Virtual care, also known as telemedicine, offers a seamless solution to getting access to the health care you need. It transcends geographical barriers, bridging the gap between remote living and quality care.
Living in a remote area has its charms—peaceful surroundings, close-knit communities and stunning landscapes to explore. Taylor, a landscape photographer, cherishes the tranquility of her remote home while capturing its beauty through her lens. However, remote living also presents challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing health care.
In Taylor’s community, there are no doctors accepting new patients. The nearest medical assistance often involves hours of travel followed by long waits at walk-in clinics. This inconvenience led Taylor to discover virtual care.
Here’s how it works
- Initiate a consultation in the virtual care app.
- Select your reason for consultation.
- Physical health and wellness
- Mental wellness
- A member of the care team promptly gathers some details about your concern in the chat before putting you into a virtual waiting room.
- Wait to receive the notification when it’s your turn.
- A health care practitioner will begin your one-on-one consultation.
How virtual care helps
Convenience: virtual care brings health care support to the comfort of your home or on-the-go, eliminating the need for lengthy commutes, appointment time from work and waiting room hassles.
No waiting in a doctor’s office: by leveraging virtual waiting rooms and notifications, patients can go about their day until it’s time for their consultation.
24/7 care across Canada: you can get the support when you need it and wherever you need it. Taylor shared with us she feels this would be particularly advantageous for anyone who lives or works remotely.
Efficiency: virtual care streamlines the consultation process by maintaining comprehensive patient records, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing the need for repetitive information sharing.
Easy prescription management: virtual care facilitates swift prescription delivery to the pharmacy of choice. Additionally, requisition forms for diagnostic tests can be seamlessly provided when needed.
Confidentiality: privacy and security are paramount in virtual care, assuring patients like Taylor that their personal health information remains safeguarded.
“Using virtual care was a breeze. The app was simple to navigate, saving me from long waits at a walk-in clinic. The dedicated and compassioned care I received addressed all my concerns promptly.” – Taylor
How to access virtual care
If your benefits coverage includes virtual care, registration is quick. All you have to do is sign in to the member site and follow the steps. You’ll need to have the information found on your Alberta Blue Cross® ID card.
Then, you and your dependents can use the TELUS Health mobile app or website to connect with a health care provider. Virtual care is available 24/7 in English and French. You will receive the support of health care professionals so you can navigate the next steps in receiving care.
Virtual care is great for anyone who may have a non-emergent health concern, including those with reduced mobility or even people evacuated from their homes due to a natural disaster. While virtual care is not intended to replace a family doctor, therapist or other in-person medical services, virtual care providers can advise on treatment for most medical concerns.
This blog was written in partnership with Taylor Lundin.
Taylor shares photos of the beautiful place she calls home
Photo credit: Taylor Lundin
