CHRISTUS Health: Exceeding Engagement Targets and Delivering Significant Clinical Outcomes

About CHRISTUS Health

CHRISTUS Health is a faith-based nonprofit health system headquartered in Irving, Texas. The organization includes 250 services and facilities, including more than 60 hospitals and long-term care facilities, 175 clinics and outpatient centers, and dozens of other health ventures. It employs nearly 30,000 people and works with more than 9,500 physicians.

Ruthie Huddlen, Health and Wellness Benefits Manager at CHRISTUS Health, brings more than 30 years of HR and benefits experience and believes that successful benefits programs depend on transparency and proactive communication.

“One of the most meaningful opportunities we have as benefits leaders is making sure associates are aware of and able to access the resources available to support them and their families. It is always disappointing to hear an associate say, “I didn’t know we had that benefit,” because it may mean they missed out on support that could have made a difference in their well-being.Through our partnership with Hinge Health, we’ve strengthened our communication efforts with a more intentional, multi-channel approach that keeps resources visible, relevant, and easy to understand. That consistent communication helps connect associates to the benefits and care designed to support their health and well-being.”

Tackling one of CHRISTUS Health’s costliest conditions 

Musculoskeletal claims were among the most costly claims for CHRISTUS Health, making it clear that the organization needed a solution that could:

• Effectively address MSK conditions across a geographically dispersed workforce

• Integrate seamlessly into the existing benefits ecosystem

• Deliver measurable clinical and financial outcomes

• Support a diverse population that is 66% female

“We could see from our claims data that MSK was impacting many of our members and is one of our most costly conditions. In this case, lowering those claims was a driver in choosing a vendor we would consider a success story for us,” Ruthie added.

Choosing a solution built for scale 

CHRISTUS Health selected Hinge Health as their MSK solution in July 2023. The decision involved multiple stakeholders, including HR Leadership, the CHRO, Total Rewards Team, Medical Director, broker consultants, and their medical plan. 

The selection criteria extended well beyond cost-benefit analysis to include:

• Integration into current benefits ecosystem

• Scalability

• Reporting & data analysis capabilities (KPIs)

• Privacy & security

• Accessibility for a distributed workforce

After launching Hinge Health, the CHRISTUS Health Benefits Team focused on measuring 3 pillars: accessibility, collaboration and innovation. 

1. Accessibility

With associates spread across the United States, a virtual physical therapy solution was essential. The digital-first approach allowed CHRISTUS Health to provide consistent, high-quality care to employees regardless of their location.

2. Collaboration

Ruthie emphasizes the importance of true partnership, grounded in a deep understanding of organizational culture and workforce needs. “We want to ensure it is truly a partnership — one where our population, culture, and core values are fully understood,” she explains. 

She highlights Hinge Health as a strong example of this approach, noting their role in supporting success through advanced data analytics, utilization reporting, and strategic communications — while consistently seeking feedback to refine and improve outcomes.

3. Innovation

Hinge Health's commitment to continuous product improvement aligned perfectly with CHRISTUS Health's needs. The addition of the Women's Pelvic Health Program and Menopause Product enhancement was particularly valuable. "Being an organization that's 66% female, it's vital that we offer programs that support women's health," Ruthie emphasizes.

Within the first year of launching, the partnership has exceeded engagement expectations and delivered significant clinical outcomes:

Engagement Success

• Over 5,195 members engaged - representing 14% of total eligible population

• Target exceeded: Original goal was 3.75% engagement

• Member satisfaction: 9.1/10

Financial Success Outcomes (medical claims analysis comparing MSK-related spend)

• $424 average amount saved per Hinge Health participant compared to non-Hinge Health members

• 15% total savings that were from avoided spend in conservative care

• 75% total savings that were avoided spend from invasive procedures

Clinical Outcomes (based on data that is self-reported from members since launching the program)

• 50% experienced pain reduction

• 41% reduction in surgery likelihood among participating members

• 79% of members achieved MCID (minimal clinically important difference) compared to 59% in traditional physical therapy*

*Olsen, MF et al. Journal of clinical epidemiology (2018). Eleswarapu, AS et al. Spine (2016). 

Ruthie emphasizes that strong benefits partnerships should be measured not only by utilization and outcomes, but by the real stories behind the data. At CHRISTUS, that approach comes through in quarterly board reporting that pairs performance metrics with employee success stories, helping leaders see both program value and human impact.

The CHRISTUS Health and Hinge Health partnership exemplifies how the right combination of technology, collaboration, and shared values can transform employee health outcomes while delivering meaningful cost savings. By exceeding engagement targets and achieving significant clinical improvements, the partnership has become a model for how healthcare organizations can effectively address musculoskeletal conditions across a diverse, distributed workforce.