Fierce Healthcare: Long-term plans for hybrid care begin to take shape as health systems and digital platforms team up

By Annie Burky

When TytoCare entered telehealth over a decade ago, the technology was “nice to have,” according to Stephanie Schmidt, area vice president for provider solutions at the digital health company.

“It went from something that was a nice to have, to something that was absolutely ‘need to have’ during the pandemic, and now I think we’re hitting our balance,” Schmidt told Fierce Healthcare.

As the pandemic wanes, digital health companies are partnering with health systems to integrate virtual care into their practices. Partnerships like those between TytoCare and Overlake Medical Center or Michigan State University Healthcare and RecoveryOne are crafting a long-term future for hybrid care.

Modern Healthcare: MSU Health Care launches virtual physical therapy program

BY GABRIEL PERNA 

MSU Health Care is launching a virtual physical therapy program for rural patients, the East Lansing, Michigan-based academic medical center said Tuesday. 

MSU Health Care will work with Walnut Creek, California-headquartered startup RecoveryOne on the virtual musculoskeletal program, which will be administered in conjunction with the health system’s in-person rehabilitation services. RecoveryOne clinicians will provide virtual care under the MSU branding, while the health system’s clinicians will work with patients in person.

“Physical therapy is one of the top reasons people go to a doctor … so it’s a natural fit in terms of where we can make an impact at scale while improving access to care,” said MSU Health Care Chief Innovation and Digital Health Officer Roger Jansen.

MSU Health Care and RecoveryOne to Deliver Virtual and In-Person Physical Therapy Services in Michigan

Innovative collaboration expands access to rehabilitation services with virtual physical therapy

East Lansing, MI and Walnut Creek, CA – February 7, 2023 – MSU Health Care and RecoveryOne, a leading digital health innovator dedicated to improving clinical and economic outcomes for conditions stemming from musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders, are collaborating to transform the delivery of MSK care to residents in Michigan. In this novel collaboration, RecoveryOne’s clinically-validated virtual platform for MSK conditions will be integrated into MSU Health Care’s network, increasing access to care and expanding services into the home. The virtual services will complement MSU Health Care’s in-person physical medicine and rehabilitation services, helping to improve community health and healing while reducing overall costs. 

MSK diseases, such as joint, neck and back pain, affect one out of two Americans and three out of four people over the age of 65. Furthermore, individuals suffering from MSK conditions are four times more likely to report depression and anxiety. Through this collaboration, patients in Michigan will have more options and flexibility to access physical therapy services to fully recover from their MSK conditions. 

For example, nearly 20% of the state’s population lives in a rural area and long drives to clinics can be a barrier to recovery, especially when mobility is limited for older Americans. Other individuals may not be able to access traditional medical services due to family or work obligations. In many cases, individuals do not require full in-person services to recover and will find it more convenient to receive treatment virtually. MSU Health Care aims to meet patients where they are from the convenience and comfort of home. In addition, by enabling patients to stay within the MSU Health Care system to receive their care through virtual services, providers will be able to better coordinate care and treatment plans, which can prevent unnecessary and costly surgeries. 

“This innovative collaboration will expand physical therapy to our current patients who may not be able to seek care on site due to geographic or other barriers to care. Our musculoskeletal services within our primary care, neurology, rehabilitation, physical therapy, imaging and osteopathic manipulation will benefit from this additional modality,” said Roger Jansen, Chief Innovation Officer of MSU Health Care. “We can evaluate the patient and direct them to either the in-person clinic or virtual therapy. For some patients, we’re aiming to consolidate both into one treatment plan. With RecoveryOne’s help, we are meeting our patients where they are, extending our reach to serve more patients with our current workforce all which increases our value to the community .”

RecoveryOne offers more than 200 clinically-validated, condition-specific pathways and over 2,000 therapeutic exercises that collectively address the entire body, providing the industry’s only full-body virtual physical therapy and MSK solution.The solution dynamically adjusts based on the individual’s performance and healing process and includes Motion Trainer, a sensorless computer vision and AI technology capability that provides visual and audio guidance to help members perform their exercises correctly. In addition, patients have access to physical therapists and certified health coaches via the app, to help them stay on track with their progress. RecoveryOne delivers an enhanced interactive experience that drives better adherence and patient engagement, which leads to better clinical outcomes.

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services enabled providers such as MSU Health Care to be reimbursed for remote MSK therapeutic services such as monitoring patient adherence and response to therapy. This update opens up new possibilities for care for both patients and providers. Patients have improved access to care at lower costs and physical therapists can offer digital services that not only complement in-person care but also provide more information about the patient.

