Access matters in healthcare. So do convenience, flexibility and technology.
But when someone isn't feeling well, managing an ongoing condition or reaching out for mental health support, the experience often comes down to something much simpler: Do I feel like the person on the other side genuinely cares about me?
At First Stop Health, compassionate care is part of how our providers connect with patients, collaborate with one another and help people take meaningful steps toward better health.
We asked members of our provider team what that looks like from their perspective.
Seeing the difference care can make
For First Stop Health provider Kevin Capps, one of the most meaningful parts of providing virtual care is seeing what happens when people have easier access to the support they need.
“I’ve seen huge changes in our patients and so much gratitude from people who are feeling better, have more energy, and are experiencing better overall health. Having the opportunity to connect with people and make care easier to access for those who really need it is huge for me.”
Small Changes, Nutrition Support and the Power of Connected Care
Kevin Capps, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist
Clinician Perspective
Kevin has seen that impact firsthand. One patient came to him while navigating the loss of her mother alongside several health challenges. Through continued follow-ups and support from her care team, Kevin watched her begin building new habits, exercising regularly and making progress toward her health goals.
Today, she has lost about 15 pounds and, perhaps more importantly, is excited about how much more energy she has and the habits she's building.
Read Carrie's Story → How Ongoing Virtual Care Helped One Patient Take Back Her Health
Creating a culture of care
For Heather Liebe, Mental Health Therapist, compassionate care starts with the culture surrounding the people providing it.
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many great people here. The message of care really resonates with me because that’s what I strive to provide to my clients. It truly is part of the culture. And the accessibility, from connecting with clients to flexible scheduling, makes it easier to provide that care.”
That flexibility can be especially important in mental healthcare, where taking the first step to seek support can already feel difficult.
Making it easier to connect with a provider removes one more obstacle between a person and the care they need. But accessibility alone isn't enough. Patients also need to feel heard, respected and supported once they get there.
Giving providers a team behind the patient
Compassionate care doesn't always mean one provider doing everything. Sometimes, it means recognizing when a patient could benefit from additional expertise and making those connections easier.
Lara Christy, ANP-BC, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, sees that collaboration as an important part of caring for patients.
“The team-based approach to care allows me to manage medication decisions, monitor side effects, and oversee labs, while also connecting patients with mental health providers and health coaches who can support motivation and behavior change. This multidisciplinary approach gives patients more comprehensive support and helps them achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes.”
A person's health rarely fits neatly into one category. Physical health can affect mental health. Medication decisions can intersect with nutrition, healthy habits and other factors in someone's everyday life.
A team-based approach gives providers the ability to look beyond the immediate need and connect patients with additional support when it can make a difference.
The people behind virtual care matter
Technology has made it possible to connect people with healthcare in ways that are faster and more convenient than ever.
But technology isn't what listens to a patient's concerns. It isn't what celebrates progress, recognizes when someone needs additional support or builds the trust that can keep someone engaged in their health.
People do.
That's why the provider experience matters to the patient experience.
Our providers have the flexibility to connect with patients on their time, a culture that prioritizes care, and a broader team they can turn to for support. We’re building virtual care as a
a relationship that helps people move toward better health.
Simply put, it’s care that's easier to access, more connected and delivered by people who genuinely want to make a difference.
See what care can make possible.
Explore more stories from First Stop Health patients, clients, and providers and see how easier access to compassionate, connected care is making a difference in their health journeys.
