Excellus BCBS members report better function and less pain
A new Excellus BlueCross BlueShield benefit is helping members overcome one of the nation’s most debilitating health conditions, while also working to reduce the rising costs of health care.
Kelly Nye, an Excellus BCBS member in Upstate New York, suffered from shooting pains down her leg and numbness in her thigh. Her pain prevented her from doing the things she loves, like going for walks. Determined to overcome her pain, she enrolled in Vori Health, a virtual physical therapy program available to Excellus BCBS members.
Vori Health is ideal for members like Nye who are suffering from certain musculoskeletal disorders, such as back, neck or joint pain. Vori Health is an independent company that offers virtual physical therapy to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members.
“It has really helped. I’m back to walking and I don’t have pain anymore,” Nye said.
Virtual physical therapy
Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability and increased health care costs in the U.S. More than 1 in 3 people are impacted.
To help members suffering from chronic pain, in January 2024, Excellus BCBS partnered with Vori Health to bring members a new virtual physical therapy option. Members are supported by a team of specialty medical providers, physical therapists, health coaches and nutritionists.
At Nye’s first appointment, she met virtually with a doctor and physical therapist. She’s continued to work virtually with the physical therapist, focusing on exercises she could do on her own time.
“I could do it in my pajamas. I didn’t have to drive anywhere,” said Nye. She accessed prescribed exercises through her personal portal and performed them with the assistance of video and motion tracking. “It is such a cool technology. You can really see if you’re doing things the
right way.”
A flexible way to access care
“Virtual physical therapy can make it easier for patients to stay engaged by bringing care directly into their homes,” said physician Ankit Garg, Excellus BCBS vice president of medical affairs. “Early results are promising, and we’re proud to offer a program that supports members’ health goals. We’re excited for even more members to take advantage of this convenient option going forward.”
Members are encouraged to consult with their medical provider to find out what treatment options are best for them.
In 2024, more than 3,000 Excellus BCBS members enrolled in Vori Health with:
• 75% noting improvement in pain
• 59% feeling that their function had improved
• 70% seeing an improvement in depression
• 64% experiencing an improvement in anxiety
Musculoskeletal treatments are also a top driver of rising health insurance costs in Central New York.
“An added benefit of this program is its potential to curb rising health care costs by helping members avoid more invasive — and often more expensive — treatments in the future,” Garg said.
Curing pain with lifestyle changes
Nye also discussed lifestyle changes with her physical therapist. “He gave me ideas of how to best sit in my car. We talked about shoes that were good for me and how I might walk and maybe avoid some of the high hills I was doing.
“It was just so thorough about my whole lifestyle.”
Vori Health is available to members enrolled in Medicare Advantage and in many employer health plans. Benefits and coverage can vary.