In conjunction with the management of cardio-metabolic diseases and cancer care, orthopedic (MSK) care stands out as one of the top three most costly forms of treatment. Dr. Steve Schutzer, a seasoned orthopedic specialist with 34 years of experience and the COO of Upswing Health, a digital center specializing in MSK/orthopedic issues, is at the forefront of addressing this significant healthcare challenge.
Schutzer emphasizes that the demand for MSK care is substantial, with more than half of Americans seeking MSK-related treatment annually. This surge in demand has strained the U.S. healthcare system, with the total cost of the MSK market amounting to nearly $800 billion per year. Shockingly, a considerable portion (25 to 40%) of this expenditure is deemed inefficient, wasted, or attributed to low-value or unnecessary interventions.
Driven by the need for a transformative approach, the founders of Upswing Health, Schutzer and Dr. Jay Kimmel, recognized the imperative to overhaul the existing MSK treatment paradigm. Drawing on their extensive clinical experience, they concluded that a radical departure from traditional practices was necessary to effect real change.
Central to their vision was the creation of Upswing Health, designed deliberately to revolutionize the delivery of modern MSK care. Schutzer underscored the critical importance of enhancing access to care, particularly in light of the current average wait time to see a physician in the U.S. ranging from 26 to 63 days. The projected shortage of healthcare providers, including musculoskeletal specialists, further exacerbates this access crisis, necessitating innovative solutions.
Upswing Health’s pioneering approach leverages smart technology to provide MSK patients with rapid, round-the-clock access to expert guidance and resources. By developing a proprietary MSK-specific condition assessment tool supported by a team of medical professionals, Upswing ensures that patients receive prompt, personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
Moreover, Upswing’s innovative algorithms, encompassing over 160 distinct MSK conditions, enable patients to receive tailored recommendations and access curated content specific to their injury profile. This proactive approach empowers patients with self-help strategies, recovery tools, and informed decision-making support, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care.
Looking ahead, Upswing is poised to enhance its diagnostic accuracy through advanced natural language processing and machine learning capabilities, slated for release in Q1 2024. By harnessing AI-driven insights and predictive analytics, Upswing aims to further optimize patient outcomes and streamline the management of MSK conditions.
In a strategic collaboration with Xtravision, Upswing is integrating cutting-edge technology, including generative AI and activity tracking tools, to enhance the assessment and management of acute and chronic MSK conditions. This partnership underscores Upswing’s commitment to continuous innovation and the delivery of comprehensive, data-driven solutions to meet the evolving needs of MSK patients.
Recognizing the value of human interaction in healthcare delivery, Upswing has augmented its AI-driven platform with a telehealth component, offering patients direct access to certified athletic trainers and orthopedic specialists. This hybrid approach, blending technology with personalized care, exemplifies Upswing’s commitment to balancing technological sophistication with compassionate, patient-centered service.
In conclusion, Upswing Health’s disruptive model has yielded promising results, with significant cost savings and improved clinical outcomes observed among patients utilizing the platform. By prioritizing accessibility, innovation, and patient empowerment, Upswing is charting a new course in MSK care delivery, setting a benchmark for future healthcare solutions.
