Bridget Morehouse, PT, MBA, Chief Strategy Officer, was recently featured as a MedCity News MedCity Influencer, discussing the economic benefits of early access to physical therapy.
Bridget references a 2023 study published by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) highlighting the economic benefits of early physical therapy for eight common health conditions. The study shows that starting with physical therapy can save millions annually, reducing costs by about $4,700 per musculoskeletal episode compared to imaging. It also lowers overall care costs by 54% compared to surgery and 18% compared to injections. Early physical therapy reduces emergency room visits by 15%, decreases fall risk, and improves outcomes. The study reveals that conservative physical therapy is more cost-effective and beneficial than pharmaceuticals, imaging, injections, and surgeries.
Confluent Health is standing on the forefront of musculoskeletal solutions, advocating for early PT access which reduces barriers, improves completion of care plans, and prevents downstream costs.
Read the full op-ed now: https://medcitynews.com/2024/08/challenging-healthcare-norms-early-access-to-physical-therapy-transforms-musculoskeletal-care-delivery/