HH Logo.png
Source: Hinge Health

New Study: Employer Reduced Opioid Use 23% with Hinge Health’s Evidence-Based Digital Back and Knee Care Programs

New Study Demonstrates Hinge Health Reduced Employer Surgery and Opioid Claims Related to Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hinge Health, a pioneering provider of digital care programs for people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back or joint pain, today released a study with a hospitality-industry employer that demonstrated a 23% reduction in opioid claims and reduced medical claims by $1.5M by avoiding 2 in 3 back and knee surgeries. A large, self-insured employer, with over 10,000 covered members, partnered with Hinge Health to address its rising MSK spend. A total of 415 members enrolled in the Hinge Health digital back and knee pain care programs.

More than half of American adults live with chronic pain and two-thirds of this pain is due to MSK disorders of the back and joints1. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chronic MSK pain recommend patients first try non-invasive therapy, such as as exercise, education, and behavioral health, before drugs and surgery. Hinge Health is the only comprehensive digital care program for back and joint pain that combines sensor-guided exercise therapy with health coaching and an education curriculum that can be done on a mobile tablet in the comfort of a participant’s home.

The use of surgery to treat pain related to MSK disorders has risen dramatically2. Hinge Health CEO, Daniel Perez notes, “Employers are not only concerned with the cost of MSK surgeries, but also how those surgeries are gateways to opioid addiction. When members receive a 30-90 day supply of opiates, it puts them, their spouse, and children at increased risk of dependence.”

Hinge Health’s COO, Gabriel Mecklenburg explains, “Employers choose Hinge Health’s digital program to eliminate barriers to great MSK care. Whether that's the hassle of scheduling childcare to see a therapist, or the lost hours driving to and from appointments. And having a health coach as an accountability partner helps participants stay highly engaged over months.”

To learn more about how employers are managing high MSK cost and addressing MSK-related opioid misuse, please visit: https://www.hingehealth.com/white-paper-opioid-outcomes

About Hinge Health

Hinge Health is pioneering digital care programs for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as back or joint pain. The market-leading technology creates a convenient and rewarding participant experience by combining sensor-guided exercise therapy with health coaching and education. Based in San Francisco, Hinge Health is the #1 digital health provider working with large employers and health plans as well as raising over $35 million in funding to expand their platform. Founded by Oxford and Cambridge scientists, Hinge Health has empowered thousands to conquer chronic pain and avoid unnecessary surgeries.  Learn more at www.hingehealth.com.

1 Tracy, J. Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia. Institute for Chronic Pain. 2017.
2 Dunn Kate M, Hay Elaine M. Opioids for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. BMJ 2010; 341 :c3533.

Media Contact:
Paul Wilke
Upright Position Communications
paul@uprightcomms.com