By the Numbers:
The Case for Virtual Musculoskeletal Care

Work injuries resulted in $163.9 billion in costs in 2020.

Workers lost 99,000,000 days due to injuries in 2020.

Musculoskeletal injuries are a common type of workplace injury. Every year, musculoskeletal disorders result in approximately 130 million healthcare encounters.

Two causes of musculoskeletal disorders – overexertion and bodily reaction – cause 22% of nonfatal injuries or illnesses involving days away from work.

Annual healthcare spending on musculoskeletal disorders has reached $380.9 billion.

Most people with musculoskeletal disorders are working-aged – 61.3% are between 20 and 64 years old.

Early healthcare intervention can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems leading to long-term work loss,6 but barriers to care can prevent people from getting the help they need. Telehealth may lower costs while improving access and quality of care.

Telemedicine can improve access to healthcare by eliminating travel time. One study found that telemedicine resulted in average travel savings of 145 miles and 142 minutes per visit, resulting in an average savings of $18,555 per year.

The Veterans Health Administration says it saves around $6,500 annually for each patient who participates in telehealth.

More people are embracing telehealth. In 2021, 37% of adults said they had used telehealth in the last 12 months.