Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network is piloting a physical therapist-led frailty screening model developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to identify aging-related risk earlier and inform value-based payment reform.
The joint quality-improvement initiative, known as the Growing Older and Living Stronger (GOALS) model, positions physical therapists as the primary providers for identifying frailty risk before falls, hospitalizations, or functional decline occur, shifting screening upstream from traditional care.
Kyle Covington, PT, DPT, PhD, President of APTA, said, "The partnership between APTA and Hartford HealthCare represents a significant step forward in transforming how we think about aging and care delivery. By leveraging the unique role of physical therapists to identify risk earlier and intervene proactively, we have an opportunity to improve health outcomes while demonstrating the value of prevention-driven care."
Physical therapists within the network are conducting standardized screenings and functional assessments to catch frailty risk earlier and coordinate care before decline sets in. The pilot will generate real-world data on clinical outcomes and operational performance, with formal results expected in late 2026 and full analysis anticipated in 2027.
"Hartford HealthCare is proud to partner with the American Physical Therapy Association to develop and share an innovative approach to managing frailty," said Chris Carlin, OTR/L, MBA, Vice President of Operations for Hartford HealthCare Community Network. "By bringing together the strengths of both organizations, we have created a unique framework to proactively identify frailty and associated risks, align targeted interventions, and preserve individuals' independence and ability to age in place. This physical therapist–driven, value-based model is practical, impactful, and highly adaptable across the healthcare continuum."
APTA developed the GOALS model over several years with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), and value-based healthcare providers. If successful, APTA envisions adoption across independent practices, integrated health systems, Medicare Advantage plans, and accountable care organizations pursuing value-based payment models.
Alice Bell, PT, Senior Payment Specialist at APTA, said, "We believe the GOALS model has the potential to reshape how healthcare systems approach aging populations. This model focuses on delivering the right care at the right time and with a focus on prevention and risk mitigation."
Hartford HealthCare aims to use the pilot to shape strategies for value-based payment reform, with insights meant to inform health care leaders, policymakers, and APTA members as the model moves toward broader adoption.
