Virtual care uses technologies like telephone, video, email, and secure messaging to connect patients and families to healthcare providers when they cannot be in the same location. It may be called a “virtual visit” or “virtual appointment”.
For patients and families, a virtual visit can make it easier to meet with your healthcare provider, allowing you to connect from your home or a nearby healthcare site.
It may be suitable for patients who need medical advice, follow-up with their health provider and for non-urgent care but may not be suitable for all health care needs.
Virtual care overviewMany patients are curious about using virtual care. You might have questions about how safe and secure your health information is while using technology, or how it may change your relationship with the healthcare provider. If you are interested in it, talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you on the benefits and limitations, and if it's right for you. Know that some types of healthcare services are not possible with virtual care.
In Alberta, many patients report being satisfied with virtual care, would use it again, and report a positive effect on their relationship with their healthcare provider. Consider asking a friend or family member who has used virtual care about their experience.
Keep in mind: If possible, you may wish to meet your healthcare provider in-person for your first visit with them, then start to use virtual care in follow-up visits.
While Alberta’s provincial health agencies don’t charge any extra fees for virtual care, we recommend you contact your internet or mobile service provider for information on internet or cellular (data) usage fees, as well as your healthcare provider for any applicable fees related to your visit.
Please let your healthcare provider know if you don’t have the technology needed (e.g., phone, computer, internet) for virtual care, so they can make other arrangements for your appointment.
If you don't have a healthcare provider, contact Health Link at 811 or use Alberta find a doctor online.
This is a story about navigating the pediatric health care system from a distance. Travelling for testing, consultations and care for Kristine’s youngest daughter has been a part of their lives for over 6 years. With the heightened stress of COVID-19, came a breakthrough – the option to connect with their care teams virtually. Virtual care has not only given them time back with their family, but has reduced the psychological and financial stress of travelling for care and allowed them to still receive the care their daughter needs from the comfort of their own home.
If you and your healthcare provider agree that virtual care meets your needs, your provider will talk with you about which technology will work best for you and provide instructions to connect to the visit. Technology options generally include video, telephone, email, secure messaging or remote patient monitoring.
The Zoom tips for patients guide helps patients prepare for a virtual health appointment using Zoom. It explains how to join a secure video visit, check your device and settings, and what to do if you have technical issues before or during your appointment.
If your provider uses Connect Care, you may be asked to join your virtual visit using MyChart. MyChart is a secure, online, interactive tool that gives you access to your health information. Your provider will give you the information you need for your appointment.
If you have concerns about seeing, hearing or speaking English during your visit, we encourage you to talk with your provider about your specific needs.
Interpretation services are available for all virtual visits. Let your healthcare team know before your appointment if you need an interpreter.
Let your healthcare team know before your appointment to access options such as American Sign Language or captioning.
Learn more about viewing closed captioning/live transcription.
Your healthcare provider will give you information on how to connect to your virtual visit. This will include the type of equipment you'll need, for example a telephone, or computer for a video call, and who to contact if you can't connect to your appointment.
Consider doing a Zoom test call to try it out on your own.
Family or caregivers of patients in virtual care may have new questions or be interested in how to feel prepared and maintain well-being as a caregiver during virtual care. Learn more about caregiver support during virtual care.
Your privacy is important to us. Our applications comply with federal and provincial privacy laws. Audio and video are encrypted and security best practices are followed.
Your healthcare provider will confirm your email address in order to send you the video meeting link. Virtual visits are not recorded.
Perfect security does not exist. We can’t control what happens to information once it’s stored:
This video explains how you can connect with your healthcare provider remotely, using technology instead of an in-person visit, and offers guidance on how to prepare, what to expect and how to get the most out of your virtual appointment.
Your healthcare provider will introduce themselves and any other care provider who may be joining the virtual visit. You will be asked to do the same. To help remember details about your visit, or share it with family caregivers, you may wish to use a paper and pen to take notes.
Remember that you can ask questions about the virtual visit and change your mind about meeting virtually at any time.
Your healthcare provider will ask your current location and phone number in case of a health emergency or if the virtual visit is disconnected.
You can ask questions and talk about your needs and goals, just like an in-person visit.
You will be able to make a care plan with your healthcare provider. This may include:
Once the visit is over, you may receive a summary from your healthcare provider via secure messaging and prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy. Review it and tell your healthcare provider if there is anything that appears unclear or incorrect.
Virtual care can help you connect more easily with patients and other care providers when you can’t be in the same location. It can complement in-person care and allow providers to offer their patients care at home, while helping them to save time and money on travel costs.
AHS providers can access comprehensive virtual care resources, guidance, and tools on the Virtual Health Insite page using AHS login credentials.
Resources that may be useful for providers offering virtual care include:
