CU Anschutz Launches Virtual Primary Care Program to Address Patient Needs

In collaboration with CU Medicine and UCHealth, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has started a new Virtual Primary Care program to increase access to primary care using mostly virtual healthcare services. The program is intended to overcome obstacles that may keep patients from accessing regular primary care such as transportation issues, mobility restrictions, caring obligations, and trouble scheduling appointments.

The program operates as an extension of CU Anschutz's primary care clinics and is based on UCHealth Virtual Health Center. The program aims to provide patients throughout Colorado with a more flexible primary care experience by bringing together clinicians from various departments such as the Department of Medicine and the Department of Family Medicine.

The program is designed for both current patients who need prompt clinical attention where their usual in person primary care team is not accessible and patients looking for continuous virtual primary care. Additionally, as they wait for an in person to visit the program can assist new patients in receiving initial care.

Impact on the Healthcare Industry

By increasing the number of digital interactions between patients' healthcare professionals and medication related services the growth of virtual primary care may benefit the pharmacy sector. Without the need for an in person visit virtual consultations can help clinicians evaluate patients manage common illnesses and plan medication related treatment.

Pharmacies may become more integrated into digital healthcare workflows as more primary care encounters take place online. Virtual care journeys can incorporate electronic prescription medication refills, adherence support and patient education thereby increasing patient convenience.

The model may also support pharmacists by encouraging more coordinated communication between primary care providers and medication service providers patients receiving virtual consultations can potentially access prescription services and pharmacy support without navigating multiple disconnected healthcare channels.

Virtual primacy care could be particularly useful for patients managing chronic conditions that require regular follow-ups and medication adjustments. Greater continuity between virtual providers and pharmacy services may help support ongoing treatment and reduce unnecessary disruptions in medication management.

As a result, the development may motivate pharmaceutical and pharmacy services firms to improve their digital capabilities. Prescribing digital medication management pharmacy delivery adherence systems remote patient support and linked healthcare services could all present opportunities. 
Pharmacies may have a larger part in virtual care ecosystems as healthcare becomes more omnichannel. A more seamless patient experience from consultation to prescription fulfillment and continuing treatment assistance could be achieved by incorporating pharmacy services into digital primary care pathways.

Impact on Telemedicine Market

The global telemedicine market size is calculated at USD 160.13 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 188.93 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 806.89 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 17.55% from 2026 to 2035.

As more healthcare providers employ virtual consultations to increase access to convenience and continuity of care, the CU Anschutz effort directly benefits the larger telemedicine market.

Healthcare digitalization and the increasing need for flexible access to medical services are driving the worldwide telemedicine market, according to Precedence Research. Physician shortages growing healthcare demands, growing smartphone penetration and advancements in telecommunications infrastructure are all cited in the study as key drivers of industry growth.

The CU Anschutz program demonstrates how telemedicine is moving beyond temporary of pandemic related use toward becoming an integrated component of primary care delivery rather than replacing traditional clinics the program is designed to operate as an extension of existing primary care services.

This hybrid approach could become increasingly important as healthcare systems seek to balance patient preferences with operational capacity. Virtual visits can help providers address routine and time sensitive needs while reserving in person appointments for situations that require physical examination or procedures.

As more healthcare providers employ virtual consultations to increase access to convenience and continuity of care, the CU Anschutz effort directly benefits the larger telemedicine market. Healthcare digitalization and the increasing need for flexible access to medical services are driving the worldwide telemedicine market, according to Precedence Research. Physician shortages growing healthcare demand growing smartphone penetration and advancements in telecommunications infrastructure are all cited in the study as key drivers of industry growth.

Impact on Virtual Care Market

The global virtual care market size was estimated at USD 15.19 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 20.08 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 247.67 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 32.20% from 2025 to 2034.

The market for virtual care which includes digital healthcare services provided remotely via linked technologies, is also greatly impacted by this growth. According to Precedence Research the desire for more flexible healthcare delivery growing digitalization and the growing demand for accessible healthcare are the main drivers behind the adoption of virtual care patients are a significant end user group, and telemedicine is a significant portion of the market.

The CU Anschutz model illustrates how virtual care can be integrated into an established healthcare network rather than functioning as a completely separate digital service. By operating as an extension of existing clinics, the program can provide additional capacity while maintaining connections with traditional primary care services.

This approach could be particularly valuable for rural and underserved populations of patients with mobility limitations and individuals facing transportation or caregiving barriers. The program also provides greater flexibility through evening and weekend availability, helping address situations where conventional appointment schedules may not meet patient needs.

The expansion of virtual primary care could increase demand for digital scheduling systems telehealth platforms remote monitoring technologies patient portals and healthcare interoperability solutions. The development also demonstrates the growing importance of hybrid healthcare models. Rather than viewing virtual and physical care as competing models providers are increasingly combining both approaches to create more flexible and patient centered healthcare systems.

About CU Anschutz

The University of Colorados academic health sciences campus, CU Anschutz Medical Campus combines clinical are research and medical education. The University of Colorado School of Medicine and other health sciences colleges are located on the campus, which has strong ties to important clinical partners. 
In collaboration with UCHealth, CU Medicine is spearheading the new Virtual Primary Care project. The program is intended to increase the capacity of CU Anschutz current primary care network by utilizing knowledge from several departments.

The initiatives reflect CU Anschutz broader focus on improving healthcare delivery through innovation and collaboration by incorporating virtual services into its established primary care systems, the organization aims to make healthcare more accessible to patients who may face barriers to traditional appointments.

The program also demonstrates the potential value of partnerships between academic medical centers and health systems. Combining clinical expertise with established digital health infrastructure can help healthcare organizations expand services while maintaining connections with their existing care networks.

About UCHealth

The Colorado-based health system, UCHealth offers hospital outpatient and online medical services. The CU Medicine Virtual Primary Care project is supported by the operational infrastructure provided by its Virtual Health Center. For a number of years UCHealth has been creating virtual healthcare capabilities that allow medical professionals to offer services from a distance via digital platforms, through the collaboration, CU Anschutz virtual primary care team may support patients connected to CU Anschutz clinics while utilizing and existing virtual health infrastructure.

The collaboration demonstrates how health systems can use shared digital infrastructure to expand access to care. Such partnerships can help academic medical institutions extend their clinical reach while leveraging technology and operational capabilities already developed by healthcare networks.

The continued expansion of virtual services could strengthen UCHealth role in Colorados digital healthcare ecosystem and support the broader adoption of hybrid care models.