Protera Health and Emplify Health Partnership Expansion
Protera Health, a top provider of virtual and physician-led musculoskeletal (MSK) care, has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Emplify Health, a healthcare network formed from the merger of Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. This new collaboration aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach to MSK care for a wider employee population.
The initial partnership between Protera Health and Bellin Health began in April 2024, focusing on delivering virtual MSK care to health system employees. Since then, the results have been remarkable, showcasing substantial improvements in various metrics. Employee participants reported enhanced quality of life through decreased pain, improved mental health, and overall greater satisfaction with their care experience.
In a recent statement, Lynne Nelson, Director of Benefits at Emplify Health, illustrated the ethos of their mission, stating that the organization leads with love, prioritizing the well-being and health of their patients. Emplify Health’s decision to broaden its collaboration with Protera Health underscores its commitment to providing effective, cost-efficient, and innovative care solutions aimed at improving community health outcomes. Indeed, the results of this collaboration speak volumes, as employees benefited from significant reductions in pain, functional impairments, and mental health challenges.
“Every patient deserves personalized care, and through Protera Health's advanced clinical model, we ensure that employees receive the best treatment tailored to their needs,” noted Dr. Eric Makhni, CEO of Protera Health. The strength of this initiative lies in its combination of digital care with potential referrals to in-person services when necessary. This strategy ensures seamless and comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees engaged in the Emplify Health system.
This partnership focuses on addressing not only physical health but also bridging mental health support as a crucial part of the healthcare continuum. For employees struggling with MSK issues, or related mental health impairments, having access to integrated services that prioritize holistic health is invaluable. Through continuous engagement and support from Protera Health, employees can expect an enriching care experience that facilitates recovery and promotes wellness.
Additionally, Protera Health’s emphasis on utilizing Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) plays a vital role in shaping personalized treatment plans. By capturing patient feedback, the program adjusts to better meet the needs of its users, thus refining the efficacy of care delivery.
As Protera Health recasts its model of care to suit a broader demographic through the partnership with Emplify Health, the implications for improved health outcomes are bright. Not only does it enhance the quality of life for employees, it aligns with the overarching goal of evolving healthcare systems to better address the needs of individuals.
About Protera Health: Protera Health specializes in providing innovative digital solutions aimed at reducing costs associated with musculoskeletal care. With an emphasis on results-driven care, the program is distinctive due to its personalized approach and robust clinical framework designed for value-based healthcare organizations.
About Emplify Health: With its headquarters in Green Bay and La Crosse, Wisconsin, Emplify Health represents a collaborative effort between Bellin Health and Gundersen Health to improve community health. The organization, which employs over 16,000 individuals, including 1,400 clinicians across multiple locations in the Midwest, is committed to transforming healthcare delivery through community connections and patient-centric initiatives.
For more information on Protera Health’s programs, visit
Protera Health's Website.