Telehealth/Virtual Care is the use of secure technologies to allow you and your practitioner to connect via phone and/or video to receive services at a distance when an in-person visit is not possible.
A video or phone appointment is another way to think about it. (think medical grade Skype or Zoom)
2. Who will benefit from Telehealth/Virtual Care?
Telehealth/Virtual Care appointments are quick and convenient. Those anywhere in Ontario or who have trouble fitting in face to face appointments will benefit significantly from online Virtual Care/Appointments.
You will save time and costs by having your appointment conducted wherever you are, instead of having to get to the clinic.
Those who have difficulty leaving their homes or who are at risk of exposure to illness in the community will particularly benefit from the privacy and safety that Video Appointments offer.
Eliminate the need for child or elder care: Virtual consults allow patients to see their healthcare practitioner while managing family responsibilities.
3. What kinds of conditions or issues is Telehealth/Virtual Appointments best for?
Virtual Appointments are appropriate for most conditions and issues, if more information is required from a physical examination your practitioner will discuss this with you.
Telehealth/Video Appointments is particularly helpful when you require an expert opinion for acute injury management, to answer questions regarding your current treatment plan, to modify program you’re having issues with, or to progress exercises to continue improving and prevent pain.
Telehealth/Video Appointments may be appropriate to have new issues quickly assessed so you can start feeling better, faster, without having to have an in person appointment.
The service can help you access rehabilitation services that are not available in your community or allow for consultation between your rehabilitation practitioner and another health care provider.
4. Who is Telehealth NOT appropriate for?
At times Telehealth will not be sufficient to fully address your goals and an in-person session will be required to gather all the information necessary. In this case, an in-person appointment will be suggested by your practitioner.
Free Discovery appointments are available to discuss your unique circumstances.
5. Will it be the same quality of care that I would get in person?
Absolutely! Practitioners are required to meet the same Standards of Practice regardless of how services are delivered, so in short – yes!
Because not every medical situation is appropriate for a virtual consult. Our practitioners will know when it is safe and effective to conduct a consultation virtually, and when it is more appropriate to recommend an in-person consult.
6. Will my personal and health information be protected and secure?
All information you provide is confidential and is stored securely just as it would be if you attended an in-person appointment.
No part of the appointment is recorded or stored.
ElumenaHealth uses HIPAA and PIPEDA compliant and secure technologies. Our Telehealth/Virtual Care appointment platform is designed specifically to protect your information.
7. What do I need to start?
We ask that clients ensure they are in a quiet, private space, free of distractions with room to move.
A computer or laptop using a Chrome/Safari web browser with a webcam, and a fast internet connection is the best.
An Android or iOS device will work as well.
Instructions will be sent prior to your first session and your practitioner will walk you through the process.
8. How do I pay online? Will my insurance cover Telehealth/Virtual appointments?
Payment is due at the time of your appointment via credit card. Your information will be collected at the start or end of your first appointment and will be securely stored to process future payments.
Yes! Manulife, Canada Life(GWL), Sunlife, Blue Cross, Equitable Life of Canada, SSQ and Greenshield are reimbursing for telehealth exactly like in-person appointments. If your insurance provider is a different company we recommend you calling them directly to confirm if they will re-imburse you for telehealth sessions.
Like a regular in-person visit, a receipt will be emailed to you upon payment that can be submitted to your insurance company.
