Designing Integrated Virtual Care Partnerships: Insights from a Practice-Based Case Series at Mayo Clinic

Access to high-quality primary and specialty care remains a persistent challenge in the United States, with millions of individuals facing barriers due to geography, provider shortages, and health inequities. As health care systems seek innovative solutions, virtual care providers have emerged as critical partners in expanding access, enhancing continuity, and supporting transitions across the health care continuum. This manuscript explores the integration of virtual care providers within an academic medical center, highlighting the dual roles of collaborative and referral models in bridging gaps between traditional outpatient care and virtual health services. Drawing on practical experience, we identify core design principles (acute access, continuity, convenience, cost, reach, and transitions) that underpin successful partnerships and sustainable adoption. These insights underscore the importance of aligning virtual care provider relationships with existing organizational culture, secure data sharing, and supportive reimbursement structures. As academic medical centers and health systems nationwide navigate the evolving landscape of virtual health, thoughtful integration of virtual care providers offers a pathway to address disparities, improve patient outcomes, and advance the quality and reach of care delivery.