Haliburton Highlands Health Services staff, physicians and patients may continue to benefit from telemedicine through Ontario Health. On this page, you will find information about telemedicine services in Ontario and information about the Haliburton County Virtual Primary Care Clinic.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine in Ontario
Telemedicine services in Ontario are now part of Ontario Health, a government agency responsible for ensuring Ontarians continue to receive high-quality health care services where and when they need them. These services were previously referred to as the "Ontario Telemedicine Network", and the programs and services offered by Ontario Health remain unchanged.
“Telemedicine” (TM) is the delivery of health-related services and information using video conferencing and tele-diagnostics. Part of Ontario’s publicly funded health care system, virtual care ensures that everyone has easy access to the best possible care when and where they need it.
Telemedicine is invaluable for bringing highly specialized care to patients in the county of Haliburton and surrounding areas. Timely access to such care, without the need to travel great distances, is an important benefit to our community, particularly our seniors.
In addition to facilitating access to specialists, HHHS can maximize on the availability of the Telemedicine equipment for other essential purposes, including;
Continuing education programs for patients and families
Continuing education for medical, nursing and allied health personnel
Clinical rounds and peer-to-peer consultations
Research opportunities
Haliburton County Virtual Primary Care Clinic
If you live in Haliburton County and do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you are eligible to seek care at the new Haliburton County Virtual Primary Care Clinic.
The Clinic will operate for two half-days a week to start, and may scale up or down depending on community need. Patients will meet with a family doctor through a secure Ontario Telemedicine Network video session, with the assistance of a nurse. Patients will experience consistent care, as they work with the same physician over time. They will be transitioned to a local family doctor when one becomes available.
Book an appointment by calling HHHS Community Programs (phone number located on the right-hand side of this page). The Community Programs team will help you register with Health Care Connect and ensure you don't already have a family doctor. The Clinic will not offer walk-in services - all appointments must be pre-booked. Please also note that the Clinic does not issue or refill narcotics prescriptions.
You may also download the Patient Consent form and Questionnaire below.
Virtual Care - Patient Intake and Consent Forms
Frequently Asked Questions about Telemedicine
- What is a telemedicine visit?
Telemedicine uses video cameras and television screens to connect you to doctors and other health care professionals at a distance, reducing the need to travel to receiving care. You will be able to see, hear and talk to a doctor or other health care professional by videoconference.
- What happens at a telemedicine appointment?
A telemedicine appointment is much like a regular check up, only the health care professional you will be seeing and speaking with, is on a television screen. Before you arrive, the health care professional you are going to see will already have relevant information about you to support your telemedicine visit. However, you may be asked to bring test results, medications or x-rays with you. Once you have checked-in, you may be asked to change into a gown, depending upon the type of examination you require. You will be taken to a telemedicine-equipped room where you will see the equipment and learn how it works. You are welcome to ask any questions. Then you will be asked for your consent to proceed.
- Who will be with me during the appointment?
In most cases, a health care professional who has been trained in telemedicine will be with you. Your family doctor or other health care professional may also attend.
- Who will be caring for me?
The doctor or health care professional that you will see on the television screen will be located at another telemedicine site. During your visit, the health care professional with you may assist with your examination, using special medical devises such as an electronic stethoscope or patient exam cameras.
- How long does a telemedicine appointment take?
It can take anywhere from ten minutes to more than an hour, depending on the type of appointment and whether or not you have seen the health care professional before.
- Is telemedicine private?
Your telemedicine visit will be private and confidential. It can only be seen and heard by those directly involved.