33%

of adults in the UK will suffer back pain

each year6

30%

of GP appointments are for musculoskeletal

complaints7

Sources: 1HSE labour force survey 2008/2009 www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh0809.pdf 2CBI absence and workplace health survey 2011. 3Health and Safety Executive 2008/09. URL: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/lfs/lfs0809.pdf 4Health Insurance - Occupational Health - A quarter of workers suffering from knee joint pain Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2012. 5Department of Health. MSK Service Framework. 2006 www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4138412.pdf 6NICE clinical guideline 88. 2009 publications.nice.org.uk/low-back-pain-cg88 7 Department of Health. MSK Service Framework. 2006. This is only an estimated figure www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_4138412.pdf

4IN5people will have back pain

in their lifetime5

WHY YOU NEED TO HAVE EFFECTIVE MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE IN PLACE

employees will have knee pain at any one time4

1IN4

TAKING CONTROL OF WOR KPLACE ABSENCE

BUPA mUscUloskeletAl cAre

on average were taken off work in 2008/2009 by people with a musculoskeletal condition

caused or made worse by work3

17.2 dAys

estimated working days are lost

annually1

million9.3

Muscle, bone and joint conditions are a major problem for businesses and individuals alike. With 9.3 million days lost in Great Britain1 annually, musculoskeletal complaints are a leading cause of both long and short term absence in the workplace2. They also account for a significant area of spend within healthcare plans.

To help you tackle these problems we’re pleased to introduce Bupa’s approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions. As part of Bupa private health insurance, this leaflet gives an overview of the range of services now available to employees; including fast access to specialist advice and treatment without the need for a GP referral – helping them to return to health as quickly as possible and spend less time away from work.

Traditional treatment pathways don’t always lead to the best outcome for patients. Here are some of the issues.

o Poor access to advice often prolongs recovery times and can lead to reduced productivity and increased sickness absence.

o Taking time off work to attend appointments creates delays in people accessing treatment.

o Referral to a surgeon too soon can lead to unnecessary surgery, which can impact on time as well as money.

o Unnecessary treatment, where more conservative options could have worked, exposes people to unnecessary risks and increases the cost of healthcare.

Bupa’s musculoskeletal care is designed to improve employee experience and outcomes.

Bupa has created a range of dedicated services designed to provide members with faster access to specialist advice and treatment without the need for a GP referral.

Effective musculoskeletal care can help reduce time off work by removing unnecessary treatment. We also believe this new care pathway will improve the quality of musculoskeletal treatment and reduce costs. Our services uniquely focus on:

o improved outcomes for patients

o helping employees recover more quickly

o helping to minimise the time that employees are absent from work

o removing unnecessary treatment costs

Bupa’s musculoskeletal care provides clear, evidence-based treatment, using innovative treatment approaches, where previously these did not exist.

direct access (no need for a GP referral)Less time spent away from work and a convenient and faster return to health.

effective assessmentHelping employees access the right treatment first time for a swifter recovery.

conservative treatment optionsEffective appropriate treatments that cost less.

clinically effective treatmentPatients are not exposed to unnecessary risks and the cost of ineffective treatment is removed.

supporting patientsHelping patients make informed decisions and promoting early intervention along with more conservative treatment options.

HELPING EMPLOYEES TO GET THE RIGHT TREATMENT

THE ISSUES WITH ESTABLISHED TREATMENT PATHWAYS

RE-DEFINING MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE

HOW BUPA DIFFERS

no GP appointment

necessary

Patients can self manage

Wasted time and money

15-20%

Bupa’s musculoskeletal care focuses on health issues that have a far-reaching impact on businesses. It offers targeted support to ensure that employees receive the most appropriate treatment to speed them back to health. Not only does this help to reduce the amount of time employees spend away from work, but it can also save your business time and money.

to Find oUt more sPeAk to yoUr BUPA AccoUnt mAnAGer

WHAT DOES BUPA’S MUSCULOSKELETAL CARE PROVIDE?

Members can access treatment for musculoskeletal conditions without the need for a GP referral. They can have a telephone assessment with a qualified physiotherapist who can advise on self-help exercises to aid recovery, or arrange a referral if face-to-face treatment is required.

DIRECT ACCESS TO TREATMENT

Our specialist patient support teams enable members to access effective treatment when and where they need it. Bupa’s dedicated advisers can guide members to the most appropriate treatment for them and help them to make informed decisions about their condition.

SPECIALIST PATIENT SUPPORT TEAMS

There are 12 Bupa centres across the UK offering musculoskeletal services. Each centre provides a multidisciplinary range of clinicians, including osteopaths, physiotherapists and musculoskeletal physicians that work together to deliver the right treatment for patients and reduce unnecessary surgical intervention.

BUPA CENTRES

Our nationwide treatment networks include physiotherapy, osteopathy, podiatry and chiropractic treatment. Meeting our stringent criteria, they only provide treatments that are proven to be clinically effective, whilst their fees are assured – so there are no unexpected bills for members.

QUALITY ASSURED CLINICIANS

We have developed and are piloting the Bupa Back Pain Management Programme. This is a groundbreaking physiotherapist-led course that empowers people to manage their back pain, as well as helping them back to work.

BACK PAIN MANAGEMENT

Bupa Knee Clinic is an online interactive information source for members experiencing knee pain and problems. It provides an insight into diagnosis and treatment and helps members to understand the care that is right for them. To find out more, visit clinic.bupa.co.uk/knee

BUPA KNEE CLINIC

HOW IT WORKS

Employee has a muscle, bone or joint complaint

1 Employee contacts Bupa2 Telephone

consultation arranged

3 Physiotherapist gives advice Or refers for face- to-face treatment

4

Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433*. Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851*. *Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.