Virtual Care Services for Patients

• Consider having a family member or caregiver present
• Choose a well-lit, private location where you can speak freely
• Remove distractions and make sure you will not be disturbed
• Position your camera at eye level
• Ensure your device is charged or plugged in
• Sign into your appointment 5 to 10 minutes early to allow time for help with technical issues
• Speak at a normal volume.
• Turn up the volume if you cannot hear your clinician
• Use a wired connection to the internet or secure Wi-Fi to avoid possible data charges

• Your BC Services Card (Care Card)
• List of medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Name and location of your pharmacy
• Notes on your medical history and symptoms
• List of any questions you want to ask
• Pen and paper to write down notes
• Phone number of health-care provider or office

Your health-care provider will introduce everyone on their end of the video call, and you will be asked to do the same.

• You will be asked your current location and phone number in case of a health emergency or if the virtual visit is disconnected
• Ask questions and talk about your needs and goals just like an in-person visit
• Make a care plan with your health-care provider:
  • How to manage your symptoms
  • Referrals for blood work, tests, prescriptions, other programs, or health-care providers
  • When you need to follow up
  • What to do if your condition changes

At any time, you can decide you do not want a virtual visit. Ask your health-care provider about alternate arrangements.

Your privacy is important to us. We choose applications that are compliant with FIPPA privacy law. Audio and video are encrypted and security best practices are followed.

• Virtual visits are not recorded
• Your email address will be confirmed before you receive an invitation
• Perfect security does not exist. We can’t control what happens to information once it is stored:
  • On your device
  • By telecommunications providers
  • By software or application providers

• Use safe online practices including:
• Use secure password protected Wi-Fi, not public Wi-Fi
• Use up-to-date anti-malware and anti virus software
• Download applications only from trusted sources
• Ensure your application is updated
• Be aware of the permission settings of all the applications on your device

There is no cost for BC residents who are covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). You are responsible for any data costs or charges incurred by your internet service provider.

Doctors or Nurse Practitioners can send prescriptions to your pharmacy at their discretion. 

You can attend a group treatment or program from the convenience of your home using. This service allows for social distancing.

• Your health-care provider will review group etiquette
• Ensure that people outside the group can’t hear what is said by participants
• Keep names of other participants and information obtained during the session confidential
• Do not record the session or take screenshots