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
As of January 18, 2023, the Haliburton Virtual Primary Care Clinic is no longer in operation and is therefore not accepting any new referrals or appointments.
If you live in Haliburton County and do not have a family doctor or a nurse practitioner, you may wish to contact the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team. Please visit their website at www.hhfht.com and scroll to the bottom of the page for information on how to become a patient.
You may also want to register with the Ontario Ministry of Health's Health Care Connect program. Register online at ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or by phone by calling 811, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Previous patients of the clinic can access their Virtual Family Physician Network electronic record by writing to the Virtual Family Physician Network, Suite 305, 1366 Young Street, Toronto, ON M4T 3A7.
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.