What's Happening?
Marathon Health and Medbridge have launched a new virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care program integrated into Marathon's advanced primary care and MoveWell MSK solutions. The program, powered by Medbridge's Pathways platform, aims to enhance MSK care access and experience, improve outcomes, and reduce costs. The collaboration addresses the issue of MSK conditions being a top healthcare cost driver for employers, with many virtual solutions operating outside of primary care. The new offering includes digital self-guided and hybrid MSK programs, allowing primary care providers to deliver care in-person, virtually, or both.
Why It's Important?
The launch of this integrated MSK care program is crucial as it addresses the fragmentation in MSK care delivery, which can lead to higher costs and inconsistent patient experiences. By integrating MSK care directly into primary care, Marathon Health and Medbridge aim to streamline care delivery, reduce episodic care costs, and ensure continuity of care. This approach could significantly lower healthcare costs for employers and improve patient outcomes by providing a unified care experience that supports primary care relationships.
What's Next?
The partnership has launched with a limited release across select Marathon Health locations, with plans to expand access across Marathon's over 630 health centers and 3 million covered members in 2026. As the program expands, it will be important to monitor its impact on healthcare costs and patient outcomes, as well as its ability to maintain care consistency and reduce care coordination burdens.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of MSK care into primary care reflects a broader trend towards personalized, whole-person care models that prioritize patient needs and preferences. This approach not only addresses the immediate healthcare cost concerns but also aligns with the growing emphasis on value-based care, which seeks to improve healthcare quality while reducing costs.
