Highmark expands wellness portfolio with Well360 Motion, a virtual solution for musculoskeletal pain, powered by SWORD Health

PITTSBURGH (January 11, 2022) —  Highmark’s data shows that its employer group customers spend more healthcare dollars on musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases than cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or maternity care. Additionally, about one in four Highmark members have a chronic MSK condition such as arthritis, back and neck pain and osteoporosis, attributing to 50 percent of medical care cost spending. *

To help those suffering with MSK pain, Highmark is launching Well360 Motion on January 1, 2022 for self-funded employer groups. This virtual MSK care program is powered by SWORD Health.

The program wearable FDA-listed motion sensors and the SWORD tablet to guide movement real-time feedback as go through their exercise sessions. provide virtual support and guidance throughout the program.

The exercises can be done which eliminates common barriers to compliance such as travel time, work and life scheduling conflicts, out-of-pocket costs. The resulting success is in the form of reduced pain and increased movement. Programs are designed for all individuals, including anyone experiencing acute or chronic pain, recovering after surgery, or hoping to avoid surgery. The program also boasts a comprehensive list of programs for major joints – back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and pelvi. 

“During the pandemic, our members adapted to the concept of virtual care” said Anthony Benevento, arket resident, Western Region Markets for Highmark. “For telemedicine in general, we saw an increase in utilization by more than 3,400 in 2020. We are confident that a virtual program like Well360 Motion will go a long way to improve member engagement and treatment compliance, not to mention the added benefits to workforce productivity.”

Well360 Motion utilizes SWORD Health, a solution that has delivered outstanding outcomes with a 64 percent reduction in surgery, 70 percent reduction in overall pain, and 48 percent less medication consumption. Additionally, members who use this program have seen improvements in their quality of life, with more than a 52 percent reduction in depression and a 35 percent reduction in anxiety. **

“At SWORD Health, we want to reach people where they are in our effort to free 2 billion people from physical pain. That’s why we’re so excited to work with Highmark and the Well360 Motion program. Highmark’s commitment to excellence is a perfect match for SWORD,” said Virgílio Bento, founder and CEO of SWORD Health. “With 100% of care delivered through licensed doctors of physical therapy and our FDA-listed technology, we will be able to deliver best-in-class MSK care to Highmark members and their families.”

 “With the high cost of musculoskeletal conditions, and the associated loss in productivity, employers owe it to themselves to look at ways to address or prevent chronic MSK diseases and pain for workers,” said Benevento. “Well360 Motion offers a virtual, at-home solution that almost any employee can work into their schedule with positive outcomes.”

Employers interested in learning more about enrolling in Well360 Motion should contact their Highmark Client Manager.  

*Source:  National, Regional and ACA Markets Highmark Book of Business – Based on Rolling Incurred Time Frame of March 2019 – February 2020, Paid through April 2020

**Source: SWORD Financial and Experience Outcomes Report, SWORD Health Technologies, Inc., 2020