at Hinge Health. She is originally from Chicago and recently graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. She has a background in exercise science and loves applying her knowledge to Hinge Health Blogs and living an active lifestyle. When not in the office, you'll find her doing ballet or cooking for her family and friends.

A healthcare strategy is increasingly seen as essential in a company’s overall workforce strategy, especially because of COVID-19’s impact. The Business Group on Health recently conducted a survey of 122 large employers in a wide variety of industries to get their views on the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, with a special focus on COVID-19. They found that only 3% of companies see no impact from COVID-19 on their workforce strategies.

Virtual care is employers’ top priority in their 2021 health care strategies

Companies whose health care strategies have been significantly affected by COVID-19 have made changes to incorporate virtual care into their benefits. In fact, 52% labeled it their top priority, and since the pandemic began, 78% have seen an increase in virtual care utilization. As in-person care visits have become few and far between, employees are looking to their company benefits to get the care they need.

Virtual musculoskeletal care will see the most growth

68% percent of employers predict that by 2023 they will implement virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care (only 19% do so now). The survey revealed that “musculoskeletal care management/physical therapy” will grow more than any other virtual care services. In part, this is due to the fact the pandemic pushed most companies to move to a remote workplace overnight and makeshift working conditions have caused an increase in back and joint pain. Download Hinge Health’s recent survey, “New Health Risks in the Remote Workplace,” here.

Musculoskeletal care continues to be a top cost driver

Ninety percent of employers reported that MSK conditions are the top cost driver, beating even cancer. With one elective surgery costing up to $100,000, MSK medical costs can skyrocket quickly.

This presents an opportunity for benefits innovation, even during a pandemic. Through virtual one-on-one physical therapists and clinicians, behavioral health coaches, and sensor technology, Hinge Health offers a holistic approach to reducing chronic back and joint pain in the comfort of the patient’s home. Find out how Hinge Health’s virtual clinical care model and Digital MSK Clinic drive lower medical spend and long-term outcomes: ask for a demo below.