Some members qualify for new Virtual Muscle and Joint Health Program

Starting Jan. 1, 2025, some of your patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network commercial coverage will have access to a new Virtual Muscle and Joint Health Program. Blue Cross and BCN are offering this program as an option to large self-funded employer groups.

We’ve contracted with Hinge Health™ to provide this program, which offers personalized virtual exercise therapy to individuals 18 or older from the comfort of their home (in the U.S. only). It complements care provided by our in-person network health care providers and physical therapists.

It’s designed to help members with musculoskeletal conditions:

• Prevent or resolve minor musculoskeletal issues
• Expedite the healing process for acute injuries
• Provide pre- or post-surgical rehabilitation assistance
• Prevent or manage pain
• Increase pelvic floor strength

Participation in this program is optional and at no cost to members if their employer group offers it. Members don’t need a referral or prior authorization. They can self-refer by downloading the Hinge Health app and completing an application. Based on Hinge Health’s assessment, the member may receive a customized virtual program from a dedicated team of physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons and board-certified health coaches. The program can include:

• Stretching and exercise sessions
• Condition-related education
• Motion-sensing technology to provide feedback on exercise form
• A care kit and Enso wearable device to manage pain

Your awareness and support for your patients are crucial

We know it’s in-person network providers who are managing patient care. If a member has six virtual visits with a Hinge Health physical therapist, the member must see an in-person provider such as a physical therapist or primary care provider to continue care through the Hinge Health app.

If your patients tell you about their participation in this program, we ask that you talk to your patients about how the Virtual Muscle and Joint Health Program can contribute to their overall plan of care. You don’t need to provide any formal documentation to the member or Hinge Health about this discussion.

Notes:

• While not all your Blue Cross and BCN patients will have access to this program, your patients can check their benefits or call the Customer Service phone number on the back of their ID cards to check program eligibility.
• Participation in this program doesn’t count toward any in-person benefit limits. Members can use the Virtual Muscle and Joint Health Program along with traditional in-person physical therapy, physical medicine or osteopathic manipulation treatment.
• The virtual exercise therapy program has a 12-visit limit with an online Hinge Health physical therapist per year for each covered member. The year begins when the member starts the program.

Learn more

More information is available by watching a short video,** viewing Hinge Health’s website,** or viewing our Muscle and Joint Health webpage for members.

Questions?

If you have questions about the program in general or regarding care for a specific patient, providers can call Hinge Health at 1-855-902-2777 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time Monday through Friday.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network don’t own or control this website.

Hinge Health, Inc. is an independent company supporting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network by providing virtual muscle and joint health services to individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.