Protera Health in Detroit Partners to Deliver Virtual Musculoskeletal Health Care
Protera Health in Detroit is partnering with Bellin Health in Green Bay, Wisc. to deliver "cutting-edge" virtual Musculoskeletal (MSK) care to Bellin Healthâ€TMs self-insured health system employees.
Protera Health is a value-based virtual MSK integrated clinic formed out of a partnership with Henry Ford Health Innovations in Detroit. Bellin Health is an integrated non-profit value-based health system.
The partnership brings Protera Healthâ€TMs integrated practice unit (IPU) solution directly into the Bellinâ€TMs employee wellness and benefits program.
"Each year, MSK is among our most frequently encountered employee health conditions," says Chris Elfner, vice president of accountable care for Bellin and Gundersen Health System, which is becoming Emplify Health. "It was very important for us to find a digital solution that could deliver high-quality care to all of our qualified employees and dependents."
Protera Healthâ€TMs virtual IPU â€" based on a decade of clinical transformation and research â€" is designed to not only improve health outcomes but also to reduce costs of care, according to the companies. This model centers on physician-led multidisciplinary care, individualized treatment according to patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and connection to health system services when clinically appropriate.
Alongside telehealth visits with the Protera clinical team, participants engage with an individualized web portal for home exercises, educational videos, and health outcome scores, all of which are expected to further improve lifestyle and behavior.
"We chose Protera Health over a number of other digital MSK solutions because of their commitment to being a true partner for our health system and because of the strength of their clinical model," says Dr. Joseph Kucksdorf, a physical therapist and clinician leader at Bellin. "They also were willing to be creative and solutions-oriented to ensure high quality delivery and outcomes. Due to the initial success of the rollout, we have already planned numerous health system expansion pathways through which we plan to deploy Protera."
The partnership, which launched in April 2024, provides qualified Bellin employees with access to Protera Health services at no cost. This benefit is an extension of existing no-cost physical therapy access for these employees through Bellin Physical Therapy.
Upon enrollment, employees with MSK conditions undergo virtual treatment by the multidisciplinary, physician-led Protera Health Care Team, with access to personalized education, exercises, and health services through the Protera Health web portal. Rigorous clinical outcomes â€" including those of physical, mental, and pain health â€" are monitored throughout the partnership.
"Bellin Health is one of the most innovative healthcare systems in the country," says Dr. Eric Makhni, an orthopedic surgeon, co-Founder and CEO of Protera Health. "We are excited to be an extension of their already excellent MSK care and best-in-class benefits infrastructure."
In Other Health Care News: Flatrock Manor Inc. in Flint, which offers specialized care and support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced its expansion throughout the state of Michigan.
Flatrock says it seeks to bring its mission of providing a sanctuary where individuals can live fully, pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world to more communities across the Midwest and beyond.
"Our mission has always been to provide compassionate, individualized care that goes beyond the basics," says Nicholas Burnett, CEO of Flatrock. "As we expand our care services, our primary focus remains on helping more families feel supported and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the best possible care. Itâ€TMs not just about growth for us â€" itâ€TMs about deepening our impact and improving the lives of those we serve."
Since its founding in 2004, Flatrock has grown to operate more than 40 adult foster care and assisted living facilities across Michigan, including in Brandon, Fenton, Flint, Flint Township, Flushing, Lapeer, and Ortonville. It says it provides a safe, welcoming community for adults with disabilities to thrive. The company has expanded to 40 care homes since its inception â€" marking an overall growth of two homes per year on average in two decades.
