Apply VRThe immersive remedy firm introduced that Highmark, a medical health insurance firm affiliated with Blue Cross Blue Defend primarily based in Pittsburgh, would be the first well being plan to cowl RelieVRx, AppliedVR’s FDA-cleared digital actuality product for the remedy of power low again ache.
Eligible Highmark members 18 years and older recognized with reasonable to extreme power low again ache can get hold of a prescription for RelieVRx with out prior authorization.
California-based AppliedVR’s RelieVRx (previously EaseVRx) is a completely immersive digital actuality expertise designed to assist individuals develop the abilities wanted to handle power low again ache in addition to non-drug choices for ache reduction.
Via RelieVRx, sufferers obtain a 56-session, multimodal program that features each day digital actuality classes using regulation and mindfulness abilities, in addition to cognitive behavioral remedy strategies to assist them handle signs.
“We’re dedicated to leveraging know-how to enhance well being outcomes whereas decreasing prices,” Matt Fickie, senior medical director at Highmark, mentioned in an announcement. “AppliedVR’s RelieVRx gives our members with power low again ache a science-based Residence immersive non-opioid remedy choices.”
Addressing the thousands and thousands of individuals affected by power low again ache, AppliedVR co-founder and CEO Matthew Stoudt mentioned individuals scuffling with decrease again ache ought to have entry to non-invasive, drug-free choices that enable them to self-manage their ache .
“Highmark’s forward-thinking method acknowledges the promise of immersive therapies, and we’re grateful for his or her partnership. Constructing on a long time of medical proof demonstrating the transformative potential of immersive therapies to reshape the physique’s response to ache, we’re dedicated to constructing The bigger physique of proof continues to set business requirements,” Stout mentioned.
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In April, Lovell Authorities Providers partnered with AppliedVR as its federal distribution associate, by means of authorities healthcare methods reminiscent of Veterans Well being Administration (VHA), Army Well being System (MHS), and Indian Well being Service (IHS).
In March of this yr, AppliedVR introduced that the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Providers (CMS) established the Healthcare Frequent Process Coding System (HCPCS) Stage II code (E1905), Covers its flagship product RelieVRx program.
In February of this yr, AppliedVR and precision drugs firm Kernal introduced a joint research to measure the affect of VR ache therapies on the mind. This single-blind, sham-controlled design in contrast mind activation patterns and physiological measures in sufferers with power low again ache earlier than, throughout, and after experiencing VR.
In August, Highmark introduced it might award greater than $800,000 in “Group Blueprint” grants through the second quarter of 2024.
In July, Highmark Well being Choices West Virginia launched a managed care group (MCO) and the primary Blue Cross Blue Defend-branded MCO to serve West Virginia residents.
