Priority Health launches new solutions to address rising need for musculoskeletal care
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — September 12, 2024) Priority Health, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan serving more than 1.3 million members, has launched two new solutions for Michigan employers in response to the increasing need for individuals to access quality, cost-effective care for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, which affect more than 50% of Americans and about 1.7 billion people worldwide.
The two new solutions—Sword Health, a pioneer of AI Care, and the MSK Centers of Excellence—will assist members seeking care for MSK conditions. These conditions can affect the joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons and spine, and occur because of injury, repetitive strain, poor posture, aging and genetics.
“Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most disabling conditions in the U.S. and one of the leading drivers of health care costs and lost productivity for employers and their employees,” said Rick Abbott, senior vice president of employer solutions for Priority Health. “We’re glad to offer these new services to help our members access high-quality, cost-effective and personalized care as part of our ongoing commitment to provide products that meet the diverse needs of our members.”
Sword Health
A new partnership with Sword Health will provide Priority Health members access to its AI Care platform from the comfort and privacy of their home. Sword’s AI Care platform starts with the expertise of clinicians and builds in the expansive power of proprietary AI to deliver customized care to patients globally anytime, anywhere.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Priority Health and bring our innovative platform to its members,” said Dr. Vijay Yanamadala, chief medical officer of Sword Health. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to transform care and deliver superior outcomes to more individuals while saving on wasteful medical spend.”
The Sword Health AI Care platform includes different solutions to meet member needs. Members will have access to Thrive, which pairs physical therapists with AI to create a personalized experience to treat back, joint and muscle pain; Bloom, which helps women of all ages improve and maintain their pelvic health; and Move, which focuses on movement to address pain issues and improve mobility, strength and balance.
The platform also features On-Call, an on-demand service that allows members to get immediate help 24/7 for their pain and conditions, and Academy, an in-app learning portal that provides education and resources, all accessible on one platform. Sword Health is now available for self-funded employers, with a start date of November 1, 2024, for members.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Centers of Excellence
The MSK Centers of Excellence solution was designed to educate Priority Health members about the importance of high-quality MSK treatments and to guide them toward top-tier outpatient surgical care in Michigan. The network features a select group of physician groups known for exceptional surgical results, and members undergoing specific surgeries through one of these groups will have access to reduced costs.
The solution is available now to self-funded employers with a start date of January 1, 2025 for members. There are plans to offer the solution to fully funded large group employers in the future. Members who schedule surgery more than 50 miles from their home are eligible for a travel benefit.
Six common MSK conditions will be treated, including total hip replacement, total knee replacement, lumbar fusion, lumbar laminectomy, cervical fusion and cervical laminectomy. The network includes seven providers and facilities in Michigan:
- Corewell Health Orthopedics
- Great Lakes Orthopaedic Group
- Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
- Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon
- Michigan Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute
- Shoreline Orthopaedics
About Sword Health:
As the pioneer in AI Care, Sword Health makes world-class care available anytime, anywhere by combining human clinicians and AI. Starting with physical pain, then pelvic health, and now a full platform of solutions, Sword is available through more than 3,000 employers, health plans and public sector organizations, saving those clients an average of $3 in health care costs for every dollar invested in Sword. With a mission to free two billion people from pain, the company has raised more than $300 million from leading venture firms, including Khosla Ventures, General Catalyst and Founders Fund. It was most recently valued at $3 billion and ranked the 26th fastest growing U.S. company in the Inc. 500 list. Learn more at swordhealth.com.
About Priority Health:
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.