The benefits of musculoskeletal care plans are numerous. However, some people are still confused about how they work. This article will explain the different types of musculoskeletal care plans, their benefits, and the costs associated with them. After reading this article, you should be more confident about pursuing such a plan. It is important to remember that a musculoskeletal care plan is an essential step in the treatment process, and it is vital that you get a copy of it.
Prioritized care planning guidance for musculoskeletal conditions
New initiatives to manage the demand for musculoskeletal disorders have emerged in many countries. Such initiatives include nurse-led secondary care rheumatology clinics. Other examples include the establishment of a primary care rheumatology service and a network of trained physiotherapists who triage orthopaedic referrals. These initiatives are aimed at improving access to high-quality care and reducing costs.
Despite being the leading cause of pain, disability, and health expenditure, musculoskeletal conditions continue to underprioritise health systems globally. Globally, more than 1.5 billion people have a musculoskeletal condition, and the prevalence is higher than ever. In high-income countries, this number is 441 million. In the Western Pacific region, it is 427 million, and in South-East Asia, it is 369 million. Moreover, musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributors to years lived with disability.
Types of musculoskeletal care plans
Musculoskeletal care is a growing medical problem that affects one-third of the adult population in the United States. As the population ages, this disease rate increases exponentially. A typical symptom of musculoskeletal pain is body aches or pain in the muscles. Affected individuals may also feel fatigued and their sleep may be disturbed. These disorders can range in severity and cost from minimal to severe, but they can affect any part of the body.
While the costs of treating musculoskeletal conditions is rising, they aren’t getting any less expensive. The current approach to MSK care is driven by individual specialists, rather than a comprehensive view of a member’s body. This fragmented approach to health care results in expensive, often suboptimal outcomes. In addition, employers and payers often face a large number of claims for treatment that are unnecessarily expensive.
Benefits of a musculoskeletal care plan
A musculoskeletal care plan can include evidence-based treatments to promote a more coordinated approach to the treatment of chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Evidence-based treatment programs include iPeer2Peer, a targeted peer mentoring program for young people, which provides behavior change support through Skype video calls over 8 weeks. Consumer-led online resources offer access to practical knowledge and bypass barriers to face-to-face consultations.
Musculoskeletal conditions are particularly complex and varied. While a doctor’s approval can ensure coverage, this does not mean that the patient will have to bear financial responsibility for treatment. Health plan representatives or human resources staff can help employees understand the limitations of their coverage. They can also help to clarify the coverage of certain procedures. It is crucial that patients understand the limits of coverage and how these limits may affect their treatment.
Costs of a musculoskeletal care plan
Musculoskeletal care costs have increased substantially over the past decade. In 2016, low back and neck pain ranked as the most expensive disease category in U.S. healthcare, accounting for $134.5 billion. In addition, musculoskeletal care costs are increasing as the incidence of these conditions rises. To address the increasing cost burden, companies should provide personalized, integrated musculoskeletal care plans for their employees.
In the United States alone, there are 124 million people with a musculoskeletal condition. MSK disorders affect more than just physical function, and impact quality of life and productivity. In 2014, U.S. healthcare costs for MSK disorders exceeded $213 billion, or 1.4 percent of GDP. In 2015, the total direct and indirect costs soared to $874 billion, representing 5.7 percent of U.S. GDP.
Impact of a musculoskeletal care plan on a member’s quality of life
NHS England, in collaboration with the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance, is establishing Musculoskeletal Networks of Care to promote collaboration, share innovation, and support local delivery of musculoskeletal care. These networks bring together key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, third-sector professionals, and patient advocacy groups. The aim of the networks is to increase patient-centered care and the quality of life of people living with musculoskeletal conditions.
In recent years, more research has been conducted on the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on members’ quality of life. Research from Arthritis Reasearch UK and the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance has identified system-level indicators that can measure the impact of care plans on patients. In addition to pain management, the MSK-HQ questionnaire can assess patients’ quality of life across musculoskeletal care pathways.
