NOTICE TO ALL PATIENTS- WE ARE “VIRTUAL FIRST”

Virtual visits are our new normal and we have already been managing many conditions by phone/video/ email.  Given current COVID 19 situation, we believe that VIRTUAL CARE is HERE TO STAY. We will continue to offer telephone or virtual visits as the FIRST option, only offering in-person visits if deemed necessary by our physician, or if an in-person visit is in the patient’s best interest.

  • This means all visits will be first conducted by phone. An in-person visit will be arranged if necessary, during this virtual visit.
  • You can safely use virtual visits for the following concerns: renewal of medications, tests results review, skin conditions, non emergency allergies, chronic disease management (such as hypertension, diabetes), minor infections (such as  skin or urinary tract infection).
  • In-person visits will be offered for newborn care ( weight checks), well baby visits + immunizations , prenatal care, acute illness or pain requiring in-person exam (ear pain, abdominal pain, breast concerns, acute back or joint pain, suture removal, adult vaccinations)
  • Call us at 905-883-4777 if you need to talk to our office staff and schedule your visit. Please leave ONLY ONE brief message, with your name and phone number, and our staff will call you back the same or the next day.
  • We are open Monday to Friday and will be only accepting booked appointments; no Saturday or drop-in appointments until further notice.
  • Please do not visit our clinic without a pre-scheduled appointment, even just to ask questions.
  • If you have a fever, new onset of cough or shortness of breath, STAY HOME and book a VIRTUAL visit.
  • If you have been screened and asked to come for in-person office visit, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS REGARDING VIRTUAL CARE

We do our best to make sure that any information you give us during virtual visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. Virtual care has some privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

• Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.

• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device) and a secure internet connection.

You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for clinical office examination. You should attend the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed.

 If you are concerned about virtual care, you can ask our office to arrange for in-office visit where you can be seen in person. However, please note that visiting a medical office comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.