On a busy morning in Colorado, getting to a doctor’s appointment can feel like a huge hurdle. Between weather, traffic, and packed schedules, it’s easy to put off care. Luckily, telehealth is changing that by enabling people to connect with providers without leaving home.
At CommonSpirit Health, virtual care has become a core part of how patients access services. It’s not just a convenience. It’s a shift in how care fits into everyday life. CommonSpirit Health is a dedicated, mission-driven healthcare system that operates clinics and hospitals across 21 states, providing comprehensive healthcare services to diverse communities.
A More Flexible Way to Get Care
Telehealth covers far more than quick video visits.
As Gerard Frunzi, Regional Director of Virtual Care and Telehealth, explained, “Patients can access a wide range of telehealth services through CommonSpirit, including new patient appointments, follow-up care, ongoing check-ins, and on-demand care for minor issues like colds or viruses.”
That flexibility extends to more complex needs, too.
“Telehealth is particularly beneficial for managing many chronic health conditions, especially when a specialist visit is typically required every three months, and travel is involved,” Frunzi said.
Instead of disrupting their schedules, patients can integrate care into their day, whether that means logging in from home or checking in during a break at work.
Convenience Without Sacrificing Quality
For many patients, the biggest question is whether telehealth delivers the same level of care as an in-person visit. At CommonSpirit, that standard is non-negotiable.
“We at CommonSpirit require that the quality of care delivered via telehealth be equal to or higher than an in-person visit,” Frunzi said.
Patients can still receive prescriptions, referrals, and follow-up plans, just as they would during an office visit — without having to leave the comfort of their own home.
“Patients can avoid dealing with weather or traffic and connect with their care team from the comfort of their home or office,” Frunzi added.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest myths about telehealth is that it’s not widely available. In reality, many patients simply don’t realize they can ask for it.
“Patients can and should proactively ask for telehealth options,” Frunzi said.
Another misconception is that telehealth is only for minor concerns. In practice, it plays a key role in ongoing care.
“Telehealth is an ideal tool for managing prescriptions, follow-up care, and chronic conditions,” he explained, noting that patients can use online portals to message providers, request refills, and schedule visits when needed.
It also changes the dynamic of care itself.
“We often hear the expression, ‘The doctor will see you now,’” Frunzi said. “Telehealth shifts this dynamic to ‘The patient will see you now, doctor,’ empowering patients to drive their personal healthcare journey.”
Keeping Care Consistent and Proactive
Telehealth helps patients stay connected between major appointments, which can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.
“A quick telehealth check-in can address a concern immediately, rather than waiting weeks for an in-person appointment,” Frunzi said.
That immediacy can prevent issues from worsening and reduce the need for higher levels of care.
“Emergency department visits are the most costly form of care for both patients and the healthcare system,” Frunzi added. “Services like virtual urgent care, available on-demand, help patients get assistance as soon as problems arise, often before they escalate while waiting for a regular doctor's appointment.”
In many cases, telehealth enables care that might otherwise be skipped entirely.
“If a doctor recommends a follow-up in two weeks but a patient cannot take time off work for another four, telehealth allows them to remain engaged with their care team when an in-person visit isn't feasible,” he explained.
Why Telehealth Offers More Than AI Tools
With more people turning to AI tools and symptom checkers, it’s important to understand where they fall short.
“With CommonSpirit’s telemedicine program, patients consult the same care teams they would see in person,” Frunzi said.
That continuity matters.
“Our telehealth offerings are responsive to individual needs and specific case situations,” he explained, adding that virtual urgent care is staffed by “healthcare professionals with the same qualifications and skill level” as in-person urgent care providers.
Most importantly, telehealth delivers something technology alone cannot.
“We focus on delivering whole-person care, which AI and symptom-checker tools cannot fully replicate.”
A Tool That Complements, Not Replaces
Telehealth isn’t meant to replace in-person care. It’s designed to work alongside it, making healthcare more accessible and consistent.
From rural care initiatives to more streamlined digital tools, CommonSpirit continues to expand how patients can connect with providers and specialists.
The result is a system that meets patients where they are, both literally and figuratively. And for many people, that difference makes it easier to stay on track with their health, one appointment at a time.
