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The True ROI of Virtual Care: Faster Access, Lower Costs, Healthier Teams

Published October 22nd, 2025 by Health Compass Inc

Virtual care has moved from a convenient option to a core strategy for employers looking to reduce costs and improve workforce health. As healthcare premiums continue to climb in 2025, more companies are asking the same question: what is the true return on investment (ROI) of virtual care? The answer is clear—when designed effectively, virtual care reduces expenses, improves access, and creates healthier, more productive teams.

At Health Compass Inc., we work with businesses to unlock the ROI of modern healthcare through solutions like Vital110, which offers unlimited no-cost virtual visits, preventive screenings, and mental health support. Here’s how virtual care delivers measurable returns for employers of all sizes.

How Virtual Care Works

Virtual care (also called telehealth) connects employees with licensed providers through phone or video visits, eliminating the need for traditional in-office appointments. These services cover a wide range of needs, including:

  • Primary care visits for ongoing health management
  • Urgent care consultations for non-emergency issues
  • Mental health counseling and therapy sessions
  • Follow-up appointments and prescription renewals
  • Preventive health assessments and coaching

By expanding access to care beyond the physical clinic, employees can get treatment faster, without the cost and disruption of unnecessary in-person visits.

The ROI of Virtual Care: By the Numbers

Employers that integrate virtual care into their benefits strategy see ROI in three main areas: cost savings, productivity gains, and employee retention.

1. Lower Costs per Visit

Virtual visits typically cost a fraction of in-person appointments. For example, a $0 copay virtual urgent care visit through Vital110 prevents employees from resorting to costly emergency department trips for minor concerns. This shift alone saves employers thousands in claims costs each year.

2. Reduced Absenteeism

Employees no longer need to take hours off work for appointments. Virtual visits can often be scheduled the same day, even during breaks, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.

3. Preventing Expensive Claims

When employees can access care early, they avoid complications that lead to ER visits or hospitalizations. Preventive screenings and routine management reduce high-cost claims tied to unmanaged chronic conditions.

4. Stronger Retention and Recruitment

Employees increasingly expect virtual care as part of their benefits package. Offering it not only reduces turnover but also makes your company more attractive in competitive hiring markets.

Case Example: Real ROI in Action

A mid-sized logistics company with 300 employees partnered with Health Compass Inc. to implement Vital110 as part of their healthcare benefits. Within the first year, they saw:

  • 22% reduction in ER visits for non-emergency issues
  • 15% decrease in absenteeism tied to medical appointments
  • Improved employee satisfaction scores, particularly among younger workers
  • Estimated savings of $180,000 in avoidable claims

This case highlights the compounding effect of virtual care: fewer emergencies, more productivity, and higher retention all contribute to a measurable ROI.

Why Virtual Care Matters for Small and Midsize Businesses

Large corporations can absorb rising healthcare costs more easily than small businesses, but for smaller employers, the impact is more severe. Virtual care levels the playing field by providing affordable, high-value healthcare access that doesn’t break the budget.

  • Affordable scaling: Virtual-first benefits are cost-effective for companies with 20 employees or 2,000.
  • Employee loyalty: Personalized, accessible care demonstrates investment in employee well-being.
  • Budget predictability: Employers gain clearer insights into costs, preventing end-of-year budget shocks.

Implementing Virtual Care Effectively

To maximize ROI, employers should focus on these key strategies:

  1. Educate employees: Communicate how and when to use virtual care, emphasizing $0 cost features and convenience.
  2. Promote preventive services: Encourage use of labs, screenings, and wellness assessments earlier in the year.
  3. Integrate mental health: Virtual therapy should be included to address stress and burnout proactively.
  4. Measure engagement: Track participation and monitor claims data to confirm savings and utilization.

The Future of Care is Virtual-First

Virtual care is not just a trend—it’s the future of healthcare delivery. As technology advances and employees demand convenience, businesses that prioritize virtual-first solutions will control costs and build healthier, more engaged teams. The ROI is clear: faster access, lower costs, and stronger retention make virtual care one of the smartest investments an employer can make in 2025.

Final Thoughts

The true ROI of virtual care comes from its ability to transform how employees interact with healthcare. By eliminating unnecessary costs and removing barriers to access, it drives measurable savings and healthier outcomes. For employers, the result is a stronger, more productive workforce—and a competitive edge in today’s market.

Take the next step today. Partner with Health Compass Inc. to unlock the ROI of virtual care with solutions like Vital110 that put employees first while keeping costs under control.


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