Confluent Health is participating in TRICARE’s demonstration project for physical therapy (PT) access for beneficiaries that suffer from low back pain, it announces.
TRICARE is the health insurance system used throughout the U.S. military. The 3-year program aims to decrease the use of costly interventions such as imaging, surgery, and opioids, allowing beneficiaries with low back pain to access physical therapy for their first three visits with no copay.
“TRICARE is to be commended for recognizing the value of Physical Therapy as an effective and direct access point for the treatment of low back pain. Providing patients with Physical Therapy as the best step for treatment of common musculoskeletal injuries was exactly the approach I took while serving in the Army Medical Specialists Corps. Our Confluent Health family of companies continues to provide innovative PT-first pathways, such as a landmark project with the largest health insurance company in the U.S. and within the health plan for our own 5,000 employees.”
— Confluent Health President and CEO, Larry Benz, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, MAPP
The 3-year program, beginning January 1, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2023, is intended to remove financial barriers that prohibit patients from turning to physical therapy first. It also helps members avoid the detrimental costs and long-term effects readily available in the form of procedures and opioids, a media release from Confluent Health explains.
Studies have shown that when physical therapy is used first:
- Costs are 71% lower with the same outcome
- The likelihood of opioid use is 75% – 90% lower
- Relief is quicker and recovery is faster
“Heathcare procedures, such as imaging and surgery, can be expensive and time-intensive. Medications, including opioids, can have long-term effects. We’re in the business to transform healthcare into effective care, with less cost and a lasting outcome. We hope to achieve that through this program.”
— Larry Benz
Eligible Participants
Confluent Health partners who serve patients in Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Ohio are participating in the program.
Who is eligible?
- TRICARE beneficiaries (TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE for Life) that reside and receive services in select states.
- Beneficiaries experiencing lower back pain
- Beneficiaries who have not yet sought treatment with a physical therapist
For more information, visit Confluent Health.
[Source(s): Confluent Health, PRWeb]
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