Learn About Virtual Care

Be better prepared for your next virtual appointment.

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Virtual Care Resources What is Virtual Care Virtual Appointment Checklist Digital Health Learning Resources

Technology has enabled care to move beyond the four walls of a clinician’s office.

Virtual care can be a safe and convenient way to access care. Use our resources to learn more about virtual care, including some tips to prepare for your next visit.

Virtual Care Resources

Digital Health Learning

Understanding Virtual Care — The Benefits and Considerations: Article

As virtual medical appointments become more common, Canadians’ experiences have highlighted some benefits and things to consider when using these services.

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Digital Health Learning

The Benefits of Receiving Health Care Virtually: Infographic

As virtual medical appointments become more common, Canadians’ experiences have highlighted some benefits you can look forward to when using these services.

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Digital Health Learning

Virtual Health Services in Your Province or Territory

You have more options to connect with a health care provider digitally than ever before. Learn how to access care virtually where you live.

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Digital Health Learning

Virtual Appointment Checklist

This checklist covers how to prepare for your virtual appointment, what to bring, what to expect and what happens afterward.

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Digital Health Learning

How to Prepare for a Virtual Appointment

Virtual appointments are a little different from in-person appointments. Read our article to learn more and get ready for your virtual appointment.

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Digital Health Learning

Provincial and Territorial Digital Health Priorities

The availability of virtual services is increasing across Canada. Learn how the adoption of virtual care tools and services is being accelerated in your province or territory.

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Digital Health Learning

What is Virtual Care?

Care is no longer confined to the four walls of a clinician’s office, and today, virtual care is defined as: any interaction between a patient and healthcare practitioner that doesn’t involve direct contact.

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What is Virtual Care?

Virtual Care is any interaction between a patient and health care practitioner that doesn't involve direct contact. Virtual care includes video visits, telephone consultations and secure messaging (text messaging or emailing with a practitioner).

Virtual Care Basics

The most common forms of virtual care in Canada include phone, followed by video and secure messaging.¹

References:

Canada Health Infoway: Canadians’ Health Care Experiences During COVID-19 | Uptake of Virtual Care
Canadian Medical Association: Virtual care is real care National poll shows Canadians are overwhelmingly satisfied with virtual health care

Virtual Appointment Checklist

Virtual appointments are a little different from in-person appointments. Learning about and preparing for these differences can help you make the most of your appointment: before, during and after. We hope this checklist can help.

Preparing for the Appointment

Check any emails from your health care provider.

Complete and submit any required forms (e.g., consent for virtual visit, health assessments) before the appointment.

Ensure your device is charged.

If required, download the software used by the practitioner for virtual visits, and test it in advance of the appointment.

Try to be available 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after your appointment.

Try to find a private, quiet and well-lit place for your appointment.

If anyone else is joining the appointment (e.g., family member, caregiver), make sure they are available during the appointment time and provide them with information (e.g., meeting link) to join the appointment.

Please fill the required field.

What to Bring

Health insurance card. If your health card doesn’t include a photo, you must have a supporting photo ID.

Information related to your condition, including a list of symptoms and any recorded health data (e.g., weight, temperature, blood pressure).

If the appointment is your first interaction with the practitioner, have your relevant health history readily available. This includes:
a. Existing health conditions or illnesses
b. Medications (prescription containers with the pharmacy label)
c. Allergies
d. Immunizations
e. Past surgeries and hospitalizations
f. Family health history

Eyeglasses, hearing or walking aids, if needed.

Pen and paper or other tools for taking notes.

Please fill the required field.

During the Appointment

If the appointment is taking place over a video/teleconference platform, log in five to 10 minutes before your meeting. Note that you may have to wait "on the line" before the practitioner joins or admits you into the virtual meeting room.

If the appointment is over the phone, make sure you are available to answer the call. Note that the call may come from an unknown or blocked phone number.

If asked by the practitioner, confirm your location and health card information.

If the visit is over video, remain in front of the camera and speak clearly.

If there is background noise, you should mute your microphone when not speaking to enhance sound quality.

Please fill the required field.

After the Appointment

References:

Canadian Medical Association (CMA): Virtual Care Guide for Patients
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: The ultimate checklist for virtual care appointments

Want the content of this page to go? Download the infographic, or for more information, read our article on "How to Prepare for a Virtual Appointment."

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