Highmark Health is continuing its commitment to providing accessible, comprehensive care by expanding its virtual care offerings with the introduction of Virtual Pelvic Health, powered by Sword Health. This initiative aims to address a pressing health issue affecting nearly one in three women—pelvic health dysfunction.
These issues can range from bladder problems and chronic pelvic pain to disorders related to intimacy, pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause. With the addition of Virtual Pelvic Health, Highmark is working to remove the stigma surrounding pelvic health and provide members with a convenient, private solution to manage these often difficult-to-discuss concerns.
Key Takeaways
Highmark Health recently launched Virtual Pelvic Health to offer accessible, confidential, and effective care for pelvic health issues affecting one in every three women.
- Virtual Pelvic Health provides free access through the My Highmark app or website, connecting members with a specialist and an FDA-approved device.
- The program works to lessen stigma and reduce barriers to care by enabling users to manage their health privately at home.
- Highmark’s Virtual Joint Health program has demonstrated significant improvements in both physical and mental health, while also lowering costs and reducing emergency room visits.
Expanding Access to Virtual Care Solutions
Virtual Pelvic Health is available to eligible Highmark health plan members at no additional cost. Through the My Highmark app or web portal, members can easily access this program, which pairs them with a pelvic health specialist and provides them with an FDA-listed insertable device.
This device is designed to track and measure the force, endurance, and accuracy of pelvic floor muscles, providing valuable feedback during exercise sessions. As members perform customized pelvic exercises, the mobile app delivers real-time feedback, ensuring they are performing the exercises correctly and safely. Additionally, the app helps users track their progress over time, with educational resources focusing on habit formation and behavior change to improve long-term health.
Karen Hanlon, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Highmark Health, stated that the initiative aligns with the company’s broader Living Health strategy. She highlighted Highmark’s commitment to providing an exceptional health experience, noting the challenges many women face with pelvic health. By offering this service virtually, Highmark aims to reduce barriers to care and empower women to manage their health privately and comfortably at home.
Virtual care for a broader range of health needs
The introduction of Virtual Pelvic Health marks the latest in Highmark’s growing portfolio of virtual health offerings. Since 2022, the company has partnered with Sword Health to provide Virtual Joint Health, a program aimed at addressing musculoskeletal pain and recovery.
Highmark’s musculoskeletal program, which has expanded to fully insured members in 2024, assists individuals in managing conditions such as chronic pain, post-surgery recovery, and the prevention of surgery through virtual care and personalized movement exercises. More than 36,000 members have enrolled in this program, experiencing notable improvements in their health outcomes.
Similar to Virtual Pelvic Health, the musculoskeletal program connects members with specialists who guide them through exercises to enhance mobility and reduce the need for in-person therapy. This level of flexibility empowers users to complete their exercises at their convenience, resulting in a 92% engagement rate and a 72% completion rate.
Dr. Anil Singh, Senior VP at Highmark Health, noted that while musculoskeletal care typically requires 2-3 in-person sessions a week for several weeks, Virtual Joint Health lets members complete exercises at home, making it easier for them to stick with the program and see results.
Impact of Virtual Pelvic Health and Joint programs
Both Virtual Pelvic Health and Virtual Joint Health programs have shown significant benefits. Participants in Virtual Joint Health reported improvements in physical and mental health, with 69% of those with moderate to severe pain no longer experiencing it. The program also helped reduce depression and anxiety.
The virtual programs also provide cost savings. Highmark saw a reduction in emergency visits, hospital admissions, and surgeries, leading to savings of $112 per member per month. These savings help reinvest in improving healthcare experiences.
Richard Clarke, Senior Vice President at Highmark Health, stated that the program embodies the Quintuple Aim, focusing on better outcomes, improved experiences, lower costs, increased engagement, and enhanced access to care.
The future of virtual healthcare
Building on the success of its virtual health programs, Highmark Health is leading the charge in developing more remote care solutions. Recognizing the growing demand for accessible healthcare options, the company is dedicated to expanding these services to better serve its diverse membership.
Pelvic health issues, often overlooked and accompanied by stigma, can be difficult to manage for many women. Highmark’s Virtual Pelvic Health program offers a discreet and effective solution by allowing women to address these concerns from the comfort of their homes. Through Highmark’s convenient digital platforms, participants can easily access the care they need, avoiding the discomfort and potential embarrassment of in-person visits to specialists.
The success of Virtual Joint Health sets a strong precedent for expanding virtual healthcare solutions to other areas. As telehealth adoption increases, Highmark is well-positioned to grow its virtual care offerings, leveraging technologies like mobile apps and FDA-listed devices to improve accessibility and affordability.
Looking ahead, Highmark plans to introduce more virtual services for a range of health concerns, from chronic conditions to preventive care. This aligns with the growing trend of virtual healthcare, which is transforming how patients engage with their care. Highmark remains committed to enhancing health outcomes and accessibility through continued innovation in virtual care.
A new era in healthcare access
Highmark Health’s partnership with Sword Health enhances access to virtual care, making healthcare more private and effective. Virtual Pelvic Health offers women a discreet way to manage pelvic health, while Virtual Joint Health demonstrates the growing role of virtual care in treating chronic conditions. By leveraging technology, Highmark improves health outcomes and reduces costs, marking the start of a transformative era in virtual healthcare.
