Virtual care

What a virtual visit is

• A scheduled video appointment with the physician using a secure video platform. You receive a link by email before the visit.
• Your child should be present. The physician asks about symptoms, reviews any diaries or results, and may ask to see the child's tummy or watch them walk. The physician cannot examine the child by hand.
• A written plan and handouts are sent afterwards, and a consultation note goes to the referring provider.

Limits of virtual care

• Some problems cannot be assessed properly on video. If the physician decides an examination is needed, an in-person visit is arranged at a designated partner clinic in the Greater Toronto Area, and your child's care continues.
• Virtual care is not for emergencies. If your child is unwell, contact your doctor, go to an emergency department, or call 911.
• Video calls depend on your device and connection. If the call fails, the physician will phone you at the number on file.

Privacy during the visit

• Please join from a private space. Anyone else in the room should be introduced. The clinic does not record visits, and asks that families do not record them either.
• The video platform used by the clinic is verified for virtual care in Ontario. The clinic's privacy notice explains where records are stored.

What you consent to

• That your child's assessment and treatment may be provided by video or phone, with the limits described above.
• That the clinic may contact you by email and text message for appointment reminders, intake links and non-clinical notices, and that ordinary email is not used for clinical care.
• That you can withdraw this consent at any time by telling the clinic, without affecting your child's access to in-person care.

Virtual visits with a specialist are covered by OHIP for children with a valid Ontario health card when a referral has been received. The health card must be valid on the day of the visit.