Tomorrow’s technology for MSK treatment is already here and in play today. So what can be learnt from those leading the way?
Mercer’s 2026 Health Trends report, based on data from 268 insurers across 67 markets, lists musculoskeletal disorders among the top causes of claims for employer sponsored plans. Medical cost inflation is rising in double digit figures with MSK conditions identified as a leading contributor, not to mention a top cause of sickness absence. The problem is luminous so we are happy to also shine a light on the organisations on the front line of early adoption.
Aon has clients in over 120 countries with its IPMI business partnering with the likes of Allianz, Cigna and United Health to provide solutions to mitigate risks and costs for corporates with a global reach. Many of these cater for high net worth and executive populations for whom bespoke packages are called for with high-quality and on-demand care, often with family-inclusive access. Rapid and unlimited consultations with Chartered Physiotherapists and fitness experts was a given but so was a solution that stood out in the market to deliver measurable impact. With DocHQ, this impact takes the form of customised reports for clients with dashboards showing usage, recovery trends and outcomes across the workforce.
Meanwhile, employer ‘Cash Plans’ have often been seen as having limitations as the poor relative of IPMI but now the efficiencies of digital services lower the entry point to cover swathes of blue-collar workers. Personal Group’s long-standing focus on making workplace benefits simple, accessible and impactful meant DocHQ’s digitally-enabled health services was a good fit. It forms a cornerstone of PG’s new cash plan range which features DocHQ’s remote physiotherapy service with direct and partner sales routes to large scale employee populations in the UK.
Although clearly different in approach, what these both have in common is to demonstrate the power of MI in a world where traditional methods have suffered from a lack of patient engagement and guesswork around how consistently exercises were being followed. Monthly reports on agreed data points – recovery outcomes, adherence and emerging MSK risks -providing tangible, indexable and actionable intelligence.
Joining them in the DocHQ family next month is one of the top 3 health insurance providers in a large-scale pilot designed to validate early intervention through digital-first MSK care with a focus on fast access & self-directed recovery.
More details on this and other live projects can be found in our Investor Presentation. To access to this, please visit:
Links: Health & Protection article
