MSKs most costly for multinationals

• Musculoskeletal conditions were found to be the costliest disease for multinationals.
• Almost half (48%) of the total amount paid under the MSK category was for chronic issues.
• On average, MSK related procedures cost businesses US$ 629 compared to an average of US$ 615 for all other conditions.

A major report by MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) has found that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the costliest claims driver for multinational employers. Despite the global impact of COVID-19, MSKs accounted for 12% of private medical claims costs ahead of respiratory diseases (11.5%) according to MAXIS GBN’s analysis of private medical claims.

On average, surgeries and procedures for MSK conditions cost US $629 per member per year compared to an average of US $615 for all other conditions. Almost half (48%) of the total amount paid under the MSK category was for chronic issues of which the majority were for back disorders

Dr. Leena Johns, Head of Health & Wellness at MAXIS GBN said,

“MSK conditions remain a major challenge for businesses of all types, affecting employee’s health, productivity and adding significant cost to medical policies and programmes. With the shift to working from home and poor ergonomic working environments, we may find that MSKs continues to rise in 2022 and beyond.

The fact that MSKs are the biggest cost driver shows the need for an effective and dedicated approach to better care for employees with MSK conditions.”

Preventative Measures

Certainly, better use of dedicated preventative measures and programmes such as physical therapy, could have a significant cost reduction for multinationals and lead to improvements for employees. There are a number of solutions businesses could consider to better care for their people and tackle their biggest cost drivers.

• Create access to virtual and telemedicine-based solutions so employees can access physical therapies at home—helping to reduce absenteeism and improve productivity.
• Provide ergonomic furniture to employees that are working from home.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle – encourage employees to increase their daily movement-related activities or holistic lifestyle practices such as yoga which can improve posture and prevent MSK related decline.