COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic is offering virtual care for those whom it is felt to be appropriate. Our patients preference for virtual care versus inpatient visits is always respected. Our goal is to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively.
For more information on how we use virtual care in our clinic, please see a recent article on our clinic on the Doctors NS Website.
We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no electronic communications tools (such as audio, video, email, text) are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using such electronic communications tools.
To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:
• Understand that electronic communications (such as audio, video, email, text) you receive are 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), secure accounts, and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.
Our office has chosen to use Medeo secure email and Medeo Virtual care because we feel it is the most secure option available. Medeo is a Canadian healthcare technology company, and you can use this service through your home computer (with a webcam) or with the mobile app, available in the ipad store and google play on their website: Medeo. com
You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for going to an Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).
By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video, audio, email, or text communications (while following applicable privacy laws) to provide you with care.