March 1, 2024
3.7x ROI — and a proven way to stop unnecessary surgeries
A matched control study shows Sword Predict drives a 3.7x ROI, saving millions by preventing unnecessary surgeries and reducing high-cost MSK care. Download the full study for the data and impact.
Musculoskeletal care is one of the largest healthcare expenses for employers — but up to half of all surgeries may be unnecessary. Sword Health’s new AI-powered solution, Predict, identifies members at risk and redirects them to proven, lower-cost care. The result? Massive savings, better outcomes, and a smarter approach to MSK treatment.
Validated by matched control studies and third-party research, this white paper reveals how Sword Predict slashes MSK costs and delivers a category-leading 3.7x return on investment.
$3,700
Additional savings per member per year with Predict
3.7x
Gross return on investment, based on matched control study
Why MSK care is broken — and ripe for disruption
MSK conditions like back, neck, and joint pain affect half of all American adults, costing employers more than cancer and diabetes combined. The biggest driver? Surgery. But up to 50% of MSK surgeries are unnecessary — adding cost without improving outcomes.
Sword Predict: Built to prevent unnecessary care
Predict uses AI to spot members 10–40x more likely to get surgery — months in advance. By enrolling them in high-touch digital PT instead, Sword helps employers and health plans avoid excessive spend on MRIs, injections, and invasive procedures.
Real savings. Real outcomes.
- 70% reduction in surgery intent
- 41.6% fewer ancillary services
- 10% drop in MSK-related MRIs
- 35% reduction in spine surgeries
Download the full white paper to see how Predict is transforming MSK cost containment — with full methodology, claims analysis, and proven savings.
Contributors to White Paper
Sword Team
Experts in pain, movement, and digital health
