Telemedicine from Home: Convenient Healthcare 

Telemedicine exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a convenient way to get the care you need without leaving home. 

Telemedicine, also known as telehealth, evisits, e-health, or mhealth (mobile health), allows you to access medical care virtually via a video chat for a wide range of healthcare conditions and concerns. For a telehealth appointment, you will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone that connects to the internet. For people who are unable to make an in-person visit, telemedicine offers an alternate, innovative way to get vital medical treatment. 

• Saves time: You don’t need to travel, take time off work, or sit in the doctor’s waiting room. 
• Saves money: No transportation, no parking costs, or time off work.  
• Shorter wait times: You may get an appointment faster and even during out-of-office hours. 
• Accessibility: Greater access to care, particularly for people living in rural or remote locations or those with reduced mobility. 
• Greater choice of care: Access specialists outside your local area. 
• Convenience: You can attend appointments at times that may be inconvenient for in-person visits. 
• Reduced exposure to pathogens: You don’t have to worry about spreading illness to other people or about picking up another illness when your immune system may be compromised. It helps protect medical professionals too.  
• Convenient pick-up: Prescriptions sent direct to the pharmacy nearest you.  

Telemedicine can be a good option for non-emergency medical advice including: 

• Regular check-ups for ongoing or recurring health conditions
• Treatment of infectious conditions, like a cold, flu, or COVID-19 
• Treatment of minor conditions, such as a cough, allergies, minor injuries, sprains, or strains 
• Dermatology appointments for the treatment of skin conditions 
• Mental health treatment, including online therapy and counselling 
• Monitoring a new medication you may have started taking 
• Conversations about results from tests your doctor ordered 
• Post-surgical follow-ups 
• Consultations with a specialist 

Telemedicine is not meant to replace in-person, face-to-face appointments, and there are some factors to consider before deciding whether a telehealth appointment is right for you. The most obvious consideration for telehealth is skipping the physical exam, and some conditions or symptoms need to be assessed in person, for example:  

• Symptoms that impact your quality of life 
• Difficulties thinking straight 
• Pain that becomes unbearable 
• X-ray, CAT scan, or blood test  
• Concerns for a child less than 60 days old 
• Older patients and more susceptible patients with health-related concerns