According to a new report, musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and back pain have the greatest impact on organizations’ overall healthcare costs. Among other findings:
- After musculoskeletal issues, the top five conditions impacting costs are cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure.
- Contributing to expenses are advancements in medical treatment (such as joint replacement surgery) and the rising costs of prescription drugs.
- Health benefit costs overall are expected to rise nearly 4% in 2020.
Employers may be able to cut some costs due to musculoskeletal conditions by ensuring workers understand and practice workplace safety (such as safe lifting).
