Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) will partner with Sword Health to offer virtual physical therapy services to selected BCBSND members fully insured copay plans, high-deductible health plans are excluded from this program. Sword Health provides comprehensive virtual care for the prevention and treatment of Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affecting the joints, bones, muscles, and pelvic health. This partnership aims to deliver improved health outcomes for our members. Sword Health is not intended to replace in-person care that can be received at a local provider organization.
Member Benefits
Why would a member want to utilize the Sword Health program?
- Improved Access: Especially beneficial for individuals who might have trouble getting to a clinic due to time constraints, mobility issues, or geographic location.
- Enhanced Engagement: Adherence rates are higher than traditional physical therapy.
- Cost-Effective: Offers a more affordable option for physical therapy.
- Real Outcomes: Supports tangible results, such as reducing pain, disability, and even the likelihood of needing surgery.
Provider Impact
Sword Health will always encourage our members to continue their treatment with their current provider if they are already receiving care. How will Sword Health impact and assist our provider community?
- Complementary Care: Sword Health will complement in-person physical therapy.
- Designed for Non-In-Person Cases: Ideal for cases that don’t require in-person care and supports prevention and maintenance.
- Reduced Emergency Visits: Can reduce avoidable emergency department and urgent care visits.
- Referral Support: Refers patients to in-person clinics when needed.
- New Referral Opportunities: Identifies patients who may not have otherwise sought care, creating new referral opportunities.
BCBSND's overall goal is to assist our members in reducing MSK pain, ensuring affordability, and increasing access to basic therapy services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Sword Health is an independent company providing care and disease management and wellness services on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.
