The state of musculoskeletal care: A Q&A with Jim Pursley

Chronic pain does not just affect deskless workers. Many desk workers struggle with pain which can lead to absenteeism, pain, depression, surgery intent, and opioid use. Jim Pursley says that bridging the digital gap in chronic pain care can increase employee engagement and health equity.

What should companies understand about their employees who are experiencing pain? What do employees in pain need most from their employers?

More employees are suffering from pain than any given company may think, with 1 in 4 people impacted by musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This is why it’s important to understand the experiences of your employees and understand their needs to provide benefits that serve them. Many people and providers assume that chronic MSK pain is due to an unhealed injury, but studies show that 85% of chronic back pain persists due to other physical, psychological, and social factors. 

The physical pain employees experience can also negatively impact their mental health. To gain a deeper understanding of those suffering from chronic pain, Hinge Health surveyed approximately 1,500 Americans in pain to learn more about their experiences, needs, and attitudes. The results of that study were eye opening. Seventy-four percent of people in pain indicated that pain has a negative impact on mental health and 60% of people in pain indicated that pain leads to feelings of isolation. So while pain may be an issue for your employees, it’s also impacting other important factors that need to be considered for their overall wellbeing. 

Arm yourself and employees with information and motivate them to engage with their benefits. Review clinical outcomes by looking for the data that demonstrates reductions in pain, absenteeism, depression, anxiety, surgery likelihood, and pharmaceutical prescriptions. Engage your employees digitally, bridging the divide of geography and income, and meeting them where they are.

Hinge Health recently released this year’s State of MSK Care Report. What are some of the recommendations or findings from the report that you think are most critical to brokers and benefits leaders?

Our recently released State of MSK Care Report by Hinge Health sheds light on the concerning disconnect between the needed care and received care for MSK conditions. The report reveals that while almost half of people in pain require professional treatment, only 10% are receiving in-person PT. Furthermore, 64% of individuals who understand the health benefits available to them report that they are not receiving the necessary help. This gap in care highlights the pressing need for digital MSK solutions.

Ninety-two percent of employers that have indicated their organization is likely to adopt a digital MSK solution plan to incorporate it within the next 12 months, bridging the gap between needed and received care. By doing so, employers can improve the overall health and wellbeing of their workforce, leading to increased productivity and reduced health care costs.

No one industry or company is the same, each having a different workforce mix of sedentary workers, all-day standers, road warriors, and manual laborers. How do needs or demands for pain care benefits differ between these workforces?

MSK care challenges and needs can vary significantly by industry, but has often gotten conflated with manual labor issues – which is an issue – but oftentimes this results in a lack of awareness for those in desk working jobs who also suffer from MSK pain. For example, in Hinge Health’s 2021 State of MSK report, we identified that the leading industries with MSK claims included Services, Public Administration, Manufacturing, and Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate. This is why choosing a provider that can deliver “unique to you” care is essential, so that each employee population and dependents get the care they need.

Employers across all industries seek digital MSK solutions that demonstrate positive outcomes, drive engagement, and reduce medical costs. It is crucial to choose a solution that addresses each industry’s and workforce’s unique needs and is tailored to individual employees.

What has been driving adoption of benefits for pain care to-date?

The cost of pain is huge, consuming 1 in 6 health care dollars for large employers and $600 billion for the U.S. economy overall, and proven results, like positive employee outcomes and positive ROI, are driving the adoption of benefits. It makes sense then that 92% of organizations say they are likely to adopt a digital MSK solution in the year ahead.

Chronic pain management drives direct medical and pharmacy costs and often culminates in surgical interventions that in many cases are ineffective or even unnecessary. Indirect costs from MSK pain, such as absenteeism, poor productivity, and early retirement, can also put more strain on employers. The impact of physical limitations resulting from MSK conditions leads to lower levels of wellbeing and reduced ability to participate in society. Employers are increasingly recognizing the need to address MSK pain through comprehensive benefits offerings, including digital MSK solutions that have demonstrated positive clinical and financial outcomes, increase employee engagement, and offer personalized care plans that address multiple conditions.

How should employers think about ROI as it relates to pain care?

Employers say demonstrated ROI is one of their top concerns when considering adopting a digital MSK solution. Measuring success is crucial to implementing a sustainable solution, considering so much of that MSK spend is concentrated on an organization’s costliest employees.

Related: Bridging America’s care gap with virtual solutions

Hinge Health’s 136 Employer Claims Study (included in the State of MSK report) found a 2.4x ROI in medical claims reduced per participant compared to a control group. Digital MSK solutions can lead to increased employee engagement, health equity, and reduced absenteeism, pain, depression, surgery intent, and opioid use. Employers should choose solutions that demonstrate positive clinical outcomes, address workforce needs, and provide personalized care plans and early intervention. A good rule of thumb to dissect an ROI claim is to ask the tough questions, like: Is the claims study third-party validated? Are the population size, age range, and industry comparable to your workforce?