Patient-Centered, Value-Based: How First Stop Health Delivers the Future of Care

Empowering people and improving outcomes — not just through better access, but better care models. 

The traditional healthcare model — reactive, fragmented, and fee-for-service — is cracking under pressure. Employers and benefits professionals are all looking for solutions that deliver higher-value outcomes, lower costs, and most importantly, better patient experiences. 

Two critical concepts are leading this shift: 

✔️ Patient-centered care — care that puts individual needs, preferences, and values first 
✔️ Value-based care — models that reward improved outcomes instead of service volume 

First Stop Health is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering both through its virtual care platform. Here’s how — and why it matters more than ever. 

What Is Patient-Centered Care — and Why Does It Matter? 

The Institute of Medicine defines patient-centered care as “providing care that is respectful of, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs, and values”1. 

This model recognizes that: 

• Health is personal — one-size-fits-all doesn't work 

• Patients are more likely to engage in their care when they feel heard 

• Relationships — not transactions — drive long-term health outcomes 

Benefits of patient-centered care include: 

• Higher patient satisfaction and trust 

• Better adherence to treatment plans 
• Reduced unnecessary procedures and visits2 

What Is Value-Based Care? 

Unlike fee-for-service models that reward volume, value-based care rewards outcomes — meaning better health, fewer complications, and reduced overall cost of care. 

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), value-based care models focus on: 

• Preventive care 

• Care coordination 

• Chronic disease management 

• Reducing hospital readmissions and unnecessary utilization3 

First Stop Health: Where Patient-Centered Meets Value-Based 

At First Stop Health, we’ve built a care model that starts and ends with the member — and delivers measurable value to employers.  Here’s how First Stop Health delivers both: 

Care That Starts with the Individual 

Our virtual care teams focus on what matters to each patient — not just clinical markers. 

• Personalized care plans based on goals, lifestyle, and preferences 

• Continuity with providers to build trust over time 
• Human-first communication, not transactional visits 

Outcomes Over Encounters 

We’re not incentivized to bill more. We’re incentivized to solve more. 

• Proactive follow-up care and coaching to prevent escalation 

• Integrated behavioral and physical health support 
• Focus on prevention and long-term behavior change 

Virtual, Accessible, Always-On 

We remove the friction points — cost, confusion, and coordination. 

• 24/7 urgent care and primary care and mental health care as soon as next day 

• Solutions integrated in one platform 
• $0 for the member = zero-cost barrier to getting help 

Why It Works for Employers 

Employers choosing First Stop Health gain: 

• Lower claims costs through reduced ER and urgent care utilization, as well as risk reduction by encouraging healthier populations 

• Higher productivity by addressing chronic issues and mental health proactively 

• Better retention by offering a care experience employees actually use and appreciate 

And unlike many telehealth vendors, we deliver real utilization — not just availability. 

The Model Has Changed. So Should Your Benefits. 

Healthcare isn’t just about access anymore — it’s about outcomes, experience, and value. 

First Stop Health’s model proves that virtual care can be both human-centered and cost-efficient — and that value-based, patient-first care isn’t a theory. It’s already here. 

 Want to learn how First Stop Health can transform your healthcare strategy? 

Sources: 

Frampton, S. B., Guastello, S., & Lepore, M. (2013). Compassion as the foundation of patient-centered care: the importance of compassion in action. Journal of comparative effectiveness research, 2(5), 443–455. https://doi.org/10.2217/cer.13.54 

Barry MJ, Edgman-Levitan S. Shared decision making — the pinnacle of patient-centered care. N Engl J Med. 2012. ↩ 

CMS. Value-Based Programs. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/value-based-programs