Ortho Digital Care Trend Takes Big Step Forward

Hinge Health, Inc., a digital musculoskeletal service provider, has been selected by Consortium Health Plans as a preferred partner.

San Francisco-based Hinge Health digitally delivers back and joint pain care programs. Members utilize its Digital Care Pathways for exercise therapy, behavioral support and coaching, and education. Hinge Health provides members with a free tablet and wearable sensors to provide feedback during exercise therapy.

While many companies have faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinge Health has reported remarkable growth in 2020. Hinge Health estimates it will add “another 1.5 million lives this summer.”

Hinge Health Vice President of Partnerships Joshua Sturm told OTW, “Hinge Health is proud to partner with Consortium Health Plans to expand musculoskeletal [MSK] care access to millions of members as a preferred digital MSK solution for Consortium national accounts and health plans across the country.”

Founded in 1994 by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plans, Consortium Health Plans provides sales and marketing services focused exclusively on growing BCBS plans’ national accounts. In pursuit of this goal, Consortium Health Plans evaluates health care providers and vendors to assist BCBS member plans serve their national accounts.

“The solutions surrounding musculoskeletal conditions for National Accounts are a top priority,” explained Consortium Health Plans Senior Vice President of Clinical Innovations and Partnerships Aamir Rehman, M.D.

Dr. Rehman continued, “The need for access to top virtual care solutions has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that Hinge Health is leading the way with meaningful engagement and outcomes.”

Supporting this belief is a recent study published by Hinge Health, Stanford University, University of California San Francisco, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The study found digital care programs to be effective in reducing knee and back pain. Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the longitudinal cohort study had over 10,000 participants. After the 12-week digital care program, participants reported reduced pain, depression, anxiety, and surgery likelihood.