Healthcare access is a fundamental human right, however, health inequity is still an issue in the United States. Health inequity is the systematic differences in the opportunities groups have to achieve optimal health and wellness. These differences in health outcomes are caused by the unfair distribution of resources to different races, genders, classes, sexual orientations and identities. Virtual care can address these inequalities through 3 categories: Accessibility, clinical competence and assurance.
Accessibility
Virtual care expands access to bilingual doctors or translators to anywhere in the U.S. via phone call, video, or app. This expansion removes geographic limitations and combats provider shortages. Free virtual care offered to full-time, part-time, and employees not on the health plan, further supports healthcare equity.
Clinical Competence
Virtual doctor networks must represent diverse patient demographics, including the expertise and ability to support these varying needs. It is optimal to spend 20–30-minutes with patients to allow time for motivational interviewing, understanding the social determinants of health and care navigation of individuals. Virtual care doctors have more time to take a personalized interest in a patient’s day-to-day needs. Extensive training and frequent retraining also guarantee clinical competence.
High-Quality Doctors and Assurance
Virtual doctor networks that are owned and operated by vendors and consist of board-certified doctors of at least 5 years, ensure patients have access to the highest quality doctors. Assurance includes continuous monitoring of doctor’s NPBD profile, state license status, board certification status and background check. Patients can also see the same provider each visit to support members with their unique health needs and ongoing support.
First Stop Health (FSH) Virtual Solutions
First Stop Health's three approaches to improve patient experience in healthcare are accessibility, clinical competence and assurance. With Virtual Primary Care, employees can access ongoing, affordable and comprehensive treatment. FSH’s culturally competent care is sensitive and considers a whole person when delivering treatment, which allows for better health outcomes, a more comfortable and safer patient experience, and more equitable distribution of quality care.
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