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SEPTEMBER 2023

Save money with virtual physical therapy

According to Scientific American, “Joint disorders and low back pain consistently rate among the most common reasons U.S. adults visit their doctors.”¹ Although physical therapy is an effective treatment for these conditions, many patients have difficulty getting the care they need.

The cost and inconvenience of multiple appointments over weeks and months can make in-office physical therapy challenging for people seeking treatment. So what’s the solution? Virtual physical therapy.

Not only is virtual physical therapy convenient. It’s a bargain for patients. You can save time, money on gas and parking and the cost of your care. There’s even better news for Costco employees. You and your family members (age 13+) who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan can get virtual physical therapy at no cost through Omada for Joint & Muscle Health.

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Is virtual as good as in-office physical therapy?

In a pioneering study, researchers at Duke Clinical Research Institute used virtual therapy with 143 patients who underwent total knee replacement at four different providers. A second group of 144 patients was prescribed traditional physical therapy.

The researchers found an average cost savings of $2,745 per patient treated using virtual physical therapy.*

Janet Bettger, Ph.D., associate professor with the Duke Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the study’s lead author, said the patient experience was also positive. Study participants who underwent a second knee replacement and who had virtual physical therapy the first time requested virtual physical therapy on their second surgery, she said.² 

Virtual therapy with Omada for Joint & Muscle Health

If you’re recovering from an injury, virtual physical therapy with Omada for Joint & Muscle Health could be right for you.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit Omada Joint & Muscle Health on your phone or other digital device. Click “Apply today,” complete the application, then click on “Treating pain and injury,” and enroll. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a call from your licensed physical therapist. You’ll have the same dedicated physical therapist throughout your treatment.
• Your physical therapist will carefully assess your condition by guiding you through a series of movements and performing a full musculoskeletal evaluation.**
• They’ll recommend your best care option — whether you choose Omada’s virtual physical therapy or prefer to see a local, in-person physical therapist.
• Your virtual physical therapist will partner with you to provide:
  • A personalized recovery plan designed to treat the source of your pain
  • App-guided exercises with 3D animations and voice narration to ensure proper pacing and form
  • Step-by-step guidance with support, adjustments, education and more
  • An exercise kit, complete with elastic bands, door anchor and a phone stand

Concerned about preventing injury?

Omada also offers an injury prevention program for people who want to avoid joint or muscle pain in the future. Whether you’re starting new work responsibilities, taking up a new sport or just looking for an overall physical tune-up, it’s easy for your body to get out of balance. This program can be tailored to your changing needs, helping you focus on your flexibility and strength so you can guard against future pain and injury.

*Outcomes and costs were measured three months after the procedure, according to the study.

**This evaluation will not satisfy the requirement for spine surgery pre-authorization. This type of surgery generally requires the following: In-person physical therapy for at least 6 weeks within the last 12 months. Your plan offers access to an expert second opinion by 2nd.MD. If you would like to call them the contact number is 833-579-2509.  

¹Scientific American. Virtual physical therapy could help fill gaps in treating all too real pain.

²Fierce Healthcare. Study: Virtual physical therapy could significantly reduce postsurgical costs.

Source: Scientific American. Virtual physical therapy could help fill gaps in treating all too real pain.