Closing the Gap in Musculoskeletal Care

Mind the gap: Health disparities in musculoskeletal care

Healthcare disparities remain a prevalent challenge in the United States, with certain populations consistently experiencing worse care and, as a result, health outcomes. At the heart of this issue are social determinants of health (SDOH) which include:

• Economic stability
• Education access and quality
• Health care access and quality
• Neighborhood and built environment
• Social and community context

These determinants shape health outcomes and create inequities that are difficult to overcome.¹

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as back, neck, knee, and joint pain, are widespread and affect millions of Americans across all demographics. However, the reality is that these conditions disproportionately impact individuals in lower-income brackets, rural areas, and communities of color.² These demographics are not only more affected by MSK conditions but also face significant barriers to accessing the care they need, which can be incredibly harmful to their health and well-being.

The good news is, by addressing the social determinants of health and recognizing the financial implications of these disparities, payers and employers have the opportunity to close this gap and create a more equitable healthcare landscape.

Overcoming financial barriers in MSK care

For many individuals, particularly those with limited financial resources, accessing physical therapy and other MSK treatments can be tough. Unpaid time off work and the high cost of care often lead to delays in seeking treatment, which can cause conditions to worsen over time. Additionally, individuals in lower-income communities often struggle with health literacy, making it difficult for them to understand their treatment options or even know that help is available.²

By offering solutions that remove financial barriers and provide clear, understandable information about treatment options, employers and payers can help prevent conditions from worsening and ultimately reduce long-term healthcare costs.

How transportation and location impact musculoskeletal health

Geography plays a critical role in healthcare access, especially in rural areas where the nearest healthcare facility might be hours away. Transportation barriers, like a lack of reliable public transit, can further limit access to necessary care. In fact, studies have shown that millions of Americans miss medical appointments each year due to transportation issues, leading to prolonged recovery times and worsening chronic conditions.³

Without reliable transportation, routine check-ups, preventive care, and early interventions become difficult (if not impossible) to maintain. This lack of access can turn manageable MSK conditions into serious, long-term health problems, diminishing the quality of life for those affected and driving up overall healthcare costs.

The importance of health literacy

Understanding one’s health and the available treatment options is key to getting effective MSK care. Unfortunately, those with lower health literacy are more likely to rely on pain medications or opt for invasive procedures without fully exploring less risky, more effective options. On the other hand, individuals with higher health literacy are better equipped to ask questions, seek second opinions, and choose treatments that address the root cause of their pain.⁴

Improving health literacy doesn’t just empower individuals—it can lead to better health outcomes, reduce unnecessary healthcare costs, and improve overall patient satisfaction. Employers and payers have a critical role in providing the education and resources needed to help their employees and members make informed decisions about their MSK care.

Addressing racial and ethnic disparities

Even when people have similar insurance and income, racial and ethnic disparities still create major roadblocks in healthcare. For many in minority communities, challenges like bias from doctors, fewer resources in their neighborhoods, and language barriers make it harder to get the care they need. This is especially true for Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations, who often face worse health outcomes than others.⁵

Employers and payers can address these disparities by creating more inclusive healthcare, offering support programs that meet the diverse needs of the populations they serve, and making sure everyone has access to the care they need.

Building a more equitable future

Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving health equity in MSK care. By understanding the unique challenges faced by different populations and removing barriers to care, we can create a healthcare ecosystem that serves everyone more effectively.

For payers and employers looking to make a difference, there are actionable steps that can be taken to bridge these gaps and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care they need.

To learn more about how to tackle these challenges and create more equitable MSK care solutions, visit www.kaiahealth.com.