What the Evidence Shows
Leading studies continue to reinforce the value of starting MSK care with physical therapy. Early, conservative treatment is associated with faster recovery, fewer care delays, and lower overall healthcare utilization.
By focusing on the right care at the right time, organizations can reduce unnecessary steps in the care journey, while helping employees feel better, sooner.
Direct-to-Employer Models Matter
Removing traditional barriers, like co-pays or referrals, means more employees can take action earlier. Direct-to-employer models make it easier to start care quickly, which supports both employee health and long-term organizational goals. This model has been embraced across industries for its simplicity, flexibility, and results.
Built for Ongoing Insight
Explore the resources below to see the research, real-world outcomes, and client experiences that support a PT-first approach to MSK care.
Research & Clinical Evidence
- The Influence of Patient Choice of First Provider on Costs and Outcomes: Analysis From a Physical Therapy Patient Registry
- US Health Care Spending by Payer and Health Condition, 1996-2016
- Association of Early Physical Therapy With Long-term Opioid Use Among Opioid-Naive Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain
- Implications of early and guideline adherent physical therapy for low back pain on utilization and costs
- Episode of Care Characteristics Following Implementation of a No Copay Physical Therapy Program for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Case Studies
Blogs
Real Stories from ATI Direct Patients
Behind every ATI Direct program are real people who needed care, guidance, and a faster path back to feeling their best. These stories highlight the experiences of employees who received MSK care through their employer’s ATI Direct program. From faster access to treatment to a more streamlined care experience, each story reflects how the right support at the right time can make a meaningful difference in recovery, work, and everyday life.
Dan’s experience reflects what many people go through with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. His story shows how starting with physical therapy can change the outcome, both in recovery and cost.
For 16-year-old Izzy, recovering in time for her gymnastics season came down to one thing — getting the right care at the right moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any employer with a self-funded (self-insured) health benefits plan is eligible for an ATI Direct agreement, whether independently funded or part of a co-op, trust, or other self-funded group arrangement.
An ATI Direct agreement operates independently of your existing health benefits, meaning your plan members can continue to use their traditional insurance benefits as they do today. However, ATI Direct removes common barriers—such as referral requirements and out-of-pocket costs—to encourage earlier utilization of physical therapy at ATI and help reduce overall MSK spend.
In-clinic and virtual physical therapy are utilization-based, meaning there are no upfront fees or fixed costs to access care. CONNECT is offered as a SaaS solution with several pricing structure options available. Each service can be implemented on its own or combined to create a customized MSK solution.
Yes. ATI Direct integrates seamlessly with DPC models, partnering with primary care providers to drive earlier MSK intervention and better outcomes. Employees can enter the care pathway through either DPC or ATI, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
ATI Direct bypasses the traditional claims process by billing the plan sponsor directly, rather than submitting claims through the health plan. Billing can also be coordinated through a TPA, helping streamline administration and reduce complexity.