Follow-up conversations
Review progress, ongoing symptoms or next steps after a previous appointment.
Care from a convenient setting
Thoughtful care, wherever you feel comfortable.
Access virtual care in Toronto by phone or video when your concern can be assessed safely without a physical examination.
01
Phone or video
Connect remotely when the clinic confirms that your concern is suitable.
02
Private conversation
Choose a quiet setting and use a device and network you trust.
03
Connected next steps
Follow-up, testing or in-person assessment can be discussed during the visit.
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Not for emergencies
Call 911 for severe or potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Care that meets you where you are
A convenient way to discuss eligible health concerns.
Virtual care can make it easier to connect with a clinician when a hands-on examination is not initially required. Appointments may take place by phone or secure video, depending on the concern and clinic availability.
A remote visit still begins with clinical judgment. The clinician may recommend an in-person examination, testing, referral or a more urgent level of care if that is the safer next step.
Reasons to connect
Some conversations can start from home.
These examples may be appropriate for virtual care, but suitability depends on your symptoms, history, location and the clinician's judgment.
Medication review
Discuss effectiveness, side effects or monitoring needs when remote review is appropriate.
Results discussion
Talk through selected test results and learn whether further assessment is recommended.
Minor health concerns
Begin an assessment for selected non-urgent symptoms that may not require an examination.
Mental health concerns
Have a confidential conversation about mood, stress, sleep or available supports.
Chronic-care check-ins
Review home readings, symptoms and care-plan questions between in-person visits.
Referral questions
Discuss whether an investigation, specialist opinion or another service may be indicated.
Health guidance
Ask focused questions about prevention, self-care or an existing treatment plan.
Your virtual visit
Four simple steps from request to follow-up.
Visit details can vary by appointment type. The clinic will tell you whether the appointment is by phone or video and how to connect.
- 01
Send your request
Share your contact details and a brief, non-sensitive description of the concern.
- 02
Receive confirmation
The team will confirm suitability, timing and the instructions for joining your visit.
- 03
Connect privately
Be ready with your health card, current location and a reliable phone or internet connection.
- 04
Review next steps
The clinician will explain whether follow-up, testing or an in-person assessment is needed.
Prepare to connect
A little preparation makes a virtual visit easier.
Set up before the appointment so you can focus on the conversation and share the information the clinician needs.
Test your technology
Charge your device and check your camera, microphone, speakers and internet connection.
Choose a private space
Use a quiet location where you can speak comfortably without being overheard.
Gather health details
Keep your health card, medication list, readings and relevant documents nearby.
Know your location
Be ready to confirm where you are and provide a callback number in case the connection drops.
Choosing how to be seen
Match the setting to the care you need.
If you are unsure, share the general concern with the clinic so the team can help identify an appropriate starting point.
Virtual care
A convenient option for selected discussions, follow-ups and concerns that may not require a physical examination.
Request a virtual visit →In-person care
Better suited to symptoms that require vital signs, a physical examination, a procedure or testing.
Explore walk-in care →Emergency care
Virtual appointments are not appropriate for symptoms that may be life-threatening or cannot safely wait.
Call 911 or go to an emergency department.Not sure where to go? Visit Ontario Health811 or call 811 for health advice and navigation.
Virtual care cannot treat emergencies
Do not wait online when symptoms are severe.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for severe chest pain, major difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, new confusion, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding or another potentially life-threatening concern.
Do not submit a virtual care request or wait for a callback during an emergency.Virtual care FAQs
What to know before you connect.
Availability, eligibility and appointment format depend on the concern and current clinic operations.
View all clinic FAQsSend a brief request or call the clinic. Suitability depends on your symptoms, history, location and whether a safe assessment can be completed without a physical examination.
The clinic will confirm the format when arranging your visit. The method may depend on the concern, technology requirements and clinician availability.
Keep your phone nearby and make sure the clinic has your current callback number. Follow the connection instructions provided with your appointment.
A prescription is never guaranteed. The clinician must decide whether a medication is appropriate and whether enough information is available to prescribe safely.
The clinician will explain the recommended next step, which may include a clinic visit, testing, another service or emergency assessment depending on urgency.