Author: PAZAMBA

Intermountain Connect Care is revolutionizing patient access to physical therapy by offering telehealth services from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. The program aims to provide swift, effective care, reducing overall healthcare costs. The service enables patients to discuss their symptoms and receive diagnosis and treatment advice from a licensed therapist at home, removing the traditional barriers of distance and schedule.

Mayo Clinic’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) bridging the gap for individuals hampered by disease or injury. This unit is committed to restoring function to patients, focusing on improving quality of life, muscular ability, and brain function. Mayo Clinic’s treatment strategies are reflected in the unique needs, abilities, and goals of each patient. In addition to providing expert medical consultations, PM&R also offers patient education opportunities, and uses cutting-edge technology, including 3D printing and functional electrical stimulation.

ATI Physical Therapy has received its fifth consecutive “Exceptional” rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for quality patient care. The recognition, earned every year since the program’s inception for physical therapy providers, underlines ATI’s commitment to health outcomes improvement and healthcare cost reduction. The MIPS recognition is used to determine CMS reimbursement rates, impacting the range of services available to patients.

Husson University’s Soaring Eagles Healthcare Clinic has expanded its physical therapy services for the spring semester, now offering free physical therapy and occupational therapy services. These services, run by university students and professors, provide free therapy to uninsured and underinsured patients. Moreover, the clinic has launched a new hand therapy program within its expanded services. This program gives students hands-on experience while offering assistance to patients who need continued therapy.

In other news, PT Solutions Physical Therapy has acquired the physical therapy branch of OrthoCarolina. This acquisition includes 24 therapy clinics offering physical, occupational, and sports therapy and rehabilitation services in various locations. PT Solutions will collaborate with Novant Health to provide exceptional physical therapy care to patients throughout the Southeast region. This marks PT Solutions’ commitment to expand access to high-quality physical therapy services. Current patients can continue visiting their present therapy providers.

A independent report released by the nonprofit Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) confirms that guided virtual health technologies deliver “clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function” for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The report, Virtual Musculoskeletal Solutions Health Technology Assessment, revealed that many virtual MSK solutions offer clinical benefits to patients, which are comparable to in-person physical therapy. APTA welcomed the report, stating its importance in advancing cost-effective solutions in healthcare. Furthermore, the report suggests that a move towards more digital health could save an estimated $4.4 million per 1 million commercially insured individuals if one-quarter of physical therapy users with low back pain used digital care. The report also confirms the superiority of digital health solutions guided by a physical therapist over those that lack professional guidance.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense (DOD) have released an updated clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the Rehabilitation of Individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA). This updated guide aims to provide top-notch treatment to service members and veterans who have lost lower limbs and is driven by data collected from the treatment of over 1,700 deployment-related amputations since 2001. This guideline focuses on the entire process, from planning the procedure to the surgery itself right out to lifelong care, and aims to lead future research by highlighting areas where more robust evidence is required.

Moreover, the updated CPG includes new evidence-based recommendations on surgical procedures that were not part of the previous guide, along with emphasis on behavioral health, pain management, and peer support. Researchers anticipate the guidelines to enable patients to return to their pre-amputation activities and work, thus improving overall patient outcomes.

On another note, Emory Healthcare has incorporated Luna’s at-home physical therapy (PT) services into its outpatient care offerings to address the issue of referral leakage. In this new model, Emory credentials Luna’s therapists and provides its treatment protocols, which allow the healthcare provider to maintain quality and continuity of care. Luna’s PT program has increased Emory’s range of services, promoted better patient health outcomes, and controlled costs by maintaining continuity of care.

Emory also utilizes Luna’s app to connect its therapists with patients requiring PT in their homes. This innovative approach caters to patients who find frequent clinic visits impractical due to distance or discomfort. These advancements by DOD, VA, and Emory Healthcare echo a broader shift in the healthcare field, exploring innovative solutions and guidelines to improve patient care, especially for physically challenged patients and veterans.

