Virtual-care company Firefly Health is partnering with digital gastrointestinal-health startup Oshi Health to offer digital digestive care.

As part of the deal, Firefly members receive access to virtual visits with a care team, including providers, dietitians and psychologists. They can also use symptom-tracking tools and message health coaches to support lifestyle changes.

"Digestive issues are among the most common complaints we see in our population, yet the solutions often miss the mark," Jeff Greenberg, Firefly cofounder and chief network officer, said in a statement.

"Oshi Health is a natural partner because of its whole-person approach. With Oshi, we are excited to move digestive healthcare from ongoing procedures and tests to longitudinal behavioral support. Together, we can transform the patient experience for the many people who are desperate for effective digestive-health treatment."

WHY IT MATTERS

A study published last year in Gastroenterology found more than 40% of people worldwide have functional gastrointestinal disorders, like irritable-bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia.

Firefly and Oshi said the addition of Oshi to its specialty-care network would save patients time and money when addressing digestive-health problems.

"We are excited to partner with Firefly Health to make digestive health convenient, accessible and empowering for their members," Oshi Health CEO Sam Holliday said in a statement.

THE LARGER TREND

The virtual-care company also entered into specialty-care agreements last year with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Joslin Diabetes Center.

In October, Firefly launched a virtual-first health plan aimed at small and midsize employers. The offering includes virtual primary and behavioral healthcare, as well as access to in-person care via its partners. The health plan launch came months after the company announced a $40 million Series B round. 

Oshi recently scored $23 million in Series A financing, which will go toward scaling its platform.

Other players in the digital gastrointestinal-care space include Vivante Health, which last week announced a $16 million raise; metaMe Health, which received FDA clearance in December for its prescription digital therapeutic aimed at treating abdominal pain associated with IBS in adults; and Bold Health, which last year launched an app for treating IBS symptoms.