Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver health care and education, and to attend meetings at a distance. If you are in the Markham, Stouffville, or Uxbridge community, you can connect with health care professionals across Ontario through a secure connection provided by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). You won’t have to travel outside your community. This will reduce the time, cost, and stress associated with travelling to an appointment. Using telemedicine is free for anyone with a valid Ontario Health Card.
Your telemedicine consults may be useful for initial assessments or follow-up appointments. Some appointments require a face-to-face meeting. Ask your health care provider if a telemedicine appointment can be arranged.
What to expect at your appointment
A telemedicine appointment is just like a regular in-person appointment, except you will see and speak to your clinician on a computer or television monitor. Your telemedicine appointment is private, and is not taped or recorded. More information is included in OTN’s Patient and Families brochure.
On the day of your telemedicine appointment, please go to the registration desk at least 30 minutes prior to the appointment time to register. You will be directed to a seating area near the registration desk. The telemedicine/OTN room is A2659, located between the meditation room and gift shop on the second floor. A telemedicine coordinator (often a nurse) will explain what will happen during your visit, and will bring you to the telemedicine room for your appointment. The telemedicine coordinator will usually stay with you during your appointment to assist you and your clinician. You are welcome to bring a family member with you to the appointment. Please bring a list of your questions, medications, and any forms that are requested by your clinician.