What's Happening?
Marathon Health and Medbridge have introduced a new virtual musculoskeletal (MSK) care program, integrated into Marathon's advanced primary care and MoveWell™ MSK solutions. This initiative, powered by Medbridge's Pathways platform, aims to improve access to MSK care, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs. MSK conditions are a significant concern for organizations, with 71% of employers identifying them as a top healthcare cost driver. The new program offers personalized, whole-person care through digital self-guided and hybrid MSK programs, integrated with Marathon's in-person and virtual care. Key features include direct integration with employers' primary care providers, triage and care planning tools, advanced motion capture technology, and robust reporting. The program is designed to streamline care delivery, reduce episodic care costs, and support primary care relationships.
Why It's Important?
The launch of this integrated MSK care program addresses the fragmentation and high costs associated with traditional MSK solutions. By providing a unified care experience, Marathon Health and Medbridge aim to lower episodic care costs by 50% to 63%, contributing to an overall reduction in total healthcare costs. This approach ensures consistency of care and reduces the burden of care coordination, benefiting both patients and employers. The program supports the delivery of 90% of care through primary care relationships, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. As MSK conditions are a major cost driver for employers, this initiative has the potential to significantly impact healthcare spending and improve patient outcomes.
What's Next?
The partnership between Marathon Health and Medbridge has launched with a limited release across select Marathon Health locations. Based on early outcomes and demand, the organizations plan to expand access across Marathon's over 630 health centers and 3 million covered members in 2026. This expansion will allow more patients to benefit from the integrated MSK care program, potentially transforming the way MSK conditions are managed in the U.S. healthcare system. As the program grows, it may influence other healthcare providers to adopt similar integrated care models, further reducing costs and improving patient care nationwide.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of advanced technology, such as motion capture, into MSK care represents a significant shift towards more precise and effective treatment options. This technological advancement not only improves patient assessments but also enhances the overall quality of care. The focus on personalized, whole-person care reflects a broader trend in healthcare towards addressing individual patient needs and preferences, which can lead to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. As healthcare continues to evolve, initiatives like this may drive further innovation and collaboration between healthcare providers and technology companies.
