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Valerie's Viewpoint

March 16, 2023

In recent years, CVT has talked increasingly about the growing trend in healthcare towards virtual care and whole-person care. These two approaches are changing the way healthcare is delivered, making it more accessible, convenient, and patient-centered.

Virtual care, also known as telehealth or telemedicine, refers to the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. With virtual care, patients can receive medical care and consultations from the comfort of their own homes, using their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This approach is particularly useful for people who live in remote areas, have mobility issues, or have busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person appointments.

Whole-person care, on the other hand, is an approach to healthcare that considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a person's health. It recognizes that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses or diseases, but also about promoting overall wellness and preventing future health problems. Whole-person care involves a holistic approach that considers a patient's lifestyle, environment, and social support system when developing a treatment plan. It also emphasizes the importance of patient empowerment and engagement in their own healthcare.

The move towards virtual care and whole-person care is driven by several factors: the increasing demand for healthcare services due to an aging population, a rise in chronic diseases, and the need to reduce healthcare costs while maintaining or improving the quality of care. Virtual care and whole-person care are seen as effective ways to address these challenges by making healthcare more efficient, effective, and patient-centered.

The benefits of virtual care and whole-person care are numerous. For patients, virtual care offers greater convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. Patients can receive care whenever and wherever they need it, without having to travel or wait in crowded waiting rooms. Whole-person care, on the other hand, offers a more personalized and holistic approach to healthcare, which can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

For healthcare providers, virtual care and whole-person care can improve efficiency and reduce costs. Providers can see more patients in less time, and reduce the need for costly in-person visits and hospitalizations. Whole-person care can also help providers to identify and address the root causes of health problems, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs over time.

As a CVT member with medical coverage, you already have access to one or more virtual care services (MDLIVE, kp.org, Anthem’s Virtual PCP). We encourage you to take advantage of these services whenever possible, as they can save you time and money while providing quality care. We also encourage you to work with your healthcare provider to develop a whole-person care plan that takes into account your unique needs and circumstances.

At CVT, we view the move towards virtual care and whole-person care as a positive development in healthcare. These approaches have the potential to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and effective, while improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. As technology continues to advance, and healthcare providers adopt more patient-centered approaches, we can expect to see even more innovation and progress in the field of healthcare.

As CVT releases 2023-2024 rates this spring, we will be making some exciting announcements about additional programs and services available to many of our members to help you take advantage of these advances in healthcare delivery.