30% of patients who used telehealth receive in-person care within a year
A study conducted by Zipnosis and Washington-based MultiCare Health System showed healthcare organizations could increase patient acquisition by using virtual care.
Using the MultiCare Virtual Care platform, an online diagnosis and treatment service from Zipnosis, patients are easily connected to local MultiCare providers. In the study, researchers examined the virtual care platform’s ability to operate as a patient acquisition channel.
"Providing our patients with quality, convenient access to care through innovative technology has always been a high priority at MultiCare, and through this study, we were able to see virtual care's impact at our health system," said Christi McCaren, vice president of retail health and services at MultiCare Health System. "By leveraging the Zipnosis platform, we have been able to care for our existing patients, while also acquire new patients with technology that allows them to get efficient and effective care from the comfort of their homes."
The study enrolled 304 virtual care users who had not received in-person care two years before their virtual visit. Results showed 30 percent of virtual users received in-person care within 12 months of their virtual visit, compared to a less than 10 percent conversion rate in the control group.
"Virtual care is an impactful solution that improves access to care for patients, and now, through this data, demonstrates a positive ROI for health systems," said Catherine Murphy, vice president of customer success and operations at Zipnosis. "The findings of this study demonstrate the true potential of virtual care and solidify the value health systems can receive from a virtual care service."
Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.