Telemedicine

21 Feb 2022 admin

Answers to Common Questions People Have about Telemedicine

The pandemic has changed so much about our lives—particularly our increased reliance on telemedicine. In fact, it’s grown by as much as 38 times since before COVID-19. More and more people are googling “telemedicine appointments in Toronto,” for instance, interested in accessing this relatively new healthcare delivery model. So, why exactly are more people looking for “telemedicine appointments near me”? How can telemedicine services benefit Canadians? In this article, we’ll look to answer some of the most common telemedicine questions people tend to have, so you can better determine if it’s the right choice for you.

What Is Telemedicine?

There are many new terms floating out there these days—telemedicine, telehealth, virtual care are just some of them. It’s easy to get lost, in other words, when considering which type of healthcare clinic is right for you. Typically, telemedicine is defined by the American Academy of Family Physicians as “the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care at a distance. A physician in one location uses a telecommunications infrastructure to deliver care to a patient at a distant site.” At MD Connected, our telemedicine clinics are just like traditional walk-in clinics, only the patient will be attended to by a doctor communicating over a secure video conferencing software. The patient, as well as nurses and support staff, will be in-person at the clinic. The doctor, however, will be virtual. When you visit an MD Connected telemedicine clinic, you will be triaged upon arrival by a highly trained telemedicine coordinator (nurse) who will also assist with facilitating the visit.

How Is Telemedicine Different Than Virtual Care?

Similar to telemedicine, virtual health also consists of receiving care from a distance or virtually though a secure video conferencing software. At MD Connected, however, our virtual care model allows patients to get the care they need from the comfort of their own home. They don’t need to leave their home or visit a walk-in clinic location. Patients complete a simple questionnaire and in no time, they are connected with a licensed doctor virtually.

I’m Not the Best with Technology. Is Telemedicine Right for Me?

Yes! Telemedicine may seem daunting, but it’s actually very simple. Your healthcare provider can walk you through all the technical demands and ensure that all your technical questions are answered. What’s more, if you’re visiting a telemedicine clinic in Toronto, the onsite nurse will take care of all the technical aspects and help facilitate the appointment. You won’t have to worry about a thing! In other words, telemedicine is intuitive and secure. If you’ve ever had a Zoom call, you’ll have no trouble with telemedicine. Regardless of your age and/or knowledge of technology, telemedicine may be the right option for you.

What Conditions Are Treatable via Telemedicine?

Telemedicine can help with a large variety of health concerns and questions! From skin rashes to STIs to infections to mental health questions, your telemedicine doctor will be able to perform an examination and consultation. There are a few situations, however, where you won’t be able to use telemedicine. Specifically, things like stitches and broken bones are typically not treated via telemedicine services. In this case, your best option is to visit a hospital.

How Can the Doctor Diagnose Me Over Video?

Many conditions don’t require physical examinations at all. By consulting your medical history, asking questions, and seeing your physical symptoms through the screen, your doctor will be able to diagnose the vast majority of issues you may be experiencing. And better yet, telemedicine offers a whole host of benefits for doctors as well, facilitating their treatment of patients.

Will My Security and Privacy Be Protected?

Any worthy telemedicine provider will highly value your medical privacy. Not only is it mandated by law, it’s also the right thing to do. Your doctor should always have your best interest in mind – and that includes protecting your information and data.

Will I Receive the Same Level of Care as a Physical Clinic?

Yes. As mentioned above, these are still doctors and healthcare professionals you’re seeing—there won’t be a deficit in terms of expertise. The only difference is the mode of communication. Other than that, you’ll be able to have all your questions and concerns answered, as well as receive a prescription for most medications.

Does Ontario Insurance Cover Telemedicine?

Yes. You’ll be able to receive healthcare free of charge during your telemedicine appointment in Toronto, no different than if you were to visit a physical clinic. All you’ll need is your OHIP card and you’re good to go.

Can You Get a Prescription After a Telemedicine Visit?

Yes. The vast majority of prescriptions are able to be written by a doctor you’ve consulted with electronically. There is a limit, however. Certain medications may not be attainable electronically. A prescription for narcotics, for instance, cannot be obtained at our telemedicine clinics. But other than that, you should have no trouble getting a written prescription for the medication you need.

Contact MD Connected for a Telemedicine Appointment in Toronto

MD Connected is a leading operator of quality telemedicine clinics across Canada. And if you’d prefer virtual care? We offer that, too. If telehealth is your preferred healthcare delivery method, then you can stop searching for “telemedicine clinic near me” and instead visit one of our many telemedicine clinics in Toronto and across Canada. With us, you’ll receive personalized virtual care and telemedicine services that are tailored to address your individual needs and medical-related questions. Tens of thousands of Canadians have already benefited from MD Connected, accessing general consultations, prescription renewals, sexual health, mental wellness, travel health, and sick notes and forms. Our team is led by a diverse group of doctors with varying backgrounds, and we provide our specialty services in multiple languages. To learn more about MD Connected, contact us by visiting www.mdconnected.ca or e-mail us at mydoc@mdconnected.ca.