Four health systems have invested $27.4 million in KeyCare, a virtual care company built on the Epic electronic health record system. The funding will allow KeyCare to expand its reach and capabilities in providing virtual urgent and on-demand care, addressing a growing need for accessible healthcare options. This investment underscores a broader trend of health systems seeking to integrate virtual care into their existing infrastructure to improve patient access and streamline operations.
The investment comes from health systems including Ascension, Intermountain Healthcare, Memorial Hermann Health System and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). KeyCare differentiates itself by offering a virtual care platform with its own medical group and a fully integrated instance of Epic, a widely used electronic health record system. This integration is designed to create a seamless experience for both patients and providers, facilitating care coordination and reducing administrative burdens. The company provides both on-demand and asynchronous virtual care options, catering to a range of patient needs and preferences.
Expanding Access to Virtual Urgent Care
KeyCare’s virtual urgent care services focus on addressing minor health concerns in both adults and children, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and rashes. According to the company, its solution offers state-based coverage with dedicated hours, ensuring accessibility when patients need it most. Patients can access care through video or audio visits, and KeyCare offers flexible financial options, including self-pay, employer sponsorship, and insurance billing.
The platform also includes “E-Visits,” designed for adult patients with well-defined minor urgent care issues. These visits aim to provide timely medical consultations and prescription renewals, reducing patient leakage to competitors. KeyCare emphasizes that its virtual urgent care access is facilitated through a health system’s existing “front door” due to Epic interoperability, ensuring seamless care coordination.
Strategic Benefits for Health Systems
The investment in KeyCare isn’t solely about expanding patient access; it’s also a strategic move for the participating health systems. KeyCare’s 50-state, 24/7 care coverage can help these systems capture new employer and payor contracts, broadening their market reach. The company’s ability to facilitate employer contracts is a key benefit, as more employers seek to offer virtual care options to their employees.
KeyCare’s integrated platform is expected to increase patient loyalty. By offering a convenient and accessible virtual care option, health systems can encourage patients to remain within their network, rather than seeking care elsewhere. This is particularly important in a competitive healthcare landscape where patient retention is crucial.
AI-Powered Virtual Care Solution
KeyCare has been developing an AI-powered virtual care solution, as highlighted in a recent press release. While details about the AI implementation remain limited, the company suggests it will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its virtual care services. The integration of AI could potentially automate certain tasks, improve diagnostic accuracy, and personalize the patient experience.
The $27.4 million funding round, announced on March 3, 2026, also saw participation from existing investors, according to reports. This additional funding will be used to scale the platform and expand its capabilities.
The Growing Virtual Care Market
The investment in KeyCare reflects the continued growth of the virtual care market. Driven by factors such as increasing consumer demand for convenience, advancements in technology, and the need to improve access to care, virtual care is becoming an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual care, and many patients and providers have continued to embrace it even as in-person care has resumed.
KeyCare’s focus on Epic integration positions it well to capitalize on this trend, as Epic is the dominant electronic health record system used by many large health systems. By seamlessly integrating with Epic, KeyCare can offer a more streamlined and efficient virtual care experience, making it an attractive option for health systems looking to expand their virtual care offerings.
The next step for KeyCare will be to continue scaling its platform and expanding its reach to new health systems and patients. The company plans to leverage its new funding to invest in technology, expand its medical group, and broaden its service offerings. The company will also likely focus on demonstrating the value of its AI-powered virtual care solution to potential customers.
This story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or financial advice. If you have health concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
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