Breaking Preventive Care Barriers with Virtual Care Access

New data shows most Americans are skipping checkups. Here’s how First Stop Health helps them catch up, stay on track, and take control.

When it comes to preventive care, most Americans are falling behind—and the numbers speak for themselves.

According to the 2025 Aflac Wellness Matters Survey:

• 90% of Americans have delayed a checkup or screening

• 94% face barriers such as cost, time, or distrust in the system

• Nearly 40% have skipped care due to long wait times

• Half of Gen Z and millennials rely on urgent care or ER as their main source of care

These aren’t just statistics—they represent missed diagnoses, worsening health conditions, and rising healthcare costs for employers.

At First Stop Health, we’re changing that. Our virtual-first care model is designed to eliminate the everyday friction points that prevent people from getting the care they need—when they need it.

The Problem: Why Preventive Care Keeps Getting Delayed

The healthcare system isn't just hard to navigate—it actively discourages people from engaging with it.

Here’s what the Aflac survey uncovered about why so many Americans skip routine care:

• Logistical challenges like scheduling, time off work, and lack of transportation

• Cost confusion and insurance anxiety

• Discomfort or distrust toward providers

• A lack of consistent relationships—1 in 5 Americans doesn’t have a primary care doctor

And here’s the kicker: Even people who know they’re at high risk for serious illness—like cancer—are more likely to delay care than act on it.

This isn’t a knowledge gap. It’s an access and experience problem.

The Solution: First Stop Health’s Virtual-First Model

First Stop Health is built to flip the script. We’ve designed our Virtual Care platform to make care accessible, personal, and proactive—so members actually use it.

Here’s how we break down the barriers to preventive care:

1. No More Waiting Rooms

• Same-day or next-day virtual visits

• 24/7 access to urgent care

• Easy appointment scheduling for primary care, mental health, and health coaching

• Eliminates the need for time off work or travel

40% of Americans cancel appointments due to long waits. FSH members skip the wait entirely.

2. Built for Ongoing Engagement

• Consistent care with the same virtual primary care physician

• Follow-up visits and proactive reminders built into the care model

• Integrated health coaching to support behavior change and long-term adherence

Only 25% of people always book their annual checkups. FSH helps turn good intentions into real habits.

3. Care That Builds Trust

• $0 out-of-pocket costs through employer-sponsored plans

• Friendly, compassionate providers focused on patient experience

• A simple app that makes getting care feel easy—not overwhelming

Distrust and embarrassment are major deterrents, especially among younger adults. FSH offers a stigma-free, judgment-free space—and earns a +81 Net Promoter Score from patients.

Closing the Gap in Preventive Care

The survey also found that people with a primary care provider are:

• More likely to get recommended screenings

• More proactive in managing chronic conditions

• More confident in their overall health

First Stop Health makes having a trusted PCP easier than ever. Members can quickly build a relationship with a dedicated virtual primary care doctor—no networks, no red tape, and no waiting.

And when that relationship is supported by mental health care, urgent care, and health coaching, it becomes something even more powerful: a true virtual medical home.

Help Your Clients Catch Up, Stay Healthy, and Save

Employers are tired of high-cost claims driven by missed care. Employees are tired of trying to navigate a broken system. Brokers and consultants have an opportunity to deliver a better way.

First Stop Health helps people go from avoidance to access—and makes preventive care stick.

Our solutions remove friction and improve outcomes

Let’s talk about how First Stop Health's integrated coaching can support your team’s mental well-being — every step of the way. 

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Source

Aflac. 2025 Wellness Matters Survey. Conducted by Kantar Profiles, January 2025. https://www.aflac.com/wellness-matters/default.aspx