MINNEAPOLIS, April 17, 2018 – In a groundbreaking study, Zipnosis, a leader in virtual care solutions, and MultiCare Health System, based in Washington, have unveiled compelling results demonstrating the power of virtual care in significantly boosting patient acquisition. The study, centered on MultiCare Virtual Care, a cutting-edge online diagnosis and treatment platform powered by Zipnosis, highlights its effectiveness in connecting patients across Washington with MultiCare’s local healthcare providers. This research aimed to validate and expand upon previous findings that underscored virtual care’s potential as a robust patient acquisition channel for health systems.
Conducted in collaboration with healthcare analytics firm Carrot Health, the study meticulously tracked virtual care users who had no prior in-person engagement with MultiCare for at least 24 months before their virtual consultation. Remarkably, over 30 percent of these 304 virtual care users transitioned into becoming established health system patients. This conversion occurred by seeking in-person care at a MultiCare facility within a year following their initial online interaction. This impressive figure strongly validates MultiCare’s strategic investment in its virtual care service, showcasing its tangible return.
These findings sharply contrast with a control group, which exhibited a patient conversion rate of less than 10 percent. This stark difference underscores the significant impact of virtual care on patient acquisition. “At MultiCare Health System, we are deeply committed to enhancing patient access through innovative technology, and this study has illuminated the profound impact of virtual care within our system,” stated Christi McCaren, Vice President of Retail Health and Services at MultiCare Health System. “By leveraging the Zipnosis platform, we have not only elevated care for our existing patient base but also successfully attracted new patients, offering them efficient and effective healthcare solutions from the comfort of their homes.”
Virtual care is increasingly recognized as a vital solution for health systems and providers navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape. It effectively addresses critical challenges, including overcoming barriers to access, reducing the overall cost of care delivery, and fostering stronger patient engagement. The outcomes of this study further solidify the value proposition of virtual care for health systems, emphasizing its substantial market potential and its role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Healthcare professional interacting with a patient via virtual care
“Virtual care stands out as a highly impactful solution that broadens patient access to essential healthcare services. This data now empirically demonstrates a compelling return on investment for health systems,” commented Catherine Murphy, Vice President of Customer Success and Operations at Zipnosis. “The results from this study unequivocally highlight the transformative potential of virtual care and reinforce the significant value that health systems can derive from implementing a comprehensive virtual care service.”
MultiCare Health System, a leading not-for-profit healthcare organization in Washington, has been dedicated to serving its community since the establishment of Tacoma’s first hospital in 1882. With over 10,000 employees, MultiCare operates a vast network of healthcare facilities, including Allenmore Hospital, Auburn Medical Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, and Tacoma General Hospital. Alongside MultiCare Medical Associates and numerous primary care, specialty, and urgent care clinics, MultiCare remains committed to excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced and compassionate healthcare services.
