Enabling holistic and continuous care in the digital era with virtual first care (V1C)

Digital technologies have become essential to care delivery, covering a range of primary, urgent, and specialty care services. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, making it a crucial tool for delivering convenient and affordable care when in-person visits were not possible. 

Telemedicine opened the door to embracing digital health technologies (DHT) in care delivery, offering patients the convenience of remote consultations when and where it worked best for their schedule. These virtual visits—incorporating audio or video elements—have become essential in addressing immediate clinical concerns and providing timely solutions for episodic care. While telemedicine remains a vital component of healthcare, it represents just one piece of the broader digital health landscape.

Virtual first care (V1C) offers a more holistic, continuous, and patient-centered approach that extends beyond the immediate needs addressed by telemedicine. V1C integrates digital tools and ongoing support to create a comprehensive solution tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences for long-term patient engagement and improved health outcomes. It is particularly beneficial for patients managing chronic conditions or needing sustained care by providing a broader ecosystem of services to support the patient’s entire health journey. 

For example, after an initial virtual appointment, a patient might be enrolled in a personalized care plan that includes health coaching, education, or therapy modules, remote patient monitoring, and 24/7 access to chat with a care management team. This ensures the patient receives holistic care tailored to their needs along the full care continuum.

V1C is distinctly different from telemedicine in several ways:

• A broader, more comprehensive model of care: While telemedicine excels at providing virtual appointments and clinical recommendations, V1C incorporates additional services like nutrition counseling, behavioral health support, and personalized coaching. This allows for a proactive approach to health management that addresses current concerns and long-term well-being.
• Continuous support and engagement: Unlike the episodic nature of telemedicine visits, V1C emphasizes ongoing patient engagement. Patients benefit from 24/7 access to care teams through asynchronous communication, along with educational resources that empower them to stay involved in their health over time.
• A more holistic approach to healthcare: Whereas telemedicine often focuses on resolving immediate clinical needs, V1C views healthcare as an interconnected system. It combines virtual care with in-person follow-ups as necessary, providing a seamless, coordinated experience that evolves with the patient’s health journey.
• Specialized, fit-for-purpose digital tools: While telemedicine offers valuable virtual interactions, V1C leverages advanced digital tools, such as remote patient monitoring devices and data-driven care plans, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. These tools contribute to a more personalized and effective healthcare experience.

By moving beyond the traditional scope of telemedicine, V1C represents the future of patient-centered healthcare. It is not just about responding to a patient’s current health concerns; it anticipates and supports their long-term health journey. This more comprehensive, continuous approach is key to improving healthcare access, equity, and quality while addressing some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.

The V1C Coalition by DiMe fully embraces the innovation of V1C and believes in its transformative power to shape the future of healthcare. Our members share best practices, develop practical resources, and foster networks that drive real change. Together, we are building a healthcare ecosystem optimized for the digital era, delivering meaningful outcomes and ensuring patients receive the best possible care wherever they are.

Are you ready to join a community shaping the future of V1C and driving real change across healthcare? 

By joining the V1C Coalition by DiMe, you’ll collaborate with leaders from every sector—providers, payors, policymakers, and more—to co-create solutions that make high-quality, patient-centered care a reality for all. 

Join the V1C Coalition by DiMe and become a driving force in the future of healthcare!