What You Should Know:
– Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), the nation’s longest-serving health cost sharing ministry, announced today it’s partnering with leading tech-enabled virtual primary care physician group HealthTap to help combat rising health care costs.
-The three-year partnership provides access to virtual primary and urgent care services as part of the member experience.
HealthTap: Expanding Access to Virtual Primary Care Nationwide
HealthTap is a tech-enabled virtual primary care physician practice dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and affordability of primary care across the United States. By partnering with health plans, healthcare sharing ministries, health systems, IDNs, accountable care organizations (ACOs), at-risk providers, and employers, HealthTap delivers cost-effective, high-quality virtual primary care in all 50 states. Its platform integrates seamlessly into existing patient workflows, electronic medical records (EMRs), and care channels, ensuring continuity of care with features such as same-day appointments, rapid doctor responses, and 365-day urgent care access.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Primary Care Access
Access to primary care remains a significant challenge in the U.S., with nearly 100 million Americans facing barriers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Studies indicate that individuals with consistent primary care experience:
- 33% lower healthcare costs compared to those who only see specialists.
- 19% lower odds of premature death, reinforcing the critical role of primary care in improving health outcomes.
Strategic Partnership with CHM
HealthTap’s partnership with Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) enhances primary care access for CHM members by offering:
- Dedicated Virtual Primary Care: Members select a trusted doctor for ongoing care, with same-day or same-week video appointments and unlimited messaging for 90 days post-visit.
- On-Demand Virtual Urgent Care: Members access immediate care with on-call doctors, including weekends and holidays, with seamless follow-ups through their HealthTap primary care physician.
Dr. Michael Jacobson, CHM Medical Director, highlighted the challenges members face in accessing primary care, particularly in remote areas. He emphasized that HealthTap’s virtual model eliminates long wait times—often nearly a month for in-person appointments—by providing timely, convenient, and effective care.
Rapid Implementation and Nationwide Impact
Within 90 days, HealthTap collaborated with CHM to design and implement the new member benefits, ensuring streamlined education and onboarding. Since launching in December 2024, HealthTap has facilitated thousands of virtual healthcare visits for CHM members, bridging gaps in primary care access. CHM selected HealthTap for its ability to offer:
- Continuity of care with a dedicated primary care doctor.
- User-friendly digital experience with intuitive navigation.
- Advanced reporting capabilities for tracking utilization, prescriptions, referrals, and patient feedback.
Advancing Virtual Healthcare Accessibility
Through strategic partnerships and innovative technology, HealthTap continues to transform primary care delivery, ensuring accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality healthcare solutions for individuals nationwide.