Covid-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that you we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. You can see one of our doctors from the comfort of your own home using a smartphone or computer video equipment. Some of these technologies are provided by the province and others are provided by Google or Apple to help make discussions with your physician as smooth as possible during these difficult times. Some health concerns cannot be conducted virtually as they require a physician examination. The Ontario Medical Association has provided a terms and conditions for all patients that are using audio, video and virtual care to connect with a physician.
We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health care information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communication tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:
1. Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private examination in a exam room.
2. Use a private computer or device (not an employer’s computer) and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or device is more secure than at a library. Your access to the internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest WI-FI connection.
By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following types of electronic communication may be used such as video conferencing including Skype and FaceTime.