WPA extends MSK pathway

WPA has extended its physio pathway option to SME and retail customers in a bid to speed up access to treatment and provide early intervention for musculoskeletal (MSK) issues.

The insurer said it is seeing growing demand for MSK treatment following a 16% increase in customer numbers. According to figures from NHS England, 30 million working days are lost each year due to MSK conditions, which account for up to 30% of GP consultations.

The pathway is provided in collaboration with physiotherapy provider Ascenti and nationwide hospital group Nuffield Hospitals.

Customers can receive up to five sessions of face to face or virtual care without a GP referral or any impact on their therapy benefit limits, no claims discount (where applicable), excess or shared responsibility options.

WPA’s head of retail and commercial Sharon Shier said: ‘We want to smooth the process for customers by helping them identify a provider and assist in booking appointments. Pathways, which are crucial to our customers’ quality of life, underline our wellbeing strategy to promote prevention and enable early intervention. All a customer needs to do is call WPA, and we will set them on the road to diagnosis and recovery.

‘With immediate access to a physio, this initiative will enhance access to treatment and assist with booking appointments, further extending what we can do for our customers.’