Highmark Blue Shield expands virtual care to include pelvic health, joint pain

Business Journals

6 days ago

Highmark is continuing its efforts to increase access to health care by offering new ways for members to receive care virtually.
The most recent addition is Virtual Pelvic Health, Bloom by Sword, a program designed to address pelvic health dysfunction, such as bladder issues, chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. Highmark introduced it in July 2024 and has since seen more than 10,000 members enroll.
'Virtual care is an important part of Highmark's overall Living Health strategy,' said Mari Vandenburgh, vice president of health programs and solutions.
'Highmark believes it's our responsibility to make it easier for members to access the care they need when they need it,' Vandenburgh said. 'As an integrated health system, we are in a unique position to break down barriers to care by offering ease of access and use through our virtual solutions that can complement the care members are receiving in person with their provider of choice.'
A new approach
The Virtual Pelvic Health program is Highmark's second with Sword Health Inc., a New York-based AI health company that specializes in digital health solutions. It is part of Highmark's benefits and available to eligible health plan members at no additional out-of- pocket cost. Participants simply enroll in the program through the My Highmark app or member portal.
Once enrolled, participants are matched with a pelvic health clinician and receive an FDA-listed insertable device and access to a mobile app. A personalized set of pelvic floor exercises are recommended, and the sensor and app work together to monitor the force, endurance and accuracy of the pelvic floor muscles during the exercises.
'That real-time feedback helps participants maximize their results,' Vandenburgh said.
'The Virtual Pelvic Health program provides convenient, on-demand access to pelvic floor care that is focused on both strengthening and relaxation,' she said. 'The combination of the sensor and the feedback that a user receives in the app really helps to monitor progress in their program. The app also provides educational resources to individuals that help to support behavior change and habit formation in the population of individuals that could benefit from pelvic floor support.'
Participants have reported significant improvements in their quality of life, including a reduction in symptoms they previously experienced. Additionally, the program has helped alleviate the stigma often associated with pelvic floor conditions, improving mental health.
Virtual joint health
The Virtual Pelvic Health program follows Highmark's introduction of Virtual Joint Health, Thrive by Sword to self-funded plans in 2022. In that program, a licensed physical therapist assigns a series of exercises for people looking to alleviate musculoskeletal pain based on their specific goals.
Participants then receive a tablet they can use at home as they complete the exercises. The tablet is equipped with advanced motion sensing technology to provide real-time feedback and ensure people use proper form. It also shares data with their physical care specialist to monitor progress and, if necessary, adjust their recommended exercise plan to better accommodate their needs.
'It really enables members to address their joint health needs at the time that's most convenient for them,' Vandenburgh said. 'They can do the exercises in the comfort of their own home, and it reduces the barriers of time and access to care if there are delays in getting appointments.'
In 2024, the insurer expanded it to fully insured plans. So far, more than 36,000 Highmark members have enrolled in the program.
The feedback has been positive, Vandenburgh said, with 88% of participants describing it as easy to use and 72% completing the program.
Health outcomes also have been strong, with 69% of participants reporting a significant improvement in their joint pain and 35% reduction in the intent to pursue surgery to address their pain.
'Another positive outcome that users report is that 26% say they saw an improvement in their work and productivity impairment,' she said. 'We're also monitoring the behavioral health impacts of joint health and increasing screenings for depression and anxiety.'
Expanded reach
Highmark's virtual care offerings include a virtual triage tool, virtual primary care, a virtual urgent care clinic and virtual specialty care clinics for behavioral health, women's health and dermatology, as well as a digital diabetes management solution.
Offering on-demand, virtual care helps people get the care they need to improve their health while lowering costs, Vandenburgh said. The Virtual Joint Health program, for example, has reduced costs by $112 per member per month in comparison to a control group. That savings can then be reinvested back into delivering a remarkable health experience, so it's easier for members to engage and manage their health.
'Virtual Joint Health and Virtual Pelvic Health deliver a win-win combination by boosting employer productivity and lowering cost, while simultaneously enabling employees convenient access to care and improved quality of life,' she said. 'We see continued growth in engagement and enrollment in our digital solutions and programs year over year.'
To learn more visit highmark.com/employer.
Lauren Lawley Head is a freelance writer.