What is Virtual Care and How Can it Benefit Your Workforce
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Virtual health care is revolutionizing how organizations offer benefits to their workforce and transforming how people get access to care. According to the American Medical Association, 71.4% of physicians reported using telehealth in their practices weekly, up from the 25.1% who reported that in 2018. Virtual primary care means workers no longer have to worry about things like living too far away from a clinic or provider or having to take time off work to get the care they need. They can see a doctor any time that works with their schedule – regardless of where they live or work.
There are many advantages for organizations who offer virtual care in addition to their Advanced Primary Care benefits – learn about them here.
What is virtual care?
Virtual health care leverages tech like video conferencing, web-based gateways, and mobile applications to offer virtual primary care services from distant places. This means patients can receive care from doctors without leaving their homes or offices. Instead, a provider can assess a patient’s condition via video conference and prescribe medications or treatments accordingly. Moreover, virtual care providers offer 24/7 access to medical services for those with hectic schedules who cannot make it during regular office hours.
How virtual care works
Virtual care, telemedicine, or telehealth, uses technology to provide medical services remotely. It offers access to care through secure video conferencing platforms, like Skype and Zoom, mobile apps, phone calls, text messages, and emails.
Since the pandemic, virtual care has become an increasingly popular method for delivering medical services and treatments. Many organizations today are now adopting or adding this alternative to in-person care. Among the many benefits of virtual care, It’s a safe, effective, and convenient way for workers to get the care services they need.
Types of care
Most types of primary care can be offered virtually, including physical exams, routine checkups, and treatment for minor illnesses like colds and flu. Mental health professionals now offer virtual counseling sessions too, which can help people manage depression and anxiety disorders effectively from home.
How virtual healthcare can help even when your workers live farther away
Through virtual visits, healthcare for employees in remote areas is now a reality. Patients can access their physician’s expertise remotely for consultations on most medical issues, including chronic conditions. In addition, technology enables remote patient monitoring. Physicians can track vital signs like blood pressure or glucose levels over time through data collected remotely from wearable devices or other connected technologies.
Positive impact of virtual healthcare on your organizations
The cost of health care for employers has increased in recent years, and the trend has no signs of slowing any time soon. According to a 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey– that includes 1,862 employers employers, annual premiums for employer-sponsored family health coverage reached $26,993 this year, 6% higher than in 2024.
Safe to say, saving money is top of mind for most organizations today. But lowering the total cost of care by offering convenient access to vital health services virtually isn’t all – offering virtual care access also makes businesses more appealing to top talent.
Take advantage of virtual care with Marathon Health
CareAnywhere, Marathon's virtual care for employers, offers your workforce secure access to care without having to leave their homes, so they can get primary care services even if they live far away from your onsite or nearsite care center.
The solution works alongside Marathon's Advanced Primary Care model, which provides comprehensive and personalized primary care for various types of organizations.
Virtual primary care can be a powerful tool for organizations and union workers alike. Enhancing Advanced Primary Care with CareAnywhere lets employers and unions provide high-quality care to their workforce, regardless of geography.
