Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a major barrier to well-being for more than 124 million Americans, with these conditions impacting a large swath of the U.S. workforce.
According to data from Evernorth, the health services division of The Cigna Group, nearly 27% of care across all medical conditions in commercial plans is due to MSK wear and tear – costing the U.S. health care system $420 billion in 2018, which is more than diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic condition.
These conditions often involve an intimidating web of treatments and health care decisions, including surgeries, physical therapy plans that are difficult to keep up with, pharmaceutical treatments, and behavior modifications. Not only are MSK conditions painful and mentally exhausting, but patients are largely left to navigate this level of complexity on their own.
Without support, there is an increased risk of gaps in care, including missed appointments, ineffective treatments, and even opioid dependency – all of which add up to poor health outcomes and increased costs for employers.
Cigna Healthcare's unique approaches to recognizing and addressing areas of unnecessary complexity in the treatment journey can help stop the ripple effect of inflated costs and ineffective treatments.
Through proactive and personalized care enabled by our expertise and solutions, employers can reduce one of their primary cost drivers and contribute to improved vitality for any worker, regardless of age or health status.
Benefits of addressing MSK with personalized care
Key to improving the health and productivity of employees dealing with high-cost MSK conditions is a focus on optimizing care delivery – and reducing the risk of individuals needing care in the first place. To this end, Cigna Healthcare is creating end-to-end, condition-specific experiences that capitalize upon data and insights, clinical interventions, and digital experiences, which, when combined with high-value providers, help simplify the care journey and improve engagement.
Taking action to solve MSK challenges for your people
Cigna Healthcare is dedicated to reinventing and repairing fragmented MSK care experiences. Our expert approach includes tools and features like:
- State-of-the-art predictive models that proactively identify optimal interventions across the MSK care journey, identifying those at risk for surgery up to a year in advance – avoiding wasted spend and unnecessary procedures.
- Guided digital experiences founded in behavioral science that empower your employees to be their best selves. Progress trackers, self-management tools, and treatment decision support drive healthy lifestyle changes that lead to long-term wellness.
- Care advocates who provide individuals with clinical guidance that fits their specific needs. These advocates work one-on-one with people via phone or digital messaging to create personalized action plans.
- Access to comprehensive provider networks. Cigna Healthcare's networks employ professionals – such as chiropractors, physical therapists, mental health professionals, and more – available in-person and through convenient virtual care options.
As musculoskeletal conditions continue to drive high costs for you and your employees, it's time to move beyond fragmented care journeys to a more personalized path that positions your employees, and your business, for optimal health and growth.
Learn more about what personalized care can look like for your organization by contacting your Cigna Healthcare representative or broker today.
Your New Growth Plan: A happy, healthy workforce
By investing in personalized health care, employers can help close gaps in MSK care, improve employee health outcomes, and foster increased productivity and growth for their business.