What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine visits are regular doctor appointments that take place via secure video conference at an Appletree Medical Centre or dedicated Telemedicine Clinic. During your visit, a medical assistant will help you connect with your doctor and provide support throughout your appointment. Telemedicine is private and confidential.
How Can I Book A Visit?
Telemedicine services are available at most Appletree Medical Centres and dedicated Appletree Telemedicine Clinics across Ontario. If you need quick access to a doctor, short wait times and convenient care, telemedicine may be a great option for you.
What to Expect
Check Wait Times
Check wait times, business hours and Telemedicine clinic locations.
Prepare
Verify that your medical condition is approved for Telememedicine and bring a list of current medications with you.
Present OHIP Card
Present your OHIP card at every visit or bring a method of payment if you do not have coverage.
Check-In At Kiosk
When you arrive at the clinic, register at one of our self-registration digital kiosks.
Complete a Survey
Complete our digital medical questionnaire – you’ll receive a link via email or text.
Start Your Appointment
A telemedicine assistant will greet you, review your medical history and the reason for your visit and provide support throughout your appointment.
Am I Eligible For Telemedicine?
Not all medical conditions or symptoms can be assessed via telemedicine. Verify that your condition is approved for a telemedicine visit by reviewing the list below prior to booking an appointment.
Telemedicine-Approved
- Allergy Symptoms of the nose & eyes
- Blood Glucose & Blood Pressure Check
- Bug Bite, Poison Ivy, Eczema, Psoriasis or Mild Sunburn
- Cold Sore or Canker on face, mouth, or lips (non-genital)
- Cough, Cold, Sore Throat, Sinus Infection (with a negative COVID rapid antigen test, if COVID screen is
positive) - Diarrhea (without abdominal pain)
- Ear Infection, Earache, or Swimmers Ear, Hearing Test
- Eye Infection, Pinkeye or Stye (no eye pain or vision changes)
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Head Lice
- Infected Toenail or Fingernail
- Medication Renewal (no controlled or addictive medications)
- Minor Burns & Minor Rashes (e.g., Impetigo, Shingles, Ringworm)
- Pregnancy Test, Birth Control Renewal, Birth Control
- Specialists or Allied Health Referrals (e.g., massage therapy, physiotherapy, compression stockings)
- Insurance Note for Allied Health & Medical Device (e.g., compression stockings)
- STI Screening & Treatment
- Sinus Infection or Sinusitis
- Review Test Results & TB Test Reading
- Work Note or Medical Certificate (short duration)
Telemedicine-Unapproved
- No children under 4 years of age
- No narcotic/controlled substance renewals or prescriptions (including zopiclone)
- No pelvic/genital/rectal or breast assessments
- No pregnancy/prenatal or obstetrical assessments
- No gynecological assessments
- No abdominal/chest pain/discomfort or difficulty breathing or palpitations
- No pelvic/genital/rectal/breast exams
- No suturing, ear flushing, injections, liquid nitrogen treatments or wound dressing
- No chronic pain or referrals for psychiatric problems
- No CT or MRI requests
- No emergency symptoms, including (Dial 911 locally):
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Acute trauma, or assessments for possible fractures/blood clots
- Allergic reaction or choking
- Fainting, dizziness or altered state/loss of consciousness
- Concussions, head or neck injury
- Sudden numbness/weakness or stroke symptoms
Telemedicine - Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during the appointment?
Throughout your entire visit, a telemedicine assistant will be there to support you and your doctor. When the doctor appears on the screen, the telemedicine assistant will begin by presenting your medical history. The doctor will ask you questions, provide a diagnosis and issue a prescription or a laboratory requisition if required. The telemedicine assistant will provide you with any paperwork that you need at the end of your visit.
Should you require a follow-up appointment, simply return to the telemedicine clinic. Both the telemedicine assistant and doctor will be able to access your digital medical chart and laboratory results.
What is the difference between Telemedicine and Virtual Care?
Telemedicine and Virtual Care are similar, as both technologies allow you to see a doctor on a screen, rather than in person.
Location
The main difference is that a Telemedicine appointment occurs within a dedicated examination room with the assistance of a trained Telemedicine Assistant, while virtual care allows you to connect with a doctor from anywhere via your smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
Scope of Services
Another significant difference is the scope of services provided. We can provide a much broader set of services with Telemedicine, as there is a Telemedicine Assistant available to perform initial assessments and testing. For example, the Assistant can look into your ears, eyes and mouth, listen to your heart rate, test your blood sugar, etc. Virtual Care is more appropriate for simple, routine medical appointments.
Age Restrictions
Please also note the different age restrictions for the two services. Patients 4 years of age and older can be seen via Telemedicine appointment, when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Patients 16 years of age and older may be seen by Virtual Care appointment.
