Tech Trends in MSK Value-Based Care

Orthopaedic and MSK (musculoskeletal) practices are working through many changes in how care is delivered and paid for. Value-based care is one of the biggest of those changes. It moves away from volume-based reimbursement and focuses more on outcomes and costs. Providers are now expected to show that their patients are doing well after treatment and that the care being delivered is efficient.

Technology plays a significant role in supporting these goals. Innovative tools help track results, keep teams organized, and support patients throughout their care journey.

Measuring Results Over Time

Orthopaedic care includes a wide range of procedures and treatment paths, many of which involve long recoveries. Whether it’s a joint replacement, spine surgery, or treatment for chronic pain, recovery doesn’t always follow the same timeline. Without reliable data, it’s hard to know how well patients are progressing or where they may need more support.

Many MSK practices are now using IT solutions that let them track how patients are doing across weeks or months. These tools collect information on things like mobility, pain levels, strength, and function. Some are built into care plans, so patients report on their progress from home between visits.

This allows providers to adjust care as needed instead of waiting for something to go wrong. It also gives the practice a clear picture of how care is working across the board. Over time, this data helps inform which approaches work best and where adjustments can be made to improve outcomes or reduce complications.

Working Together as a Team

Orthopaedic care involves more than just the procedure. A patient may see a surgeon, physical therapist, nurse, or care coordinator. All of them are working toward the same goal, but they often use different systems or processes.

When information is shared across the team, care becomes more consistent. Everyone can see what the patient has already done and what comes next. It helps avoid duplicated steps, missed appointments, or confusion about the plan. For the patient, this can feel more organized and more personal.

Platforms that support team communication are helping practices stay connected. Care coordinators can track appointments, follow up on rehab progress, and send reminders. Surgeons can see whether recovery is going as expected. Physical therapists can document outcomes in a way that is easy to review. This kind of setup supports a smoother experience for both patients and staff.

Following Up With Patients After Treatment

Recovery often happens at home. For orthopaedic patients, that may include rehab exercises, medication management, wound care, or activity tracking. If there’s no contact between appointments, it’s easy to miss signs that something isn’t going well.

Some practices are using remote check-ins or digital rehab tools to stay in contact. These tools let patients log their symptoms or receive step-by-step instructions. If a patient reports trouble with mobility or increasing pain, the care team can reach out and help before the next visit.

This approach can prevent avoidable ER visits or readmissions. It gives patients structure during recovery and helps them stay more engaged. For providers, it offers better visibility into what happens outside the clinic.

Keeping the Practice on Track

Shifting to value-based care comes with more administrative work. Providers need to collect and report data, review performance, manage contracts, and keep up with changing payer requirements. This can put pressure on practice staff and take time away from patient care.

MedVanta supports orthopaedic practices by helping with this workload. The platform offers tools for tracking performance, organizing care plans, and supporting contract requirements. By offering these services, MedVanta gives MSK doctors and practices a clearer path forward in value-based arrangements.

Instead of building new systems from scratch, practices can use MedVanta’s structure to meet quality targets, manage risk, and work more efficiently.

Supporting Independent Practices

Many orthopaedic practices want to stay independent. They want to decide how care is delivered and continue building long-term relationships with patients. At the same time, they want to take part in value-based models that reward high-quality, cost-effective care.

MedVanta was designed with that in mind. It gives independent practices access to the tools and data they need to track performance without giving up clinical control. Physicians stay involved in decisions about care plans, outcomes, and workflows.

This approach gives practices more flexibility. They can focus on their patients while still meeting the requirements of modern payment models.

Where Is MSK Care Headed?

Value-based care will continue to shape the way orthopaedic and MSK services are delivered. Payers are expecting more accountability and more visibility into what care looks like from start to finish. That means providers need systems in place to track progress, communicate clearly, and report outcomes.

Practices that have a plan for this kind of work are better positioned to grow. They can enter new contracts, reduce unnecessary costs, and build a stronger connection with their patients. Technology can support this work in practical ways without disrupting what already works.

MedVanta helps orthopaedic practices take the next step by offering guidance, support, and tools that align with the way MSK care is delivered every day. Contact us to learn more.