Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Conservative MSK care delivered digitally has demonstrated superior or similar effects on pain reduction and functional improvement compared to traditional medical care. However, less research has been published that demonstrates how digital MSK care reduces future medical care use and cost. This study aims to compare the changes in traditional MSK care episode length and cost after digital MSK care program participation.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study with healthcare claims data to examine pre-post changes in traditional medical care utilization and cost among a group of individuals who participated in a digital MSK care program and a propensity-score-matched comparison group of patients who only received traditional/usual MSK care. Traditional medical care utilization and cost were measured using Optum Symmetry episode grouper software 13.0. The study evaluated the changes in MSK related episode length and cost in the 12 months after participating in the digital MSK program. Linear regression models and augmented inverse probability weighted models were applied to further adjust for potential confounding factors and selection bias.
RESULTS: The study included 19,523 digital MSK care participants and 19,523 matched comparison patients. Compared to the matched patients who received usual care, 4,091 fewer digital participants used less traditional care in the 12 months after starting the program. Among those who continue using traditional medical care, the MSK episode of care is approximately 31 days shorter (105 vs. 74, p<0.0001) and costs $555 less per episode ($2,389 vs. $1,833, p<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Participating in the digital MSK program is associated with lower utilization of traditional MSK care and cost.