“This collaboration is a significant step forward in improving the cost, quality, and access to care for individuals in Michigan,” said Mark Luck Olson, CEO of RecoveryOne. “By adding virtual physical therapy, MSU Health Care patients have more flexibility to recover on their terms, making it easier for them to fit therapy into their busy schedules and recover more quickly. Whether it’s getting back to sports or being able to pick up a grandchild, no one needs to suffer needlessly due to lack of access or cost of services.”

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About RecoveryOne

RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

About MSU Health Care

MSU Health Care is the fully integrated academic health center of Michigan State University, representing more than 600 faculty and affiliate providers. Our commitment to safe, high-quality patient care is realized through our comprehensive services for people of any age, education of the next generation of health care providers and medical research. MSU Health Care providers treat ongoing primary care as well as some of the rarest forms of cancer and neurological conditions along with advanced surgical, pharmaceutical, rehabilitation, therapy and imaging services. With more than 100 affiliates located next door and as far as Ludington, Saginaw, Detroit, and Marquette, MSU Health Care is building hope and healing for Michigan. Our clinical efforts support future advancements through academic and research initiatives at Michigan State University.
https://healthcare.msu.edu/

Press Contact:

Kara Spak
Director, Media Strategy
120/80 MKTG 
kara@120over80mktg.com
312.593.0596

RecoveryOne Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Growth in Employer Market

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., February 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/RecoveryOne, a leading digital health innovator dedicated to improving health outcomes for recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries of all types and reducing costs, today announced the appointment of two sales leaders, Dustin Armitage and Matt Cervi.  Both executives bring their expertise within the self-insured employer market to expedite sales and influence product and growth strategy.

“With the massive increase in demand for virtual MSK solutions, we continue to expand our team to further empower more individuals with access to a lower cost, clinically-validated solution,” said Brian Harrigan, EVP, employer sales and client success of RecoveryOne. “The addition of tenured sales talent will enhance our efforts to ensure employees gain access to RecoveryOne’s solution via their employers, thereby providing them with the ability to recover from pain affordably, and on their schedule. In turn, we hope to see a reduction in absenteeism and an increase in recovery.” 

Dustin Armitage, vice president, sales, will leverage his more than 13 years of combined sales experience driving strategic opportunities and initiatives with health plan partners and large employers at such companies as Sapphire Digital (acquired by Zelis) Welltok (acquired by Virgin Pulse), and Ovia Health.   “I have dedicated my career to helping people live better lives, and after evaluating multiple solutions to achieve this, it was evident RecoveryOne is the solution I want to help bring to market,” said Armitage. “I am thrilled to be joining a team with exceptional people, culture and a crucial mission to provide access to a full-body virtual MSK solution to achieve better health outcomes.”

As Vice President, Sales, Matt Cervi will collaborate with self-insured employers to help drive utilization of the RecoveryOne solution. Previously, Cervi was at DayTwo, a Diabetes solution provider, where he expanded US market share through growth channels including health plans and health systems. Prior to DayTwo, Cervi was vice president, business development at Healthstat Inc., where he drove national sales within the Primary Care and Occupational Care Clinic Market, focusing on the customers’ needs as they pertained to wellness programs and chronic disease management, among others. “My mission has always been to help others understand the complexities of healthcare and how to solve for a constantly evolving space,” said Cervi.  “I look forward to bringing this passion to RecoveryOne while keeping top of mind the importance of individual experiences and how there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to recovery.”

Musculoskeletal diseases, such as back, knee and neck injuries, affect one out of two individuals in the U.S. The associated absenteeism and lost productivity due to painful MSK conditions results in an annual cost of around $600 billion, more than heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. In today’s competitive job market, more employers are adding wellness benefits to help with retention. RecoveryOne enables employees to access care when it’s convenient for them and includes customized care plans as well as access to behavioral health coaches to help keep employees engaged until they are fully recovered.

RecoveryOne offers a human-first approach, recognizing that no two people recover the same. Unlike competitors, the company has 200+ clinically-validated treatment pathways and 2,000+ therapeutic exercises that collectively address the entire body, providing the industry’s only complete full-body virtual MSK solution. With the addition of Armitage and Cervi, RecoveryOne will continue expanding its market share and support consumer success by providing a lower cost, more accessible and complete solution than others in this market. 

