Revolutionizing MSK Care: PRISM’s Partnership with Hinge Health

“I wholeheartedly attribute my newfound strength and flexibility to this program and my care team! I feel like I have my life back. I’m no longer in pain, and I’m enjoying everything again.”

PRSIM employee and Hinge Health member

About PRISM

PRISM (Public Risk Innovation Solutions and Management) is a pioneer in the pooling and risk management community in California and nationwide, with over 40 years developing effective risk management solutions to help public entities proactively control losses and prepare for property, casualty and employee benefit exposures. 

Sidney DiDomenico, Director of Employee Benefits at PRISM, oversees the strategic administration and governance of PRISM’S Employee Benefits Programs, including the PRISMHealth Program. She works closely with PRISM’s Health and Employee Benefits Committees and governing bodies to develop policies, guide strategic initiatives, and ensure alignment with the JPA’s mission and member needs.  

PRISMHealth Vision Statement

PRISMHealth will be the first choice for California public agencies seeking best-in-class, comprehensive, innovative, and affordable healthcare plans and benefits that meet the health and wellness needs of employees and their families.

Bridging the Gap: PRISM's Access to Care Challenges

PRISM's diverse membership spans urban and rural areas, with about 60% of their agencies located in rural regions, presenting significant access to care issues, particularly for members seeking specialized musculoskeletal (MSK) services.

“We face unique challenges in providing high-quality, accessible care to our members across California, but particularly in those rural areas,” Sidney shared. With about 60% of their agencies located in these underserved regions, PRISM needed a solution that could bridge the gap in MSK care. 

With healthcare costs expected to rise at the highest rate in a decade, exceeding a 50% increase since 2017, MSK conditions are typically among the top three drivers of costs for employers. PRISM’s governing committee prioritizes identifying solutions that improve access to higher quality of care while keeping costs down.

Breaking Barriers: PRISM's Experience with Hinge Health

To address these challenges, PRISM brought on Hinge Health as a partner in 2022. Hinge Health was chosen for its ability to remove barriers, such as travel and scheduling, ensuring easy access to care. The partnership also leveraged Hinge Health’s integrations with other vendors, creating a seamless experience for members. 

“Having combined solutions not only improved outcomes but also enhanced the member experience. Our members appreciate the ease of access to care, the high quality of services, and the support throughout their treatment journey.” 

When asked about PRISM’s high engagement from members, Sidney emphasized the importance of communicating the availability and value of the benefits offered. By working with Hinge Health’s Enrollment Marketing Team, PRISM created tailored messaging that drove member engagement. 

“Think outside the box and leverage the resources available. We have seen success by using various channels to reach employees, including in-person wellness fairs and digital tools. We also made sure to highlight the message of being able to get care on your own time and schedule. The more you communicate, the more your employees are going to move forward and look at this type of solution as a way to enhance their existing coverage.”

PRISM has seen significant benefits from these approaches, with high utilization rates and positive outcomes. Here are some self-reported outcomes from members since launching Hinge Health in January 2022:

• 47% average pain reduction  

• 47% Reduction in surgery indent 

• 8.9/10 member satisfaction

• Projected ROI 3.1x

• 80% of members achieved MCID (minimal clinically important difference) compared to 59% in traditional physical therapy*

*Olsen, MF et al. Journal of clinical epidemiology (2018). Eleswarapu, AS et al. Spine (2016). 

By partnering with Hinge Health, PRISM has successfully addressed the complex challenges of providing high-quality, cost-effective MSK care to their diverse population while keeping costs down. Their experience serves as a compelling example for other employers seeking to enhance their benefits offerings and improve member outcomes.

"We’re really happy that we decided to partner with Hinge Health and we’re proud of the success we’ve seen. We wanted to expand how our employees move forward outside of those traditional methods, but let's be honest, it was also about cost containment strategy.”