What is a Virtual Consultation?

Teleconsultation explained for Ontarians 

Virtual consultations, also known as teleconsultations, refers to a medical appointment conducted remotely using technology instead of in-person. This form of remote clinical service lets patients connect with a doctor from home whether through a video call or a telephone consultation to discuss health concerns and get medical advice. 

It’s a real-time remote exchange between a patient and a healthcare professional. Virtual consultations allow both parties to hear and see each other via a secure video link or phone call. 

During a virtual consultation, the doctor can review your symptoms, ask questions, and visually examine things like rashes over the camera. Patients can also share health records or images with their doctor making it more thorough. 

How do virtual consultations work?

Virtual consultations typically take place over secure video conferencing platforms or by phone. When booking a virtual visit, the patient will receive a link or login for a video call at your appointment time. Using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you and the doctor can connect in a private chat room. This allows you to talk face-to-face with the doctor and even share documents (lab results or images) if needed. 

Virtual consultations are typically conducted at home but can be taken anywhere (office, coffee shop, ect). In situations where internet access or webcams aren’t available or required, a phone consultation is another option that can be used. 

Other than live conversations, virtual care can involve some other tools. Some platforms have text messaging or patient portals for follow-up questions. There are also remote monitoring devices (digital blood pressure cuffs or blood sugar monitors)  that can send readings to your doctor in between virtual visits.

For most cases the process is simple, describe your issue, the doctor will ask questions (like an in-office visit), and together you will decide on a plan. This could be a prescription to your pharmacy, advice for home care, or instructions to come in for an exam if necessary.

Are virtual consultations reliable?

A McMaster University study in 2023 found that virtual medical appointments are a safe way to hold medical appointments, and patients and physicians were able to use telehealth effectively with minimal guidance.

In a large survey of primary care, 91 per cent said they were satisfied with their video consultations and 86 per cent were happy with telephone consultations. In fact, 87 per cent of people surveyed felt that teleconsultations are as reliable as in-person visits. 

Many patients appreciate the convenience of virtual health since there is no commute, no sitting in a waiting room and they feel like they get what they need from the doctor. However, not every medical issue can be solved over a screen. 

For everyday health concerns and follow-ups virtual visits have proven to be a trustworthy option. Virtual care is meant to complement, not completely replace face-to-face care. 

If there is something urgent or something that doesn’t translate over video (a severe injury or the need to listen to your heart and lungs) a doctor will advise you to book an in-person visit. In-person care is still required when you have serious symptoms or when a physical examination is necessary.

Virtual care in family medicine (and other services)

Family doctors in Ontario and across Canada are using telehealth to handle many issues that don’t require a physical exam. For example, if you have a cold, need a prescription refill, or want to discuss a minor ailment or test result, your family physician might offer to do it over a video or phone appointment. 

Over 2 million people in Ontario don’t have a family doctor which is where virtual walk-in services have popped up to fill the gap connecting patients without a family doctor to a licensed physician for quick consultations. 

Platforms like Ogaei, a telehealth service designed for Ontario patients offers virtual walk-in appointments and can help patients find a family doctor for ongoing care. 

Other specialties are also getting on board too. Mental health services, for instance, have embraced virtual consultations, meaning you can have therapy or counseling sessions via video from the comfort of your home.

Dermatology is another area where you might send photos of a skin issue through a secure app and then have a video consultation with a dermatologist. 

Not every problem can be solved remotely and doctors are trained to screen these situations, so if you start with a virtual visit and it turns out you need to be seen physically, they will let you know what the next steps are. 

Virtual consultations and OHIP in Ontario

In Ontario, virtual family doctor appointments are covered by OHIP, just like in-person visits. If you have a valid health card, you won’t be paying out-of-pocket for a virtual consultation. 

If a service isn’t insured under OHIP (a doctor’s note for work/school or certain uninsured services) a doctor might charge a fee as they normally would. However, physicians must inform you beforehand of any fees not covered by OHIP. 

For Canadians in other provinces, coverage may vary by province. 

Both patients and providers have seen the benefits of virtual care. You can save travel time, avoid waiting rooms, and still get professional advice. Doctors can often manage their time more efficiently and reach people who might have difficulty coming in.

FAQs About virtual consultations

• What is a virtual consultation? 

A virtual consultation is a medical appointment done remotely by video or phone instead of in-person.

• Are virtual consultations reliable?

Yes, research in Canada shows that teleconsultations are generally safe, effective, and satisfactory for most routine care needs. 

• What kinds of health services can be done virtually?

Family medicine is the most common, but virtual care is also used in mental health, dermatology, and other remote clinical services.

• Are virtual consultations covered by OHIP in Ontario?

Yes, most medically necessary virtual doctor’s visits are covered by OHIP, just like in-person appointments 

• How does Ogaei help with virtual care?

Ogaei connects Ontarians with licensed family doctors and specialists online, offering convenient and secure virtual health.