“Just like online shopping or email, Virtual Care has some inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in this virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information.

If you want more information, please read bellow. If it is determined you require a physical exam you may still need to be assessed in person. You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for attending the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed. Are you ok to continue?”

Dec 1st 2022 Update: Virtual care is NOT insured by OHIP if you are contacting your Provider from outside Ontario.  Also, for patients of MFHT who are not enrolled ( usually live > 100km away from the office, or have not signed an enrollment form in the past) the MOHLTC requests you to have an in-person appointment every 2 years to re-establish the relationship between you and your provider. Patients with Diabetes must have an in-person visit once yearly to have their diabetes virtual visits insured by OHIP.

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 information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

  • Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.
  • Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device) and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or tablet is more secure than using someone else’s computer, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for going to an Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).

If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, you can ask our office to arrange for you to visit a different health care provider or other health care center where you can be seen in person. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.

By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used (identify all that apply): audio or videoconferencing (including MEDEO Secure email, MEDEO Secure Video and OTN Secure video)