Virtual Appointment Consent

COVID-19 has placed stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic is offering virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office.

Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases we may ask you to come in for a visit if necessary, for a physical examination.

We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

• Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.

• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device) and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or tablet is more secure than at a library, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).

If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, you can ask our office to arrange an in-office visit for you. You must agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used: videoconferencing through Skype, or the Ontario TeleHealth Network.

You do not need to click on anything to acknowledge that you have read this consent. We will be getting further verbal consent when the doctor speaks to you on the phone.