Cigna UK HealthCare Benefits has confirmed it will be rolling out two significant improvements to its Physio Direct proposition in October.
Cigna said it was pleased to announce that, with effect from 1 October 2013, excess or co-insurance will no longer apply to the initial telephone assessment. This enhancement comes at no cost to clients.
Cigna's care management team is also expanding to include qualified physiotherapists. These physiotherapists add their expertise to Cigna's wide team of specialist nurses, and will manage musculoskeletal claims.
Where appropriate, they will liaise with Nuffield Health to provide members with an initial telephone assessment with a Senior Physiotherapist. Members will receive the right resources to aid their recovery, whether through self-management or face to face treatment.
Physio Direct launched in 2012, offering members a direct route to the physiotherapy treatment they may need.
Kirsty Jagielko, head of product management at Cigna UKHB said "This is a great step forward in terms of recognising what's important to our members,while protecting the financial interests of our clients.
"Removing the excess from the initial telephone assessment is one of many steps we are taking to break down perceived barriers to treatment. We expect that members will find it easier to access the treatment they need, and stop a small problem turning into a major impairment."