In recent years, an emerging healthcare model has been gaining momentum and offering health systems, employers, insurers and others an exciting new way to reach patients. It’s called virtual-first care and it has the potential to fundamentally reshape how we access and receive medical care. This approach prioritizes digital and virtual care interactions between patients and providers, putting patients at the center of how, when and where they engage in their healthcare.
At Ovatient, we’ve built our care model on a virtual-first foundation. Rather than treating patients in a one-off telehealth-silo, we are putting patients in charge of their health and giving them options on when and where they get care. Because this is virtual-first care—but not virtual-only—we are keeping them connected to their broader care team throughout their entire health journey.
What is Virtual-First Care?
At its core, virtual-first care means a patient’s initial point of contact with a healthcare provider is digital—think video visits, phone consultations, or secure messaging platforms. If necessary, patients are then directed to in-person care, creating a seamless integration between virtual and physical healthcare services. We do it by partnering with trusted local health systems and leveraging our proprietary platform that is built on Epic and MyChart.
Here are some key advantages of how Ovatient employs virtual-first care:
- Improved Access: Our virtual-first care model is an equalizer, eliminating barriers and making it easier for people with busy schedules or who live in underserved areas to connect to care.
- Elevated Patient Engagement and Outcomes: By offering convenient access to a broad spectrum of care services, we empower patients to take an active role in their health, leading to improved health outcomes and higher patient engagement.
- Convenience: Patients can consult with providers from the comfort of their homes or wherever they are, cutting out travel time and reducing wait times.
- Cost-Effectiveness: By minimizing the need for physical infrastructure, streamlining processes, and advancing the push toward value-based care, virtual-first care can potentially lower healthcare costs.
- Continuity of Care: Our platform enables better communication of patient history and easier follow-ups, leading to more coordinated care.
The Power of Integration
The success of virtual-first care hinges on its integration with trusted health systems. At Ovatient, we’ve done the hard work first, launching a virtual care platform that is built on Epic and MyChart. Our nationwide team of virtual healthcare providers is available to support health systems, payers, and employers with urgent care, primary care and mental health—all while plugging directly into patients’ existing electronic medical records.
This integrated, virtual-first approach ensures:
- Comprehensive Care and Continuity: While many health issues can be addressed virtually, some conditions require physical examinations or procedures. Our integrated model ensures patients receive the most appropriate care for their needs.
- Smooth Transitions: When specialty care is necessary, our virtual-first model facilitates seamless referrals and information sharing between providers – virtual and in-person.
- Preventive Care: Regular virtual check-ins can help identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely interventions when needed.
The Future of Virtual-First
We believe the future of virtual care is virtual-first and connected to established health systems and care teams. And our care model represents a significant step forward in healthcare delivery—one that has the potential to make healthcare more connected, coordinated and convenient than ever before.
Want to learn more about Ovatient’s unique, integrated virtual-first care model? Sign-up for a demo from our team.
