It’s not a surprise that new systems like Virtual Primary Care and Telemedicine are becoming more popular within the healthcare industry. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, the number of patients and family physicians using video chat apps has increased dramatically.

Convenient access now comes to doctors and patients to adopt this model and form of interaction, reducing costs in transportation and increasing patient satisfaction. This type of connected care is completely revolutionizing the primary care experiences. 

When it comes to the virtual world inside the healthcare system, we encounter two terms that might be used interchangeably but are very different in reality: Virtual Primary Care and Telemedicine.

What are the differences and which one is better?

Differences Between Virtual Primary Care and Telemedicine

Both have many differences. However, there’s a mutual concept that applies, and it’s the virtual aspect.

The term “virtual” is often associated with online services such as websites or apps. However, when it comes to healthcare, the word “virtual” can have a completely different meaning. It refers to the use of technology to provide healthcare services from a distance without an in-person visit.

But this is where all similarities end. Keep reading to find out the main differences between Virtual Primary Care and Telemedicine.

4 benefits of Virtual Primary Care over Telemedicine

It’s not a doctor. It’s your doctor.

Under the Virtual Primary Care model, your employees will be able to build a relationship with their primary care provider. No more impersonal appointments with doctors you don’t know or switching doctors in each telehealth visit who doesn’t know or understand your medical record. 

Members will have a direct relationship doctor-patient, with a physician who is able to give each person care and knows about their health, dedicating the right amount of time each patient needs to provide quality care and good health outcomes.

This is possible because this model operates under the Direct Primary Care Practice, also known as DPC, where the patient and the healthcare provider are the main aspects of the system.

At Direct Med Clinic, your employees will have their Primary Care Doctor, that cares about their wellbeing and who will deliver compassionate care, alongside an incredible supporting team.

Chronic disease management

Being able to build a relationship with your doctor will give you many benefits, and one of them is the management of chronic conditions by reducing gaps in care.

Whether its blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions… With Virtual Care, your entire health will be under control and managed by your physician, applying preventive care and following the right treatments for your specific case or chronic illness

With Virtual Primary Care, it’s not about one visit. It’s about the overall well-being of your employees.

Learn more about our chronic disease management program in this article

Reduce unnecessary spending for your company  

Under the Virtual Primary Care model, your employee’s health will be the priority, and you can also save money without sacrificing quality.

With a membership for a medical center that offers Virtual Primary Care, you will have access to a vast amount of resources like lab tests, shots, prescriptions, prescription renewals, specialist referrals, and more… all with a lower cost compared to the traditional system and telemedicine.

At the same time, your care team will be able to evaluate and treat your workforce when injuries happen. Treating injured workers on a pre-claim basis, assisting any acute issues or urgent issues, and avoiding any visits to urgent care.

Direct Med Clinic has achieved savings for its employer members many times. One of our bigger successes was saving a mid-sized employer $1.7 million dollars in workers’ compensation claims, labs, avoided visits to urgent care, and more.

Wallet with money coming out next to science beaker with liquid

No extra fees

Virtual Primary Care will come without any extra fees for members. Your employee will have the opportunity to make as many telehealth visits as needed, without paying any extra money, adding more convenience and accessibility to this incredible model.

From issues like sore throat, runny nose, sinus infection to work injuries, at Direct Med Clinic we ensure no extra fee for members to receive adequate patient care with a virtual provider.

 

Bottom line

Virtual visits are a great way to connect with your provider. Nevertheless, there are some models that offer more benefits and customized experiences to their members, closing the gaps in care that other traditional models have.

Virtual Care is the best option for those employers who care about their workforce and want to provide real healthcare, while also having a care team supporting the company, and saving money.

You can start today with this amazing model. Contact us here.

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