The Musculoskeletal (MSK) Program of Care is a community-based healthcare initiative designed to provide early and effective treatment for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. This comprehensive program aims to facilitate recovery and support patients in returning to or remaining at work. Replacing previous programs focused on specific areas like low back, shoulder, and non-surgical fractures, the Msk Program Of Care offers a unified approach for managing both single and multiple musculoskeletal injuries. Effective May 1, 2023, all healthcare providers initiating community-based treatment for musculoskeletal injuries are required to utilize this standardized MSK program of care.
Core Elements of the MSK Program of Care
This mandatory first-line treatment pathway for suitable musculoskeletal injuries is structured as an eight-week program, divided into two four-week blocks. The initial four-week block is pre-approved for injuries affecting single zones. Evidence-based interventions are central to the program, emphasizing patient education, pain management, self-management techniques, activity adjustments, exercise therapy, manual therapy, and supplementary therapeutic interventions or modalities.
Consistent outcome measurement is a crucial component, with metrics aligned to the specific injury type. Healthcare providers are required to submit three key reports throughout the program:
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) program of care: Initial assessment report
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) program of care: Mid-point report
- Musculoskeletal program of care: Care and outcomes summary report
For individuals requiring extended treatment within the community, a supplementary treatment block is available upon approval.
Who is Eligible for the MSK Program of Care?
The musculoskeletal program of care is designed for individuals who meet specific criteria, ensuring the program is appropriately targeted and effective. Eligible individuals include those who:
- Have a pending or approved WSIB claim for a single injury zone.
- Have an approved WSIB claim for multiple injury zones.
- Are within eight weeks of their workplace injury date.
- Sustain an injury to:
- Muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, intra-articular structure, or combinations thereof, resulting in mild to moderate damage (Grade I or Grade II).
- Bone fractures that did not necessitate surgical intervention.
- Are currently working or off work due to their injury.
- Do not have additional injuries that would hinder program participation.
- Are not currently hospitalized.
Provider Requirements for Delivering the MSK Program
Regulated health professionals possessing the necessary scope of practice, knowledge, and skills are qualified to deliver the musculoskeletal program of care. This encompasses the ability to provide all required interventions, either independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team. A diagnosis is essential to guide the individual’s treatment plan. If a regulated health professional cannot provide a diagnosis, a referral from a WSIB primary provider (physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or nurse practitioner) is required.
Reporting and Registration Procedures
Efficient reporting is integral to the MSK Program of Care. Healthcare providers are required to submit reports online through the WSIB online services.
Registration is mandatory for regulated health professionals intending to deliver the musculoskeletal program of care. Each professional must register individually, and if practicing at multiple clinic locations, registration is required for each location.
MSK Program of Care Provider Directory
Upon successful registration, providers are included in the musculoskeletal program of care provider directory, enhancing accessibility for individuals seeking qualified MSK program providers. To update directory listing information, providers can email [email protected].
Resources and Support
Outcome Measures:
(Note: The original article lists “Outcome measures:” as a heading but doesn’t provide content. In a more complete version, this section would ideally link to or list specific outcome measures used in the program. For now, we maintain the heading as in the original.)
Contact Information:
For general inquiries about the MSK program of care, please call 1-800-387-0750. For discussions regarding program suitability and initial treatment extensions, contact the Clinical Expert Line at 1-866-716-1299. When contacting the Clinical Expert Line, be prepared to leave a voicemail with:
- A summary of care provided.
- The patient’s treatment response, including range of motion, strength, outcome measure changes, and return-to-work status updates.
- Expected recovery and return-to-work outcomes.
Clinical Experts can provide approvals via voicemail or to phone answering staff during return calls. To confirm entitlement for single or multiple injury zones, contact Customer Service Representatives, Clinical Experts, Health Care Payment Representatives, or the assigned Case Manager/Nurse Consultant. For further questions regarding the musculoskeletal program of care or other community programs, email [email protected].
This comprehensive musculoskeletal program of care aims to streamline and enhance the recovery journey for individuals with workplace-related musculoskeletal injuries, ensuring timely and evidence-based treatment within the community.
