Back & Neck Pain Management program showing results
(April 22, 2010)
One of Priority Health's most effective efforts to improve health and lower costs is our Back & Neck Pain Management program. It's been quietly gaining ground over the past year or so beneath the flurry of activity surrounding health care reform.
The program is showing significant results: since implementation, Priority Health has had a
26% reduction in back surgeries and a
12% reduction in related imaging. In addition, members are reporting high satisfaction with the quality of care:
- 74% are satisfied/very satisfied
- 87% better understand their options
The idea of the program is simple: If members have back and neck pain or other spine-related problems that aren't an emergency but need a specialist's attention, their doctor will refer them to what we call a Spine Center of Excellence. These are physician clinics that specialize in treating muscular and skeletal problems and have a proven track record of success.
Spine Centers of Excellence offer members:
- Complete medical evaluations
- Discussion of all treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical
- Close communication with members and their PCPs about treatment
Our Back & Neck Pain Management Program is another way we're working hard to help you and your employees manage long-term health care costs.
Learn more about this program.
