Virtual care: What is it and what are its benefits?

We explore the virtual healthcare definition, how it works, and the many virtual care benefits for patients and healthcare providers.

Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to optimize your practice or a patient seeking convenient care options, we will help you understand why virtual care is essential to the future of medicine.

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Virtual care is transforming modern healthcare

Healthcare is evolving, and virtual care is at the forefront of this transformation. With advancements in healthcare technology, patients and providers now have more efficient, accessible, and convenient ways to connect.

Whether it’s a video consultation with a primary care physician, remote monitoring for chronic conditions, or a mental healthcare conducted via telehealth or through digital care programs, virtual healthcare is reshaping how we deliver and receive medical services.

What is virtual care?

Virtual care is reshaping healthcare delivery by making it more accessible, efficient, and patient-centered. At Amwell, we define virtual care as the use of digital technology to facilitate real-time interactions between patients and healthcare providers, eliminating the need for in-person visits when appropriate.

This includes video consultations, secure messaging, remote patient monitoring and AI-powered health tools that enhance both preventive and ongoing care. As the demand for more flexible, patient-friendly solutions grows, virtual care is no longer just an option — it’s a vital component of modern healthcare.

Increased access to care

One of the biggest advantages of virtual healthcare is its ability to address social determinants of health that often prevent patients from accessing care. Factors like geographic distance, limited transportation, mobility challenges, or a lack of nearby specialists can create significant barriers for many individuals. Virtual care breaks down these barriers by offering accessible, patient-centered solutions, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can receive timely and equitable medical attention.

Convenience and flexibility

With virtual primary care, patients no longer need to take time off work, arrange childcare, travel long distances, or wait months for open primary care appointments. Healthcare becomes available at their convenience, reducing delays in seeking care.

Cost savings for patients and providers

Virtual healthcare services can significantly reduce costs by minimizing unnecessary ER visits, urgent care appointments, and hospital readmissions. Patients save money on transportation and time off work, while providers can streamline operations and optimize resources.

Enhanced chronic disease management

For patients with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, virtual care enables regular monitoring without frequent clinic visits. Remote monitoring devices, combined with telehealth check-ins, help patients stay on track with treatment plans while reducing complications.

Improved patient engagement

With digital tools for self-monitoring, symptom tracking, and provider communication, patients become more active participants in their own healthcare. This leads to better adherence to treatment plans and improved long-term health outcomes.

Reduced exposure to contagious illnesses

Especially in times of public health concerns, such as flu season or pandemics, virtual care helps limit exposure to contagious diseases by reducing the need for in-person visits. This protects both patients and healthcare providers from risk of exposure.

Virtual healthcare management: Optimizing provider workflows

Beyond patient benefits, virtual care significantly improves provider efficiency. Our virtual healthcare management solutions integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, making it easier for clinicians to deliver high-quality care.

EHR integration for streamlined documentation

Virtual visits sync with electronic health records (EHR), ensuring that providers have instant access to patient histories, test results, and medication lists before, during, and after visits. This reduces administrative burdens and improves care continuity.

AI-powered triage and decision support

Smart algorithms help prioritize urgent cases, guide clinical decision-making, and direct patients to the most appropriate level of care, enhancing efficiency.

Secure provider collaboration

Through digital tools, providers can consult with specialists, coordinate care plans, and ensure patients receive the right treatment without unnecessary delays.

By incorporating cutting-edge healthcare technology, virtual care enables providers to work smarter while maintaining high standards of patient care.

clinicans and secure patient data management

When is virtual care most effective?

Virtual healthcare is highly effective for a broad range of medical needs, including:

Primary care – Routine check-ups, medication management, and preventive screenings.
Mental health – Therapy, counseling, and psychiatric consultations via telehealth.
Chronic disease management – Regular virtual check-ins for conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Post-surgical follow-ups – Remote monitoring to track recovery progress, address complications early, and reduce the need for in-person visits.

However, some cases still require in-person care, such as emergencies, physical exams, and procedures. Virtual care works best when integrated with traditional care models, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, well-coordinated treatment.

Closing care gaps with virtual health

As virtual healthcare services continue to evolve, they will play an even greater role in closing care gaps. By integrating telehealth into primary and specialty care and behavioral health, we can make healthcare more equitable, patient-centered, and efficient.