SECTIONS

Telemedicine

OVERVIEW

Telemedicine allows you to see a physician or health-care specialist for an appointment, without having to travel to his or her facility. Using video technology, telemedicine allows patients and physicians to connect for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, or therapeutic education.

Please note, this is not an on-demand service. Appointments are required and are arranged through consultation with your physician.

For free and confidential medical advice by phone, please call Telehealth Ontario where a Registered Nurse is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-866-797-0000.

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

FAQ's

What happens during a telemedicine appointment?

A telemedicine appointment mirrors a "face to face" appointment, except that the doctor or health care provider is seen on a video monitor from a remote location. A nurse or health care professional will likely accompany the patient during the visit to assist with any assessments that the doctor needs. Before the scheduled appointment, additional tests may be ordered by the physician and completed to support to telemedicine visit.

What are the benefits of telemedicine?

Reduces time and travel costs
Enables earlier and faster diagnosis for better patient outcomes
Reduces patient transfers between health facilities
Improves access to limited specialist resources across the system
Is available for use by out-of-town family members who want to be present at a loved one’s appointment

How is telemedicine used at Windsor Regional Hospital?

Telemedicine is available for use in a number of programs and services including follow-up ortho appointments, anaesthesia consults, bariatric consults, mental health, adult and paediatric nephrology, and oncology.

Can I use telemedicine for my appointments?

Telemedicine is available to anyone with a valid OHIP card. Although Telemedicine is useful for many appointments, the physician and patient will determine whether the visit is truly appropriate for a telemedicine appointment instead of a face-to-face meeting.

For more information, or to see if telemedicine is right for you please contact a WRH Telemedicine Nurse.

How is patient privacy protected?

All Telemedicine appointments are private and confidential. At WRH, telemedicine appointments are conducted in private rooms over a secure network. The visits are not recorded or videotaped without a patient’s prior knowledge and permission.