Removing Roadblocks to Virtual Care Implementation in Health Plans

The Challenge of Digital Health Adoption

Implementing a comprehensive digital health program is like switching from paper maps to GPS. At first, the transition may seem disruptive, but once embraced, it transforms efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. In healthcare, virtual care and digital health solutions are proving to be more than innovations. They are essential tools for improving patient engagement, reducing costs, and enhancing care outcomes.

Despite these benefits, many health plans struggle to implement virtual care due to concerns over costs, logistics, and data security. Yet, with growing patient demand for convenience and healthcare organizations under pressure to improve efficiency, digital transformation is no longer optional, it’s essential.

Understanding Reticence to Digital Transformation

Many healthcare organizations struggle to capture the full value of implementing digital health solutions. Administrators fear that managing multiple virtual care platforms will increase their workload. However, when digital health solutions are properly integrated, they improve workflow efficiency, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance care coordination.

Financial concerns also create hesitation. Employers and payers often pay for digital solutions out of their administrative budget, stacking PMPM fees on top of rising healthcare costs. However, Solera’s Cost of Care Report shows that a virtual care delivery network can reduce medical claims spending by 2.3% to 3.1%. These savings result from shifting high cost in-person care settings to lower cost virtual settings, when appropriate and improving chronic disease management, making digital health a cost-effective solution rather than an added burden.

Another common concern is the perceived lack of efficacy in virtual health programs. Decision-makers worry that digital tools won’t deliver measurable clinical outcomes. But research shows that virtual care leads to better disease control, fewer acute care incidents, and higher patient engagement, particularly in managing diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, and mental health.

Very valid, security and compliance concerns slow digital adoption. Cybersecurity threats are growing, and expanded digital operations create risks (as evident from recent breaches). Healthcare organizations must ensure their virtual care platforms comply with HIPAA regulations and industry best practices. Establishing strong IT partnerships and clear compliance protocols is crucial to building trust in digital health solutions.

Strategies for Overcoming Resistance

A strategic approach that emphasizes leadership, training, and measurable outcomes can accelerate digital adoption.

The first step is building a culture of digital readiness. Leadership buy-in is essential, as executives who advocate for digital health adoption help set the tone for the organization. Clear communication about the long-term benefits of virtual care fosters alignment and engagement across teams.

Equally important is investing in training and support. Health plan administrators and care teams must understand how digital platforms work and how they enhance, rather than disrupt, existing workflows. Providing user-friendly training programs and ongoing technical support ensures a smoother transition.

Addressing skepticism with real-world examples is another key strategy. Launching pilot programs allows organizations to test virtual care solutions on a smaller scale before full implementation. Success stories from other health plans that have effectively adopted digital solutions can build confidence. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), such as reduced hospital visits, cost savings, and improved patient engagement, demonstrates the value of virtual care adoption in measurable terms.

Overcoming Organizational and Financial Barriers

Cost remains a significant concern in digital / virtual care adoption. Many organizations hesitate due to uncertainty about the return on investment. However, the Cost of Care Report found that a health plan covering 100,000 members could shift nearly $80 million in visits to virtual care, significantly reducing unnecessary spending.

Ensuring compliance and data security is another essential step. Partnering with IT and legal teams to establish cybersecurity strategies and educate staff on HIPAA compliance best practices can alleviate concerns about data privacy and security.

Collaboration across departments also plays a critical role in successful digital adoption. Interdisciplinary teams that include IT, clinical leadership, and finance professionals can help ensure a smooth transition by addressing concerns from multiple perspectives. Creating feedback loops allows organizations to refine their approach and continuously improve their digital health implementation.

Why Digital Transformation is Worth the Effort

While digital health adoption requires investment and planning, the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges. Virtual care can increase access, reduce cost and improve patient outcomes. Digital platforms offer clinical engagement opportunities that extend beyond the walls of an office visit, helping patients manage chronic conditions more effectively and reducing the likelihood of hospitalizations.

Virtual care also expands healthcare access, addressing physician shortages and eliminating geographical barriers to quality care. Patients no longer have to rely on infrequent in-person visits. Instead, they can receive ongoing, high-quality care from anywhere.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Healthcare costs are rising at an unsustainable rate, the old playbook has failed, digital and virtual health programs are necessary to move to more efficient, accessible and patient-centered care. Overcoming resistance requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and a clear demonstration of value. By proactively embracing digital health solutions, organizations can reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and enhance operational efficiency.

Now is the time to move forward with confidence. With the right strategy, health plans can remove the roadblocks and build a healthcare system that is truly future-ready.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to explore how integrating a robust virtual care strategy into your care network can enhance your benefits offering.  

Meet with our digital health delivery experts for a custom solution.

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