Sanford Health Expands Virtual Care Strategy as Digital Demand Accelerates
Sanford Health highlights the growing importance of virtual care services, outlining expansion plans and digital health strategy at ViVE 2026.
Akanksha jain 
entity["organization", "Sanford Health", "US nonprofit health system"] is doubling down on virtual care, positioning digital health services. ContentReference [oaicite:0]{index=0}ealth system shared insights into their expanding virtual footprint during discussions at entity["organization", "ViVE", "healthcare conference 2026"].
Executives emphasized that virtual care is no longer a supplement: contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}delivery. From telehealth visits to remote patient monitoring, digital platforms are increasingly integrated into routine clinical workflows.
Virtual Care as a Core Strategy
Sanford Health leaders noted that patient expectations, workforce pressures, and geographic challenges—particularly in rural communities—are driving sustained demand for digital access to care. Virtual services help bridge provider shortages and reduce travel burdens for patients.
The system has invested in infrastructure, clinician training, and technology partnerships to scale virtual offerings across primary care, specialty services, and behavioral health.
Improving Access and Efficiency
Health system executives highlighted how virtual platforms improve appointment flexibility, streamline triage, and support chronic disease management. Remote monitoring tools, for example, allow clinicians to track patients’ conditions in real time and intervene earlier when necessary.
Leaders also stressed that virtual care is helping address operational efficiency by optimizing scheduling and reducing no-show rates.
Looking Ahead
As reimbursement models evolve and digital health technologies mature, Sanford Health plans to continue expanding its virtual ecosystem. The organization sees hybrid care—blending in-person and digital services—as the future standard of care delivery.
The message from ViVE 2026 was clear: virtual care is not a temporary pandemic-era solution but a permanent and growing feature of healthcare systems nationwide.
