It’s a cold winter morning and you’re feeling under the weather. Instead of driving in the cold winter weather, you open your phone to consult an online doctor. You’re not the only one, nearly two-thirds of Ontarians used virtual health in 2022.
Virtual health in Ontario has gone from novelty to normal, especially in the cold winter months. Here are five reasons to consider using an online doctor this winter:
Stay warm and avoid winter travel hassles
Why go out in a snowstorm if you don’t have to? With virtual care you can see a doctor from the comfort of your home. Telehealth makes it easier to avoid unsafe winter travel, like driving on icy roads or walking through piles of snow just to reach the clinic.
By choosing an online doctor, you can skip the winter commute and stay safe and cozy indoors.
Skip the germy waiting room
Winter is prime time for cold and flu, and waiting in-person at a clinic with coughing patients is a no-go. Seeing a doctor online means avoiding close contact with contagious illnesses. Not only do you protect yourself, but you also prevent spreading the illness to others by staying at home.
Fast and convenient access to care
Virtual health platforms offer quick access, often within minutes to licensed doctors. This means that there is no need to wait days for an appointment or spend hours in a clinic. Virtual care gives Canadians faster access to credible medical guidance without long travel or wait times.
Many online doctor services are available 24/7, meaning whether it’s late at night or a snowday, you can get timely medical advice. Virtual health offers convenience during hectic winter months when illnesses like the flu strike unexpectedly.
Save time and money
Using an online doctor can save you more than just a trip through the slush. Think of the time saved not bundling up, warming up the car, driving, parking, and sitting in a waiting room. All that reclaimed time can be spent resting and recovering.
In 2019, virtual care saved Canadians 11.5 million hours of time and about $595 million in travel costs. For working people and parents, virtual visits also mean no lost wages from talking time off of work.
Accessible healthcare anywhere in Ontario
Winter weather can hit hard across Canada. The beauty of virtual health is that it breaks down location barriers. Telemedicine can overcome geographic hurdles and brings care to people in remote or unserviced areas.
Whether you’re snowed in or your nearest family doctor is an hour away, a virtual doctor can see you as long as you have an internet connection. The flexibility of virtual health in Ontario means better access to care for everyone no matter the weather.
FAQs about Online Doctors in Winter Ontario
Can an online doctor treat common cold and flu symptoms?
Yes, licensed online doctors in Canada can assess cold and flu symptoms and provide treatment advice or prescriptions in a virtual visit.
Is virtual health available in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario offers many virtual health options (some covered by OHIP), allowing residents to consult doctors online from anywhere in the province.
Do I need special equipment for an online doctor’s appointment?
No, just a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access will do. Many virtual visits are done via a secure app or website.
Can an online doctor give me a prescription?
Yes. If appropriate an online physician can send a prescription to your pharmacy electronically after evaluating you, just as an in-person doctor would.
When should I choose in-person care instead of virtual?
If you have a medical emergency or severe symptoms (like chest pain or difficulty breathing), you should go to an ER or call 911 as those symptoms require hands-on immediate care.
References
https://beeplife.ca/flu-season-prep-virtual-visits-shots-and-self-care
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12342-common-cold