About RecoveryOne
RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Contact:
Sandra Katz
1-917-692-5643
Sandra@120over80mktg.com

RecoveryOne’s Virtual Physical Therapy and Musculoskeletal Solution Now Available to Select Cigna Medicare Advantage Customers as In-Network Benefit

Cigna Medicare Advantage virtual physical therapy

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., January 24, 2022 /PRNewswire/RecoveryOne, a leading digital health innovator dedicated to improving health outcomes for recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries of all types and reducing costs, today announced it has expanded its collaboration with Cigna to offer virtual physical therapy and a broad MSK solution for Medicare Advantage (MA) customers. 

Cigna MA customers within the Tennessee market, which includes plans in North Mississippi, Virginia and North Georgia, can now access RecoveryOne’s virtual solution to help treat MSK conditions and injuries as an in-network benefit.

“Our solution covers the majority of MSK conditions from head to toe, and with experience that spans more than eight years of working with older populations,” said Mark Luck Olson, CEO of RecoveryOne. “As such, the solution is uniquely qualified to address some of the most common and complex conditions including total joint procedures, fractures from falls and low back pain which is the most burdensome of all MSK conditions.” 

Musculoskeletal diseases affect nearly three out of four people age 65 and over in the United States, with the most common MSK ailments being degenerative joint changes, such as osteoarthritis within the spine, hip and knee, and fall-related injuries. In fact, a recent study revealed that $45 billion was spent by public insurance, such as Medicare, from 1996-2016 on MSK disorders with low back and neck pain. As the U.S. population continues to expand and as MSK costs escalate each year, it is critical to detect and treat MSK conditions to help older adults stay healthy. 

“We are proud to expand our partnership with Cigna to improve the overall quality of life, including pain reduction and a return to previous functionality for the Medicare Advantage population,” said Dustin Eggers, EVP and chief commercial officer of RecoveryOne. “We look forward to offering the RecoveryOne platform to additional markets in the New Year.”

With a national shortage of physical therapists and growing demand, as well as seniors being isolated at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual MSK solutions are more important than ever. RecoveryOne’s platform and clinical programs are specifically designed to offer on-demand evaluations and physical therapy, personalized recovery plans and behavioral support to help drive clinical success.

“Our Medicare Advantage customers are seeking accessible, easy-to-use and proven virtual care solutions,” said Dr. Michael Reardon, whose duties currently include leading clinical operations for Cigna’s Medicare business. “By working with RecoveryOne, we are able to offer much needed, cost-effective care that addresses some of the most troublesome musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain and osteoarthritis that customers can access from the privacy and comfort of their own home.” 

RecoveryOne’s offering is:

  • Accessible and scalable: Empowering Medicare Advantage customers to receive personalized treatment from the comfort of their homes on their terms. The program is designed to minimize equipment and utilize one’s own body weight or everyday household items, saving travel to gyms and the costs of expensive gym equipment.
  • Cost-effective: RecoveryOne’s focus is to increase utilization and lower costs while maintaining a high-quality customer experience and helping improve health outcomes. Based on national claims data from more than 350,000 members, RecoveryOne reduced the total medical cost by $751 per member per month for MSK-related diagnoses.  Additionally, the analysis found RecoveryOne reduced costs by nearly 77% for low back pain and 84% for rotator cuff tears. 
  • Evidence-based:  RecoveryOne was founded by a preeminent orthopedic surgeon, and clinical rigor remains key to the only full-body, virtual solution supported by 200+ proprietary clinical pathways and 2,000+ therapeutic exercises. 

RecoveryOne and Cigna have had a longstanding relationship, including an investment by Cigna Ventures in January 2020. In addition, RecoveryOne’s MSK solution is currently available to Cigna’s employer clients with under 500 employees, making Cigna the first health plan to pilot and rollout the use of RecoveryOne as a consumer tool. This solution is included on Express Scripts’ Digital Health Formulary

About RecoveryOneRecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Press Release: RecoveryOne Appoints Former SWORD Health, MDLIVE and Rally Health Executives to Senior Leadership Team

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Dec. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RecoveryOne, a leading digital health innovator dedicated to reducing the cost and increasing health outcomes for recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries of all types, today announced the appointment of three senior leaders from SWORD Health, MDLIVE and Rally Health: Steve Collins as Vice President of Growth Marketing, Dan Lee as Vice President of Client Success and Implementation, and Jacqueline Hager as Vice President of Product. The addition of this accomplished talent from both MSK and digital health industries will accelerate sales, support customer growth and propel product innovation.

“We are deepening our bench and investments to build on the momentum of the last year, including the closure of our $33 million Series C funding in September,” said Mark Luck Olson, CEO of RecoveryOne. “We are disrupting a market that is in need of a lower cost and more accessible, yet clinically-validated, virtual musculoskeletal health solution. The addition of experienced healthcare talent will help scale our solution and product capabilities, support our customers’ growth, and enable more individuals to access the recovery they need and deserve.”

