A Real-Life Example: How to Treat More Members While Reducing MSK Cost

Euro Accident, a leading health insurance provider, is dedicated to offering high-quality care to its members. To achieve this, they ensure that all affiliated healthcare providers meet rigorous quality standards. Recognizing the high costs associated with hip and knee joint replacement surgeries, Euro Accident sought a solution that could improve patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary surgical interventions. Their answer: digital first-line treatment through Joint Academy.

Addressing the Rising Costs of Joint Surgery

As a specialist in health-related insurance and employee well-being, Euro Accident provides a range of health insurance and services designed to support companies in optimizing workplace health. However, they faced significant costs due to high rates of hip and knee joint replacement surgeries.

A few years ago, Euro Accident began conducting independent medical evaluations before approving joint replacement procedures. These assessments revealed that many patients had not received adequate rehabilitation before surgery decisions were made. In many cases, total joint replacement was not medically necessary.

Their goal was clear: ensure that only patients who truly required surgery underwent the procedure while offering effective, non-invasive treatment alternatives to the rest.

Virtual Care: Making Healthcare More Accessible

To enhance accessibility and improve patient outcomes, Euro Accident partnered with Joint Academy to introduce an evidence-based, digital rehabilitation program for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. According to Euro Accident, virtual care has led to:

• More equitable access to healthcare
• Fewer unnecessary surgeries
• Cost savings compared to traditional rehabilitation

“The digital solution ensures equal healthcare for all members, reduces the number of surgeries, and lowers costs compared to physical rehabilitation.” – Euro Accident

Since some members previously had to travel long distances to see a physical therapist, the digital approach allowed them to start treatment immediately—without delays.

The Impact of Virtual Care for Chronic Joint Pain

By integrating Joint Academy’s digital clinic, Euro Accident achieved several key outcomes:

• Reduced costs associated with orthopedic visits and diagnostic procedures
• Met increasing demand for digital osteoarthritis treatment
• Avoided unnecessary total joint replacements, leading to significant financial savings

How to Achieve Similar Results with Virtual Care

What is Virtual Care?

Virtual care, also known as telemedicine, enables remote consultations and treatment via video, audio, or chat-based communication. This model is particularly beneficial for:

• Managing chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, or heart disease
• Patients with reduced mobility
• Individuals in remote areas with limited healthcare access
• Those unable to leave work or disrupt family responsibilities
• Reducing wait times for in-person visits
• Supporting healthcare systems during periods of high demand

A Digital Clinic for Chronic Joint Pain

Joint Academy provides first-line treatment for chronic hip and knee pain through a fully digital platform. The program includes:

• Direct access to a licensed physical therapist
• Personalized exercise programs to reduce pain
• Progress tracking tools to enhance patient engagement
• Daily reminders to improve adherence and treatment outcomes

A 3-Step Process for Seamless Implementation

1. Clinically Validated Screening

Joint Academy’s screening tool identifies and enrolls the right patients for treatment.

2. Real-Time Eligibility Verification

Eligibility checks are conducted using industry best practices to ensure seamless enrollment.

3. Marketing and Enrollment Support

Joint Academy provides a turnkey marketing strategy to maximize patient engagement and adoption.

The Key to Success: Simplicity, Rapid Implementation, and Clear Results

• No upfront costs required to launch virtual physical therapy with Joint Academy
• Simple, transparent pricing per active patient
• Member size and geography do not impact accessibility
• Convenient billing and contracting with Joint Academy as an in-network provider
• Comprehensive support including outreach, onboarding, enrollment, and reporting
• Co-branded marketing materials to drive engagement
• Immediate access to treatment once the program is implemented
• Visible results within weeks, improving patient outcomes quickly