Virtual Primary Care: Improving Health And Wellness Opportunities For All

Did you know — employees can access primary care virtually? Many people think virtual healthcare only covers urgent needs, but it also supports ongoing primary care. Virtual primary care is changing healthcare by helping to remove barriers to care like living in a remote location, long wait times, busy schedules, and provider shortages. A recent study shows that only 48% of the population’s primary care needs are being met, and rural hospital closures are making it harder for some employees to receive timely care.

Virtual primary care closes this gap by connecting employees with trusted, board-certified primary care providers (PCP) quickly and easily, wherever they are. And when care is easier to access, employees are more likely to use it, helping to prevent future health issues.

Convenience And Flexibility For Employees

Traditional primary care can be hard to fit into busy schedules, but virtual primary care offers employees a convenient solution. With a smartphone, tablet, or computer, employees can access in-network PCPs from anywhere, reducing time away from work or home. Convenient scheduling and extended hours encourage proactive health management, leading to improved health outcomes.

Virtual primary care breaks down barriers for working parents, rural employees, and those with limited mobility, helping to make healthcare more accessible. Employees benefit from preventive care, wellness checks, chronic condition management, specialist referrals, and continuity when they have an established relationship with the same virtual care provider.

How Employers And Employees Benefit From Virtual Primary Care

Rising healthcare costs can make it difficult for employees to seek timely care, but virtual primary care offers a cost-effective solution. By connecting employees to providers, virtual primary care helps them address health concerns early and avoid expensive emergency room visits and hospitalizations. This proactive approach can significantly reduce overall healthcare spending for both employees and employers. In fact, an Anthem analysis found that virtual care saves an average of $70 per visit.*

Virtual Primary Care Is Helping Foster Ongoing Provider Relationships

Having a primary care provider is a key part of maintaining long-term health. A PCP serves as a main point of contact for medical care and can help employees navigate a diagnosis, better manage chronic conditions, or coordinate treatment plans. Anthem members can access Virtual Primary Care through the Sydney^® Health app. They can choose from a selection of board-certified, in-network providers for ongoing primary care.

By establishing an ongoing relationship with a virtual PCP, employees are more likely to address health concerns early, helping to reduce costly complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

* Anthem internal data, cost-of-care savings analysis, June 2025.

Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan.