Members of the Allegheny County Schools Health Insurance Consortium know and use Highmark’s Virtual Physical Care Program, powered by Sword. This program is expanding and now, ACSHIC members have access to a virtual pelvic health program as well.

Virtual Pelvic Health – Bloom by Sword, will be available starting July 1 to women 18 years and older.

“It offers virtual, private treatment for conditions that often go unreported,” says Rebecca Kardell, a Senior Product Consultant at Highmark. “These issues can affect women across their lifespans and negatively impact their working and personal lives.”

Kardell says many women are “silent sufferers,” when it comes to symptoms related to pelvic health disorders.

“It is something we know needs to be addressed,” she says. “And Sword developed a unique program that combines clinical grade, innovative technology and the expertise of a licensed physical therapist that specializes in pelvic health.”

One in four individuals suffers from pelvic health disorders, according to Sword. These can include issues related to bowel and bladder disorders, intimacy well-being, pregnancy and post-partum, as well as menopause.

ACSHIC members will be able to access Bloom via My Highmark (seen as “Virtual Pelvic Health – Bloom by Sword” within the “Benefits” tab). Once enrolled, they will meet virtually with a pelvic health specialist, and a kit that includes an insertable pod that measures the force, stamina and accuracy of pelvic floor exercises will be shipped to the member.

The pod is synched to an app that allows for real-time biofeedback, creating a personalized program. The app also includes educational resources and enables the member to chat with their pelvic health specialist.

What sets Bloom apart is the ability to track exercises and feedback through the wireless connectivity of the pod and the mobile app, and the fact this is all done in the privacy of the user’s home, Kardell notes.

According to Sword, 60% of people moderately or severely impacted by pelvic health conditions report significant improvements through treatment, with reductions in depression, anxiety and the likelihood of seeking additional care. More than 40% report an increase in productivity.

ACSHIC members will note the virtual pelvic health program is called Bloom. To differentiate the programs offered through Sword, the virtual joint health program is now called Thrive.