Wisp, a large online women’s health service, has announced a partnership with Origin, a national provider of women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy. The collaboration will bring Origin’s services to Wisp’s 1.4 million patients through exclusive discounts, including therapies for postpartum healing, pre-pregnancy strengthening, and vaginal infections like UTIs. Additionally, the Soaring Eagles Healthcare Clinic at Husson University in Bangor is now offering free physical and occupational therapy for uninsured and underinsured patients, expanding its services with a new hand therapy program.

A recent study predicts the global medical rehabilitation services market will grow to USD 463.79 billion by 2033, driven by an aging population, rise in digital therapies, and boosted demand from developing countries. Organizations are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence and big data analytics for personalized treatment plans, while integrating telemedicine and remote rehabilitation tools.

The North American market, which dominates the sector, is fueled by increasing disposable income, healthcare spending, and strong government health cover. However, the Asia Pacific market – particularly India and China – could see the fastest growth due to investment in telehealth and robotic-assisted therapy, the rising incidence of age-related diseases, and the vast potential of their large populations.

By therapy, physical therapy led the medical rehabilitation services market in 2024 due to the high demand from patients recovering from injuries, health issues, or surgery. By setting, outpatient care dominated as it is cheaper than inpatient care and allows patients to recover in their own homes. However, the homecare segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during 2025-2034, driven by the preference for personal and convenient services and advancements in technology that enable home-based treatments.

In conclusion, the future of physical therapy and rehabilitation services looks promising, with a surge in digital health therapies, an increase in strategic partnerships and collaborations, and substantial market growth predictions. This is largely driven by the need to cater to a global aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and the growing demand from developing countries.

Digital musculoskeletal care platform, Hinge Health, is partnering with Amazon Health Services to offer MSK care services. The partnership will enable individuals to check their coverage eligibility and access MSK care through the Hinge Health platform via Amazon Health’s website. Hinge Health offers its FDA-cleared Enso wearable device for electrical nerve stimulation to aid pain relief. The San Francisco-based company, valued at $6.2 billion, has previously secured substantial funding and is potentially preparing to go public in 2025.

A new report by the nonprofit Peterson Health Technology Institute suggests that digital physical therapy services guided by a licensed physical therapist significantly improve patient health outcomes. The report, which reviewed more than 2,000 pieces of literature, revealed that virtual MSK solutions provide patients with clinical benefits akin to in-person physical therapy, providing an alternative to costly procedures for conditions that can be managed conservatively. It projected that digital care for a quarter of physical therapy users with low back pain could save an estimated $4.4 million per 1 million commercially insured individuals.

The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs have updated the Clinical Practice Guideline for Rehabilitation of Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation (LLA) to improve the quality of care for service members and veterans. The update, which is based on data from over 1,700 deployment-related amputations since 2001, includes new recommendations on surgical procedures, behavioral health, and pain management, in addition to emphasizing the need for peer support. The move exemplifies a step towards comprehensive guidance in limb loss treatment, reflecting the learning curve and clinical advancements over the last five years.

The owner of Oahu Spine and Rehab, Stephen Timothy Wells, has pleaded guilty in a healthcare fraud scheme. Wells confessed to submitting false billings by claiming doctors, nurses and physical therapists carried out services when, in fact, they were performed by unlicensed personnel. The fraudulent actions, which took place from 2013 to early 2020, targeted TRICARE and Medicare. As part of a plea deal, Wells admitted his actions resulted in losses between $250,000 and $550,000 and agreed to pay over $392,000 in restitution. Prosecutors recommend a jail term of up to two years. The sentencing is due on Jan. 29, 2025.

On a brighter note, U.S. News & World Report has ranked the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute in the top 5% of rehabilitation hospitals nationally, recognising its high-level care for patients with complex conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. The institute, established in 1953, is currently one of 18 federally designated Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers in the nation. It has expanded outpatient services into the community, offering adult physical therapy services at the MetroHealth Broadway Health Center and soon at the Bedford Medical Offices. The institute was also recognised by Newsweek as one of the nation’s best rehabilitation hospitals, and the Department of PM&R at Case Western Reserve University, based at the institute, has consistently ranked high for its research efforts funded by the National Institutes of Health. The MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute is also accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities till March 2027.

