LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Confluent Health is proud to announce their participation in TRICARE's demonstration project for Physical Therapy (PT) access for beneficiaries that suffer from low back pain. TRICARE is the health insurance system used throughout the U.S. military. The three-year program aims to decrease the use of costly interventions such as imaging, surgery, and opioids, allowing beneficiaries with low back pain to access Physical Therapy for their first three visits with no copay.
"TRICARE is to be commended for recognizing the value of Physical Therapy as an effective and direct access point for the treatment of low back pain," said Confluent Health President and CEO, Larry Benz, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA, MAPP. "Providing patients with Physical Therapy as the best step for treatment of common musculoskeletal injuries was exactly the approach I took while serving in the Army Medical Specialists Corps. Our Confluent Health family of companies continues to provide innovative PT-first pathways, such as a landmark project with the largest health insurance company in the U.S. and within the health plan for our own 5,000 employees."
The three-year program, beginning January 1, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2023, is intended to remove financial barriers that prohibit patients from turning to Physical Therapy first. It also helps members avoid the detrimental costs and long-term effects readily available in the form of procedures and opioids.
Studies have shown that when Physical Therapy is used first:
- Costs are 71% lower with the same outcome
- The likelihood of opioid use is 75% - 90% lower
- Relief is quicker and recovery is faster
"Heathcare procedures, such as imaging and surgery, can be expensive and time-intensive," continued Benz. "Medications, including opioids, can have long term effects. We're in the business to transform healthcare into effective care, with less cost and a lasting outcome. We hope to achieve that through this program."
Our partners who serve patients in Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Ohio are participating in the program.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
- TRICARE beneficiaries (TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, TRICARE for Life) that reside and receive services in select states. Our partners who serve patients in Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, and Ohio are participating in the program.
- Beneficiaries experiencing lower back pain
- Beneficiaries who have not yet sought treatment with a physical therapist
To learn more about TRICARE's demonstration project, go to: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-14042.pdf. To schedule a free consultation with one of our experts in back pain management, please visit https://goconfluent.com/about-confluent/.
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About Confluent Health:
Confluent Health is a Louisville, Kentucky-based private holding company focused on creating a healthcare system that recognizes physical and occupational therapy providers as the Best First Choice for preventing and managing musculoskeletal and movement disorders. Confluent Health offers the following management services: evidence-based practice, patient loyalty, regulatory assurance, marketing and branding, clinic operations, hiring and retention, strategy, accounting and finance, and customer service to Advanced and Preferred Physical Therapy, Baton Rouge Physical Therapy-Lake, BreakThrough Physical Therapy, Capitol Physical Therapy, Colorado in Motion, Confluent Physical Therapy, El Paso Physical Therapy Specialists, the Evidence In Motion family of companies, Fit For Work, HPRC, Lake Center for Rehab, Mountain River Physical Therapy, OSPT, Pappas | OPT Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy Central, ProActive Physical Therapy Specialists, ProRehab Physical Therapy, PTPN, Redbud Physical Therapy, Rehab Therapy Works, RET Physical Therapy Group, SporTherapy, TOSPT, Texas Physical Therapy Specialists, Western Berks Physical Therapy and Wellness Group and Xcel Sports Medicine. Together, these companies share a common ownership team and are committed to developing a learning, purpose, and coaching culture.
Media Contact
Betsy Appleton, Confluent Health, 502-536-4584, [email protected]
SOURCE Confluent Health
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