Connected Digital Health Episode 3: Hybrid Rehabilitation: Is It Becoming the Expected Standard?

In this episode of Connected Digital Health, hosts Andrew Mickus and Jon Ide-Don are joined by Dr. Chad Cook, a tenured professor at Duke University and one of the most productive research physical therapists in the field. With over 440 peer-reviewed papers to his name, Dr. Cook explains why he believes hybrid rehabilitation is no longer just a trend but likely a future standard of care delivery expected by major insurance providers like CMS and UnitedHealthcare. We dive deep into how clinicians can pull back the curtain on the “black box” of patient recovery—those critical periods between visits where progress is often unknown—by integrating digital tools and remote monitoring. Dr. Cook addresses the “emotional skepticism” many providers feel toward technology, offering a roadmap for transitioning from a “fixing” mindset to a “coaching” mindset to improve long-term patient adherence. Whether you’re navigating new value-based payment models or seeking to fill gaps in traditional clinic workflows, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies to help you avoid being left behind in the digital evolution of rehabilitation.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the shift toward hybrid musculoskeletal (MSK) care models, including the clinical, financial, and operational drivers from major payersApply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the “black box” of patient care by integrating digital tools, remote monitoring, and behavioral change coaching into traditional workflowsSolve patient case scenarios involving the selection of appropriate care platforms and the identification of clinician skill gaps in digital communication and self-management oversightIf you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/