Wisp, the US’s largest women’s telehealth company, is partnering with Origin, a national provider of women’s health and pelvic floor physical therapy, to give members access to pelvic physical therapy. Wisp provides sexual and reproductive health solutions to over 1.4 million patients. This partnership will allow these patients to access Origin’s services, which include postpartum healing, pre-pregnancy strengthening, pain improvement during sex, and chronic vaginal infection relief. The partnership aims to educate women about the commonality of pelvic symptoms and provide effective solutions.

In other news, the Soaring Eagles Healthcare Clinic at Husson University in Bangor is expanding its free physical therapy services. The clinic, run by students and professors, primarily serves uninsured or underinsured patients. This semester, they introduced a hand therapy program. The clinic also serves as a training ground for Husson students, providing tangible, hands-on experience.

Lastly, the global medical rehabilitation market is projected to reach USD 492.4 billion by 2034, up from USD 270.58 billion in 2024. The market is primarily driven by the rise in the elderly population amid an increased prevalence of chronic diseases. Secondly, the growth in digital health technology, including telehealth, is also aiding the market expansion. Rehabilitation can help the elderly improve their quality of life and physical ability. The demand for rehabilitation services is rising not only in developed nations but also in emerging economies such as China, Brazil, and India.

Digital musculoskeletal care platform, Hinge Health, has partnered with Amazon Health Services to provide musculoskeletal care, supported by orthopedic surgeons, health coaches, and physical therapists. Amazon users with back, joint, or muscle pain are able to check their eligibility for coverage through the Amazon Health website and then connect to the Hinge Health team. Rumours suggest that Hinge Health may go public in 2025, following significant funding investments.

A report published by the Peterson Health Technology Institute confirms that virtual health technologies guided by a physical therapist can deliver significant improvements in pain and functionality for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The report suggests these benefits can be equivalent to in-person physical therapy. This demonstrates that early access to physical therapy is a cost-effective solution in healthcare, lowering costs and improving patient outcomes. It also confirms that solutions guided by a physical therapist are superior to those that do not employ a physical therapist, aligning with the APTA Digital Health Transparency Campaign.

Jointly issued by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), updated guidelines for the clinical practice in the treatment of lower limb amputations (LLA) have been released. This provides critical guidance for the rehabilitation of individuals with LLA using the most recent research and data obtained from providing treatment for more than 1,700 deployment-related amputations since 2001. This guidance will continue to evolve as further advancements are made in the science of LLA treatment. The use of this guidance will provide more accurate and effective care for patients with limb loss, focusing on the comprehensive treatment of these patients, and will help further research to tackle unanswered questions in LLA treatment.

The combination of digital and physical services in healthcare underlines the importance of technology in advancing patient care, particularly for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and limb loss. It provides patients with more accessible care, potentially improving health outcomes and reducing costs.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked the MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute among top rehabilitation hospitals in the country for its care of patients recovering from complex conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury.

Ranked 49th among 1,000 reviewed hospitals, MetroHealth is in the top 5% of rehabilitation centers nationwide. This recognition reflects the high-standard facilities and innovative treatments offered at the institute, as well as the dedication of specialists across all care levels.

Established in 1953, MetroHealth not only stands as one of the six original U.S. hospitals committed completely to rehabilitation but it is also one of 18 Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers designated by the federal government.

Furthering their outreach, MetroHealth expanded its outpatient services in the community in June, with plans to offer outpatient physical therapy for both adults and children, in addition to occupational and speech therapy later in the year.

The accolades for the institute are numerous. Newsweek featured MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute as one of the nation’s best rehabilitation hospitals, particularly appreciating its Spinal Cord Injury Program. The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at Case Western Reserve University, based at the Institute, has consistently ranked among the top three PM&R departments for research funding received from the National Institutes of Health.

Moreover, the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) recently accredited the institute for an additional three years, through March 2027, for its Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility and Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation services, making it the only CARF-accredited hospital-based program in the region.