The COVID-19 pandemic has made life look a lot different that it did just a month ago. Simple things like going to the grocery store to pick up eggs has become a challenge (I can't seem to get my hands on any eggs this week.) Calling up your family doctor for an appointment is also stressful, because they are understandably unable to see you, but we all still get sick with other stuff and have medical concerns that aren't necessarily coronavirus related. That's why it's amazing we have access to virtual doctors that can help us if we have a sore throat and are concerned it's something more serious... or if we hurt ourselves and aren't sure whether it warrants a hospital visit or not.
If you have an OHIP card, here are some links to online medical clinics that offer free video chat, phone and secure messaging consultations with licensed Canadian doctors:
TIA HEALTH: www.tiahealth.com
TIA HEALTH provides online COVID-10 screenings and doctors who speak a variety of languages. You can choose whether you would like to have a phone call. or a video chat. Tia Health is available nationwide and is covered in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia with a valid health card.
EQ CARE: www.eqcare.com
EQ Care offers online appointments across Canada with physicians in English and French. In addition to urgent medical advice, mental health services are also available 24/7. The site also offers a COVID-19 self-screening tool.
MD CONNECTED: www.mdconnected.ca
MD Connected offers virtual appointments for a wide range of conditions in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and New Brunswick. Consultations are available in several languages including French, Mandarin, Hindi, Farsi, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, and Arabic.
~Other options for booking a video doctor's appointment online in Ontario include:
Appletree Virtual Care (available in Ontario only)
VirtualMed (available in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec)
Hoping this helps you if you need it... stay safe and healthy. Rosie :)
