Highmark Expands Virtual Care Offerings with Pelvic Health Program Powered by Sword Health

What You Should Know: 

– Highmark, a health insurance provider, today announced the addition of Virtual Pelvic Health powered by Sword Health to its suite of benefits. 

– The new program offers eligible members access to personalized, technology-driven care for pelvic health conditions, at no additional cost.

Impact of Pelvic Health Dysfunction

Pelvic health dysfunction affects a significant portion of the population, with nearly 1 in 3 women experiencing bladder issues, chronic pelvic pain, or other related conditions. Highmark’s Virtual Pelvic Health program aims to address these challenges by providing convenient and accessible care through a virtual platform.

How it Works

Eligible members can enroll in the program through their My Highmark app or web-based member portal. Once enrolled, participants are paired with a pelvic health specialist and receive an FDA-listed insertable device that tracks and measures pelvic floor muscle activity.

The device, along with a connected mobile app, provides:

• Real-time feedback: Guides participants through personalized exercises and provides feedback on their performance.
• Progress tracking: Allows users to monitor their progress and celebrate milestones.
• Educational resources: Offers information on pelvic health conditions and treatment strategies.
• Personalized support: Connects participants with a dedicated pelvic health specialist for guidance and support.

The new program builds on Highmark’s existing collaboration with Sword Health. In 2022, Highmark began offering Virtual Joint Health powered by Sword Health to its self-funded members, expanding availability to fully insured members in 2024.

Virtual Joint Health Program Results/Outcomes

Virtual Joint Health has demonstrated impressive results:

• High engagement: 92% of enrolled members actively participate in the program.
• Program completion: 72% of enrolled members complete the program.
• Pain reduction: 69% of participants with moderate to severe pain report significant pain reduction.
• Improved mental health: Members report reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms.
• Cost savings: Reduced emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and surgical procedures have led to significant cost savings.

“At Highmark Health, our Living Health strategy is about providing a remarkable health experience to our members, and to do that, it’s our responsibility to make it easier for members to find and access the care they need,” said Karen Hanlon, EVP, chief operating officer, Highmark Health. “The stigma surrounding pelvic health conditions can prevent women from reporting concerns to their clinicians. To remove that barrier, our members can now improve their pelvic strength more discreetly, safely and conveniently in the comfort of their own homes.”