Why benefits leaders are making virtual care a first stop for employee wellness
Primary care is the gateway to better health— but traditional in-person models are falling short. Long wait times, limited availability, and the need to take time off work can keep employees from getting the care they need. That’s where virtual primary care — supported by virtual urgent care and virtual mental health care comes in. These employee wellness solutions are helping organizations improve access, lower costs, and boost engagement.
Here’s how a complete virtual care partner can deliver better care experiences for employees and measurable ROI for employers.
1. Anytime, Anywhere Virtual Care Access
In traditional primary care, appointments are tied to office hours and geography.
With virtual primary care, employees can connect with board-certified doctors 24/7, from home, work, or on the go — reducing missed appointments and improving benefits utilization.
2. Breaking Down Geographic Barriers
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans live in primary care shortage areas.
A virtual care partner removes these barriers, ensuring that rural and underserved populations have the same access to high-quality care as those in urban areas.
3. Longer Visits, Stronger Patient-Provider Relationships
In-person visits average just 7–8 minutes.
Virtual primary care often offers 20–30 minutes per visit, creating more time for patients to share concerns, ask questions, and build trust— key for preventive and chronic care success.
4. Integrated Virtual Mental Health Care
Traditional primary care often treats mental health as an afterthought.
Virtual primary care programs can integrate screenings and connect employees directly to mental health professionals — without extra costs or long waits.
5. Seamless Chronic Condition & Specialist Care
From managing diabetes to coordinating with wellness specialists, virtual primary care providers can order labs, manage prescriptions, and oversee ongoing conditions —reducing the need for costly in-person visits.
6. Proactive and Accessible Employee Wellness Solutions
Virtual primary care enables providers to follow up on screenings, deliver personalized health reminders, and address small issues before they escalate — keeping employees healthier and more productive.
7. $0 Copays and No Claims Hassles
In-person care often comes with copays, surprise bills, and claims processing delays.
With first stop health virtual care solutions, employees enjoy $0 copays, no insurance claims, and faster access to care — making benefits more appealing and easier to use.
Why Benefits Leaders Are Prioritizing Virtual Care
For employees:
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Virtual care access reduces stress and improves health outcomes.
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Integrated services like virtual urgent care and mental health support mean more complete care.
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Longer, more personalized visits foster trust and better adherence to care plans.
For employers:
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Improved benefits engagement and satisfaction.
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Reduced absenteeism and avoidable ER visits.
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Lower overall healthcare spend and higher ROI from benefits.
Virtual primary care isn’t a replacement for all in-person care—but it’s the smartest first step for most health needs. With the right virtual care partner, employers can deliver a seamless, cost-effective experience that works better for everyone.
Why Choose First Stop Health Virtual Care
FSH virtual care solutions are comprised of Primary Care, Urgent Care and Mental Health, and deliver patient-first care to members where and when they need it. Virtual Primary Care connects members to doctors in less than 5 days on average. It consists of urgent, preventive and chronic care to help coordinate and manage the many touchpoints of members’ healthcare journeys. With Virtual Urgent Care (Telemedicine), members have access to 24/7 urgent care for episodic health concerns. Virtual Mental Health provides counseling to members, and in conjunction with Virtual Primary Care guidance and medication management, leads to better whole-person health. Our digital-first approach expands access to healthcare for our members and provides care that people love.®
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796668
- https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/patients-prefer-telehealth-for-primary-care-mental-health-needs
- https://biodesignwellness.com/blog/the-problem-with-the-7-minute-doctor-visit/
- https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas
- https://www.physicianspractice.com/view/reasons-be-independent-doctor
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