In a move to broaden access to virtual physical therapy, IncludeHealth, a leading virtual PT company, has partnered with OrthoForum Value Network (OVN). This collaboration designates IncludeHealth as OVN’s preferred partner for digital technology and virtual PT.
Through this partnership, IncludeHealth’s innovative platform will be integrated into OVN’s network, extending physician-led musculoskeletal (MSK) care to a wider range of patients. Launched in 2018, IncludeHealth’s web-based platform provides a convenient and accessible solution for patients. It utilizes body-tracking technology and clinical expertise to deliver personalized, measured, and interactive care directly through patients’ devices, eliminating the need for additional hardware or downloads.
This partnership emphasizes collaboration over competition. IncludeHealth positions itself as a complement to traditional care, partnering with provider networks to offer a comprehensive approach to MSK care. Their technology streamlines data collection, enabling automated digital collection of patient-reported outcomes, functional tests, range of motion assessments, and remote therapeutic monitoring.
OVN, a clinically integrated network, encompasses over 150 independent orthopedic groups, 5,000 physicians, and 4,500 therapists across 45 states. Their focus aligns perfectly with IncludeHealth’s mission, prioritizing value-based MSK care delivery.
The partnership functions by integrating IncludeHealth’s technology within OVN’s network. Together, they will connect patients with dedicated physical therapists for virtual consultations to understand their individual needs and goals. A personalized care plan is then created and delivered electronically, accessible on any device with a web browser and camera. This interactive plan provides step-by-step instructions with real-time feedback and guidance. IncludeHealth’s computer vision technology assesses movement and shares results with the physical therapist for progress monitoring.
This collaboration addresses a significant healthcare need. Musculoskeletal conditions impact an estimated 126.6 million Americans and are a leading cause of disability. MSK care costs are also substantial, with the U.S. spending nearly $1 trillion annually on treatment and lost wages, according to one analysis.
The partnership between IncludeHealth and OVN offers a solution that is not only accessible but also cost-effective for employers grappling with rising healthcare costs.
IncludeHealth’s initial focus was on providing an MSK operating system for any provider to offer virtual PT care. In 2020, they began collaborating with Google to refine their computer vision models for enhanced clinical accuracy. This technology was presented at the 2021 Google I/O conference.
Looking ahead, IncludeHealth remains committed to leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to improve healthcare services. Their focus, however, is on augmenting the capabilities of clinicians and physicians, not replacing them.
Recent studies by the Peterson Health Technology Institute support the value of virtual PT services, highlighting their effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. This collaboration between IncludeHealth and OVN positions virtual PT to play a more prominent role in the future of MSK care delivery.
(Hero Image credit: IncludeHealth)
