27 Aug The Task Force Released a Case Study Featuring Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Musculoskeletal Care Model
WASHINGTON D.C. (August 27, 2026) – The Health Care Transformation Task Force today released a new case study highlighting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) condition-based musculoskeletal (MSK) care model, an innovative value-based approach that engages patients early and guides them to the most appropriate care to improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary procedures, and lower health care spending.
The publication, Closing the Gap in MSK Care: Engaging Specialists Through Condition-Based Value Models, highlights BCBSM’s collaboration with TRIARQ Health to redesign specialty care around patient conditions rather than procedures. Early results show a 3.5% reduction in MSK spending among participating members compared to the market trend, resulting in an estimated $10.5 million in savings during the program’s first year. These findings represent the first decline in monthly per-member MSK spending since 2021.
“Our experience showed that the greatest opportunity to improve musculoskeletal care comes before patients require surgery,” said Todd Van Tol, executive vice president of Healthcare Value at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “By partnering with providers to intervene earlier, support evidence-based care pathways, and align incentives around patient outcomes, we’re helping patients receive the right care at the right time while reducing unnecessary costs.”
“Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common and costly health issues facing Americans, making them an important opportunity for value-based innovation,” said Theresa Dreyer, CEO of the Health Care Transformation Task Force. “This case study demonstrates how driving preventive care for joint pain and aligning financial incentives can improve patient outcomes while reducing unnecessary spending.”
This publication is part of the Task Force’s ongoing series on value-based specialty integration.