Did you know that in many Northern BC communities, you can have medical appointments by video, without the travel? It’s called “telehealth.”
With telehealth, you can have medical appointments right in your own home (or in a health care centre near you), without having to travel to Prince George, Vancouver, or other centres.
Telehealth connects you with your out-of-town health care provider over a secure connection using your own smartphone, computer, or tablet. You can talk with your health care provider as if they were in the room.
Have questions? Contact us at telehealth@northernhealth.ca
Types of health care available with telehealth:
- Appointments with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
- Speech-language pathology
- Occupational therapy
- Mental health and addictions
- Advice from a dietitian
- Audiology
- Orthopedics
- Cancer care
- Appointments with specialists (kidney, urology, geriatrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and more)
How do I get teleheath?
Talk to your health care provider about telehealth. It’s that simple. If telehealth is right for the situation, they’ll book you a session.
What equipment do I need?
You need something that can play sound and has a camera and a microphone. Examples:
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Computer
- Laptop
Our system is similar to FaceTime or Skype.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes — just like a regular appointment with your health care provider, a family member or friend is welcome to be there.
What can I expect during a telehealth session?
- You and your health care provider can see, hear, and talk to each other
- Your health provider might share information with you by presenting their screen
- Specialized telehealth equipment might be used to help evaluate and provide exam results for your health care provider
- It’s OK for you or your health care provider to ask anyone to leave the room (i.e., if someone else is in the room with you, or if someone’s in the room with your health care provider).
Will my telehealth appointment take a long time?
They usually take the same time as an in-person appointment.
Can I still meet with my health care provider in person?
Absolutely! Telehealth is your choice. If you’re not happy, you can stop at any time and schedule a face-to-face appointment with your health care provider.
Is my privacy protected?
Telehealth uses encryption technology to the same level of protection as that provided by your bank. Only your health care providers will see your personal health information.
As well, your personal information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.