#USA #New York #Pain Management #Sidekick Health #MSK program

Sidekick Health Launches Innovative MSK Program

Sidekick Health, a leader in digital health innovation, has recently announced the release of its new musculoskeletal (MSK) health program, which includes comprehensive pain management support. This initiative is part of their broader mission to enhance healthcare solutions specifically tailored for individuals coping with multiple chronic conditions. This latest offering now integrates seamlessly with over 24 other health conditions, including cardiometabolic diseases, oncology, women's health, and more—creating a cohesive platform for health plans and employers.

A staggering statistic reveals that more than half of the American population is living with two or more chronic conditions, making the launch of this MSK program both timely and crucial. It's particularly alarming that MSK issues affect more than one in three adults and account for nearly 10% of the nation’s medical expenditures. Without adequate intervention for MSK-related issues, patients face a higher risk of requiring unnecessary surgeries and developing dependencies on opioids. Sidekick Health’s new program aims to mitigate these risks by providing a holistic approach to managing not just MSK conditions but also related health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health.

Travis Parkinson, President of Healthcare & Life Sciences at Sidekick Health, emphasized the strong demand from their health plan partners and members for a solution targeting MSK conditions. He stated, "This launch aims to close that gap and positions us to better address the needs of our payer partners and their members—from multi-condition management to medication support, and physical rehabilitation—all in one solution."

The innovative MSK program takes a multi-faceted approach to patient care, addressing both physical and mental health challenges associated with MSK conditions. By prioritizing functional restoration, the program seeks to transform how individuals handle their MSK pain. It incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and pain neuroscience education—all designed to help patients minimize their reliance on medications and cultivate effective self-management skills.

Developed in collaboration with a team of experts, including doctors of physical therapy and practicing clinicians, the program strategically addresses various elements central to managing the complexities of rising health risks and utilization rates, as well as improving quality metrics for health plans and employers. It also emphasizes:

• - Fall-risk mitigation through targeted exercises that promote joint and muscle health tailored to the individual’s abilities.
• - Pelvic floor support aimed at alleviating lower back and hip pain while enhancing bladder control.
• - Accessible pain management resources designed to assist patients in breaking free from the cycle of dependency on medications, ultimately improving their quality of life.

In partnership with MOBĒ, a whole-person health management company, Sidekick Health will roll out this program initially to MOBĒ's health plan and employer clients via the MOBE Missions channel, thereby broadening access to these vital resources.

Leslie Helou, PharmD, Senior Vice President of Health Outcomes Strategy at MOBĒ, shared insights on the complexity of managing MSK issues, noting that about 75% of her company's participants experience MSK conditions while managing four or more chronic conditions and using multiple medications prescribed by different healthcare providers. This underscores the necessity of integrated, cross-condition support focusing on sustained improvement through a well-rounded approach.

As health plans confront the increasing intricacies of multi-chronic patient profiles, Sidekick Health’s streamlined platform offers a solution that aligns with clinical, organizational, and financial objectives. Tryggvi Thorgeirsson, co-founder and CEO of Sidekick Health, explained, "We've developed a companion that can accompany individuals throughout their entire health journey—not just for the condition they were recently diagnosed with. Incorporating MSK is not about updating features; it represents a progressive step in providing the intelligent care infrastructure that health plans have been consistently requesting."

The launch of this new MSK program positions Sidekick Health as a pivotal player in the evolving landscape of digital health solutions, equipping health plans and employers with the tools necessary to support their most complex patient populations effectively. By embracing a comprehensive, multi-condition approach, Sidekick is not only addressing immediate health needs but also setting the stage for better patient outcomes and lowered costs for all stakeholders involved.