As Vice President of Growth Marketing, Steve Collins will be responsible for building brand awareness within customer accounts and developing new programs to drive enrollment. He will leverage his experience as an executive at SWORD Health and Rally Health in B2C marketing. Collins has more than 20 years of marketing leadership, driving brand and customer growth.

“I’m excited to join the RecoveryOne team and am passionate about helping people overcome their pain. RecoveryOne has the industry’s most comprehensive clinically-validated virtual solution. I look forward to partnering with our clients to drive customer enrollment and engagement, delivering value through cost reduction, better clinical outcomes and improved customer health and experience,” said Collins.

Dan Lee, Vice President of Client Success, will collaborate with health plan and other enterprise clients to help them realize their strategic vision and drive utilization of the RecoveryOne solution. Previously, Lee was Vice President of Client Success at MDLIVE where he led strategy, growth, and retention initiatives with key strategic clients, including the largest client, which also achieved the highest adoption rate in their large payer segment.  Lee has more than 20 years of digital healthcare experience working with health plans, including Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, as well as providers and healthcare technology partners.

“I’m honored and thrilled to join this amazing team where I’ll partner with clients in executing strategies that ensure successful utilization of the RecoveryOne solution, and deliver value for our clients, which ultimately means improving the quality of life for our patients,” Lee said. “As a RecoveryOne patient myself, I’ve personally experienced the transformative value that RecoveryOne enables, and I’m excited to help organizations share this wonderful service with their members.”

Jacqueline Hager, Vice President of Product, will develop innovative products and guide development strategy using market feedback to inform product evolution. Hager has more than a decade of experience in health and wellness products and behavior change management. Hager was most recently at Rally Health where she was responsible for developing a teen and parent anti-vaping program and owning their Wellness Coaching product. Her other experience includes launching new products from idea to implementation and expanding products into new markets.

“I’m passionate about solving healthcare problems, understanding what consumers need, and then developing the technology that can help improve health,” said Hager. “At RecoveryOne, product innovation includes the whole ecosystem of care from consumers who have diverse needs to the behavioral health coaches that can motivate members.  Innovating in this environment is an exciting opportunity.”

RecoveryOne offers a human-first approach, recognizing that no two people recover the same. Unlike competitors, the company has 200+ clinically-validated treatment pathways and 2,000+ therapeutic exercises that collectively address the entire body, providing the industry’s only complete full-body virtual MSK solution. With the addition of Collins, Lee and Hager, RecoveryOne is positioned to expand into new markets and support consumer success by providing a lower cost, more accessible and complete solution than others in this market.

About RecoveryOne
RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

RecoveryOne Names Brian Harrigan as EVP

Company Attracts Seasoned Sales Leader to Executive Team

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 6, 2021) – RecoveryOne, a leading innovator in evidence-based solutions that personalize and improve the path to recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, today announced the appointment of Brian Harrigan as Executive Vice President of Employer Sales & Client Success.

Harrigan joins RecoveryOne as the company recently completed a successful Series C funding round that resulted in a $33 million cash infusion.

In his new role, Harrigan is responsible for formulating RecoveryOne’s go-to-marketing strategy for the self-insured employer channel. He will lead efforts to develop the necessary infrastructure and build the team required to drive sales and expand program enrollment while nurturing and engaging existing clients.

Harrigan most recently served as Chief Sales Officer for Health Advocate. His considerable professional pedigree includes two decades of sales leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

“Brian is a great fit for this position,” said RecoveryOne CEO Mark Luck Olson. “His deep understanding of the marketplace will help us expand our self-insured employer client base while maintaining the high level of engagement that our clients have come to expect. His experience will be an important asset to our team as we add the employer segment to our health plan home base.”

Harrigan added, “I am excited to be a part of the RecoveryOne team. The RecoveryOne solution is a unique combination of individualized evidence-based care and innovative technology. I see such a significant need for this type of affordable solution that improves outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. It is really motivating to be part of a team that is bringing such a powerful value proposition to the market.” 

About RecoveryOne

RecoveryOne is a recovery-focused virtual physical therapy solution for employers, partners, and health plans. In reinventing MSK care delivery, we have created evidence-based programs rich in human-connected care and amplified through technology that help members from head to toe and everything in between. RecoveryOne is reimagining conventional MSK recovery by giving users a highly engaging and tailored experience that reduces costs and speeds recovery. For more information, visit RecoveryOne.com and follow us on LinkedIn.