Virtual care has moved from “nice to have” to “must have” for employee health benefits. If you’re an employer or benefits consultant or broker, you know the choices can feel endless. The best results come from connecting virtual primary care, virtual urgent care, and virtual mental health into one easy-to-use experience. Let’s look at how to make that happen.
Start with a Strong Foundation: Virtual Primary Care for Employers
Virtual primary care is the front door to your healthcare program. It gives employees a dedicated provider who knows their history, manages chronic conditions, and helps with referrals when needed.
When it’s set up well — like with First Stop Health — employees can see a provider the same day or the next, skip time off work, and avoid long waits in a clinic.
Why it matters
- Reduces unnecessary ER and urgent care visits
- Supports preventive care and early detection
- Builds trust and ongoing engagement with your benefits
Route the Right Care: Virtual Urgent Care for Same-Day Needs
Sometimes employees just need quick, same-day help. Virtual urgent care handles common issues like sinus infections, rashes, pink eye, or UTIs — fast. It’s available 24/7 and helps keep non-emergencies out of the ER.
How it works best
- 24/7 access for minor illnesses and quick prescriptions
- Triages symptoms and directs to the right level of care
- Works alongside primary care to cover both urgent and ongoing needs
A simple rule for employees:
- Feeling sick right now? → Virtual Urgent Care
- Ongoing or complex concern? → Virtual Primary Care
- Emotional or mental health support? → Virtual Mental Health
Go Beyond the EAP: Virtual Mental Health That Gets Used
Mental health benefits matter, but not all programs deliver. Traditional EAPs can mean long waits, limited sessions, and low engagement. Virtual mental health makes it easier — employees can see a licensed therapist within days, privately, through a mobile app.
What to look for
- More than 3 sessions per person
- National network of licensed therapists
- Easy, stigma-free access via mobile
- $0 out-of-pocket cost for employees
Choose a Virtual Care Partner That Brings It All Together
Point solutions are easy to find but hard to integrate. A strong virtual care partner connects primary care, urgent care, and mental health under one roof — so employees don’t have to figure it out on their own.
The right partner should
- Offer bundled services that fit your workforce
- Provide proactive outreach and follow-up
- Share measurable results with clear reporting
- Keep the experience simple and trusted
At First Stop Health, we deliver high-engagement virtual care solutions that meet employees wherever they are — at home, at work, or on the go.
How Integrated Virtual Care Improves Engagement and Lowers Costs
A connected virtual care strategy that integrates virtual primary care, virtual urgent care, and virtual mental health delivers better results for both employees and employers. Employees get faster access to the right level of care, engage more with their health benefits, and experience improved health outcomes. Employers see higher utilization, reduced ER visits, and measurable cost savings — all while offering a seamless, modern healthcare experience.
See how it all comes together
Explore First Stop Health’s complete virtual care solutions ›
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Care Strategies
- What is virtual primary care?
It’s ongoing, relationship-based care delivered through video or phone. Employees can see the same provider for preventive checkups, chronic condition management, and referrals — without leaving home. - What is virtual urgent care?
It’s 24/7, on-demand care for minor illnesses or sudden symptoms like sinus infections, rashes, pink eye, or UTIs. It’s fast, convenient, and often means getting a prescription in minutes — no waiting room required. - When should employees use virtual urgent care vs. virtual primary care?
Think of urgent care for “I need help now” moments, like a sore throat or sudden rash. Primary care is for longer-term needs, preventive screenings, and managing ongoing health concerns. If you’re unsure, start with urgent care for quick triage. - How is virtual mental health different from a traditional EAP?
Most EAPs have limited sessions and long waits. Virtual mental health offers faster access, ongoing therapy options, and a private, mobile-first experience that employees actually use. - What are the benefits of having all these services under one provider?
An integrated virtual care partner connects the dots between primary, urgent, and mental health. That makes it easier for employees to know where to go and helps employers see higher engagement and lower healthcare costs. - Can virtual care really save money for employers?
Yes. Early intervention, preventive care, and faster access keep employees healthier, reduce unnecessary ER visits, and cut down on absenteeism — all of which lower the total cost of care. - How do I pick the right virtual care partner?
Look for one that offers bundled services, no out-of-pocket costs for employees, strong engagement rates, national coverage, and transparent reporting on results.
How can employers reduce healthcare costs and boost employee satisfaction?
In this episode of SHRM's Honest HR Podcast, First Stop Health’s CEO Teira Gunlock, breaks down how a smart virtual care benefits strategy can do just that.
Tune in
