SRx Health

Virtual Care: How to Prioritize Your Health, Your Way

The benefits of seeing your healthcare provider online.
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Virtual visits have been called the future of healthcare for decades. Before 2020, virtual care was rarely offered in Canada. It became more common only when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Find out why you should consider this medical model as an option.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Virtual Care?

2. When to Get Virtual Care

3. Virtual Care vs Telehealth vs Telemedicine

4. Public Sector Virtual Care

5. Private Sector Virtual Care

6. Key Benefits to Consider

7. Top Drawbacks to Be Aware of

8. The Future of Virtual Care

9. How to Prepare for Virtual Care

10. How to Connect with SRx Health

What Is Virtual Care?

Virtual care uses technology to deliver remote healthcare. This technology includes, but isn’t limited to:

  • Text messages
  • Mobile apps
  • Online chat
  • Video calls
  • Phone (audio) calls
Slightly smiling older woman using virtual care service on laptop
Credit: Marcus Aurelius | Pexels

When to Get Virtual Care

This type of care is not for emergencies. Rather, it’s best for minor health problems. For example, you might want to make this type of appointment to:

  • Ask questions about medications
  • Review the medications you take
  • Talk about your treatment
  • Ask for a prescription refill
  • Get help for non-emergent problems

Virtual Care vs Telehealth vs Telemedicine

Virtual care and telemedicine are types of telehealth. Telehealth means care from a doctor you don’t see in person. For example, you may send a question through an online portal. Telemedicine describes the use of technology. Conversely, online care describes the healthcare services you receive.

Public Sector Virtual Care

Canada offers few options for online care in the public sector. We lack national standards for developing these programs. In 2020, the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association reported that the nation has “a long way to go” toward online care. Researchers found that fewer than 4% of public sector providers offer virtual visits. In addition, fewer than 10% of these doctors have online appointment booking.

Many public sector providers do keep electronic health records. However, the practice sets limits on how often patients can access their information.

Private Sector Virtual Care

Virtual care is growing in Canada’s private sector. This is especially true with the lack of public sector options. In the private sector, doctors provide virtual communication for non-urgent needs. You can connect through secure email or dedicated practice apps.

Some private sector providers offer hospital-at-home programs. Therefore, people who need acute care can get it at home. This improves patient outcomes and reduces the cost of care.

Key Benefits to Consider

These are some of the key reasons to consider virtual care:

  • Because virtual visits save time, you can often get an appointment sooner. This is important since there’s a shortage of primary and specialty providers. It helps providers address limited staff and resources. As a result, care also costs less than it does in person.
  • Many patients say online care is more convenient. This is especially true if you live in a rural area. Many Canadians may need to drive several hours round-trip for an appointment that lasts a few minutes. Online care is also good for people who can’t get to appointments. They may lack transportation or face mobility challenges. In this case, the doctor comes to you, so you don’t have to travel.
  • You can also attend online care visits with family members if they consent. That’s a benefit if you live far from aging parents or kids in college.
  • Virtual visits provide a useful way to seek follow-up care. For example, you can check in with your surgeon by video after a procedure. You won’t need to go to the office unless an issue occurs.
  • Research shows that virtual care can improve treatment outcomes. It can also help you manage chronic diseases better. In fact, 97% of patients in a Harvard Business Review survey said they were satisfied with online care. Another 74% said it improved their patient-provider relationship.
  • Staying home when you’re sick keeps illness from spreading. For example, you can get online care if you have cold or flu symptoms. Providers can even get important information from your environment, such as signs of depression from a dark, untidy room.
Woman in wheelchair typing on laptop during virtual care session
Credit: Marcus Aurelius | Pexels

Top Drawbacks to Be Aware of

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work well for every health problem. For example, some conditions can’t be treated remotely. You should always seek in-person care in an emergency.

In Canada, you may have limited access to these types of resources in the public sector. You’ll likely need to see private sector providers with this service. Some people also experience technological challenges.

Some areas have service gaps for online connectivity. This presents a new care barrier if you live in a remote part of Canada.

The Future of Virtual Care

The Canadian Medical Association has released recommendations for this type of care. These include:

  • Fee schedules for virtual and in-person care
  • A quality and safety framework
  • Addition of online care content in medical school

At the same time, technology continues to advance. In the coming years, patients will benefit from:

  • New opportunities for virtual specialty care. It’s already common in dermatology, psychology, and paediatrics. More options will arise across the healthcare spectrum.
  • Smart devices that monitor health metrics. For example, providers are testing a virtual ultrasound machine for pregnant patients.
  • AI health coaching for chronic conditions. These systems help you manage your health. They make recommendations based on your current status.
  • Use of AI for diagnosis. Software can review millions of data points to find common characteristics. This allows for fast, accurate disease detection.
  • Expanded access for everyone. New tech will allow connection without a personal smartphone or device.
  • Assistive robots to care for older adults. These devices can take direction from doctors. They perform tasks like taking blood pressure.
  • Advanced decision assistance for physicians. This type of software helps doctors determine next steps and medications.

Most experts predict a hybrid care model in the future. Doctors will see patients in the office as needed. Otherwise, most people will receive virtual primary and specialty care.

How to Prepare for Virtual Care

As soon as you make an appointment, add it to your calendar. That way, you won’t miss the call with your provider.

For video visits, set up your camera in advance and make sure it works properly. Adjust the settings as needed. Do the same with your microphone.

You should also use the best internet connection possible. If you plan to use your mobile, make sure it has a strong signal. For a computer, you’ll get the best signal through Ethernet. If you use wireless, sit close to the router. In any case, charge your device fully before the appointment.

Set up your equipment in a quiet area. You’ll want to have privacy during the call. Also, write down any questions you have for the provider. Bring a pad and pen to note important info. In addition, good lighting will help your provider see you clearly.

How to Connect with SRx Health

Your primary healthcare provider can give you more details about virtual care. You can also check with your health insurance company. Additionally, many third-party apps connect Canadians with virtual visits.

SRx Health stands out from the competition with same-day appointments, pharmacy consultations, and free medication delivery. All details you share are completely confidential. Reach out today to schedule your virtual care appointment with SRx.

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