AXA PPP healthcare has introduced a new physiotherapist service for members of its SME healthcare plans to make it easier to access diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
The service, Working Body, provides people with telephone access to a physiotherapist without them needing to take time out of their day to arrange and attend a GP appointment.
By calling the Working Body team, members will receive an initial clinical assessment and advice on the best treatment, which may be self-management or referral to a physiotherapist or specialist.
Working Body features self-referral allowing members to get expert physiotherapist advice straight away without needing to see their GP first.
It also offers physiotherapy advice - telephone support from physiotherapists on things members can do to get better; from advice on easing musculoskeletal pain and avoiding recurrence, through to self-management of their condition.
Meanwhile policyholders can access physiotherapist referral - for treatment by an AXA PPP approved physiotherapist from its network of clinics and medical centres.
The service also provides Specialist referral - for further assessment by an AXA PPP recognised specialist, arranged at members' convenience by AXA PPP's Fast Track Appointments team.
Jan Vickery, AXA PPP healthcare's head of musculoskeletal health, said:"Musculoskeletal problems have a disruptive effect and it's of no surprise that they account for the greatest number of lost working days in the UK - 30.6 million days lost in 2013.**
"When people experience muscle or joint pain, it's important that they get the most appropriate support as early as possible."
Working Body is available at no additional cost as a part of members' out-patient cover across all AXA PPP SME plans.
