Integrated Physical Medicine at Employer-Sponsored Health Clinics Improves Quality of Care at Reduced Cost

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes associated with integrating physical medicine in employer-sponsored clinics.

Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis comparing clinical and economic outcomes of physical medicine services delivered in employer-sponsored clinics with the community.

Results: Integrating physical medicine in employer-sponsored clinics decreased wait times to access these services to 7 days (2 to 4× faster than in the community). Patients receiving care in employer-sponsored clinics experienced marked improvements in fear of pain avoidance behaviors (P < 0.00001) and functional status (P < 0.01) in eight fewer visits than in the community (P < 0.0001), resulting in $472 to $630 savings/patient episode. Noncancer patients received 1/10th the opioid prescriptions in employer-sponsored clinics compared with the community (2.8% vs 20%). Patients were highly likely to recommend integrated employer-sponsored care (Net Promoter Score = 84.7).

Conclusions: Findings suggest robust clinical and economic benefits of integrating physical medicine services into employer-sponsored clinics.