#United States #Troy, Michigan #digital care #Protera Health #SSM Health

Expanding Access to Digital Musculoskeletal Care

Protera Health has announced a groundbreaking partnership with SSM Health at Work to provide enhanced access to digital musculoskeletal (MSK) care for employer clients. This collaboration aims to tackle common MSK conditions that contribute significantly to healthcare costs and lost productivity in the workplace.

The new initiative will provide eligible employees with access to Protera Health’s comprehensive digital MSK program. This program is designed to deliver evidence-based, personalized care while facilitating an efficient pathway for in-person services through SSM Health as needed. By combining digital resources with the expertise of in-person care, this partnership presents a holistic approach to a prevalent issue affecting employees across various sectors.

James Meacham, Vice President of Direct to Employer and Affiliated Partnerships at SSM Health at Work, emphasized the importance of the partnership by stating, “Employers want better access, better outcomes, and better cost control.” He highlighted that the collaboration is structured to meet these needs effectively, providing a clinically robust solution that employees can easily navigate.

Musculoskeletal issues are a leading cause of healthcare utilization, often leading to substantial costs for employers and decreased worker productivity. This partnership is seen as an essential step in not just improving employee health but also enhancing companies' overall performance.

The Protera Health program incorporates physician-led oversight and utilizes a multidisciplinary care model, which may include physical therapy and personalized care navigation centered on pain reduction and improved functionality. The program's holistic design aims to prevent unnecessary healthcare utilization while enabling quicker returns to productivity for employees, thereby benefiting employers in the process.

Deanna Hahn, Director of Operations at SSM Health at Work, remarked on the collaboration, stating, “This partnership strengthens our ability to proactively address MSK issues early and guide employees to the right care at the right time.” With a strong emphasis on coordinating in-person services, SSM Health and Protera Health aim to streamline the care process, ensuring that employees receive timely and effective treatment.

Dr. Eric Makhni, Co-Founder and CEO of Protera Health, also shared insights about the partnership, stating that their goal is to eliminate fragmented treatment approaches that often lead to unnecessary costs within MSK care. By joining forces with SSM Health at Work, Protera Health aims to redefine the MSK care experience, enhancing access while ensuring quality outcomes at controlled costs.

About Protera Health

Protera Health is a physician-led organization that assists health plans, employers, and value-based organizations in minimizing musculoskeletal care expenses through a comprehensive digital solution. Their approach includes a focus on individualized treatment and the use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to enhance care quality. Protera Health collaborates with integrated delivery networks and health systems to facilitate in-person treatment when necessary and appropriate.

About SSM Health at Work

As the employer solutions division of SSM Health, SSM Health at Work focuses on reducing healthcare costs via integrated health services tailored to improve workforce health and performance. With a series of clinics in Wisconsin, this division partners with various organizations to develop customized health solutions that prioritize employee well-being and productivity.

For more information about Protera Health, visit proterahealth.com. To learn more about SSM Health at Work and their services, check their website at ssmhealth.com/ssm-health-at-work.