Using telehealth to improve musculoskeletal care through expanded physical therapy access: the tele-MC trial

The Defense Health Agency awarded the University of Utah a $1.56 million Project Grant under the Military Health Services Research (MHSR) Program (CFDA 12.007) for a two-year initiative titled "Using Telehealth to Improve Musculoskeletal Care Through Expanded Physical Therapy Access: The Tele-MC Trial," effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. This research project will evaluate telehealth implementation strategies to expand physical therapy access and optimize musculoskeletal care delivery within the Military Health System, which serves 9.5 million beneficiaries across 475 hospitals and clinics worldwide. The research is designed to generate evidence-based findings supporting Department of Defense policy decisions regarding telehealth adoption and healthcare system efficiency improvements.

The University of Utah's Office of Sponsored Projects is executing the research with support from The Geneva Foundation as a sub-awardee (awarded October 2, 2025). The project will produce clinical trial data and implementation findings addressing the MHSR Program's priority focus areas in telehealth optimization and musculoskeletal care delivery. Deliverables are expected to inform military healthcare readiness and quality improvement initiatives by demonstrating how expanded telehealth-enabled physical therapy can enhance access and outcomes for active duty service members, retirees, and their families within the Military Health System.