AI-powered direct primary care practice launches

AI-powered DPC launches: ©Anhen Design - stock.adobe.com

HealthTap, a virtual health care provider, has launched a new program offering direct virtual primary care (DPC) to organizations, aiming to expand access to affordable, AI-enabled care without requiring complex system integrations or infrastructure overhauls.

The launch of Direct Virtual Primary Care for Organizations comes on the heels of the passage of U.S. H.R. 1, known as the Big Beautiful Bill Act, which allows organizations like employers to cover DPC memberships while preserving employees’ Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility. The policy shift opens new opportunities for organizations to invest in relationship-based primary care that can reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve outcomes.

“Primary care is the foundation of good health, but only if patients can actually access and sustain it,” said Sean Mehra, CEO and co-founder of HealthTap. “We’ve created a clinically rigorous, AI-enabled model that organizations can launch quickly out of the box, without heavy lift. At the same time, it's highly configurable and designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems and workflows.”

The program provides nationwide access to board-certified physicians, urgent care, chronic disease management, mental and behavioral health services, and built-in AI tools for patient intake and decision support. HealthTap guarantees pricing that matches or beats existing solutions.

Initial results have been promising, according to the company. At Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), 96% of members who began care with a HealthTap doctor returned to the same provider—far above national continuity benchmarks.

Advances in virtual primary care: A transforming health care sector

The virtual primary care landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, patient demand for convenience, and a renewed focus on preventive care. As traditional health care systems strain under provider shortages and rising costs, virtual care offers a scalable solution for improving population health.

Recent innovations have expanded virtual care beyond urgent consultations to encompass full-spectrum primary care services. Many platforms now offer ongoing relationships with designated physicians, annual wellness visits, chronic disease management, and integrated mental health support—services once considered exclusive to brick-and-mortar clinics.

Artificial intelligence has played a transformative role in this shift. AI-powered tools now handle everything from patient triage and intake to clinical decision support and follow-up reminders. These technologies can streamline workflows, reduce administrative burden on providers, and help identify gaps in care, enabling earlier interventions.

Continuity of care—long a challenge in virtual settings—is improving through features that allow patients to consistently see the same provider. This builds trust, enhances diagnostic accuracy, and supports better management of chronic conditions.

In addition, new regulatory changes and employer interest have spurred adoption of virtual DPC models. By offering subscription-based or usage-based pricing, these models make it easier for organizations to integrate high-quality care into their benefit plans without driving up costs.

As health care continues to decentralize, virtual primary care is poised to become a cornerstone of a more accessible, efficient, and preventative health care system.