VIRTUAL CARE IN ALBERTA
What Can an Online Doctor Treat in Alberta?
An online doctor may be able to assess and manage many non-emergency concerns, depending on the symptoms, history, information available, and whether virtual care is clinically appropriate.
New non-emergency health concerns
A virtual appointment may help with a new concern when the physician can assess it safely without an immediate physical examination. Examples may include a new symptom, a minor illness, or a question about what level of care is needed.
Medication review and prescription questions
A physician may review an existing medication, discuss benefits or side effects, or consider a prescription when clinically appropriate. A prescription or renewal is never automatic or guaranteed.
Follow-up and ongoing family medicine
Virtual care may be useful for follow-up after a previous assessment, reviewing progress, discussing health goals, or continuing care when the needed information is available and an examination is not essential.
Test results, referrals, and mental health
A physician may discuss available test results, consider whether further investigation is needed, or discuss referral options. Mental-health concerns may also be discussed when appropriate, with attention to safety and the need for in-person or urgent care.
Preventive and chronic-condition discussions
Some preventive-care questions and chronic-condition follow-up may be suitable virtually. Blood pressure, physical examination, testing, monitoring, or other in-person steps may still be required depending on the situation.
When online care is not enough
The physician may recommend an in-person examination, investigations, urgent assessment, emergency care, or additional follow-up. Virtual care should not be used for an emergency or a concern that needs immediate hands-on assessment.
Common questions
Can an online doctor treat any condition?
No. Suitability depends on the concern, symptoms, history, safety, and whether the physician can assess the situation virtually. Some concerns require examination, testing, urgent care, or emergency assessment.
Can an online doctor prescribe medication?
A prescription may be considered after assessment and when clinically appropriate. It is not guaranteed, and some medications or situations require a different appointment or in-person care.
Can an online doctor order tests or referrals?
Testing or referral may be considered when clinically appropriate and when the physician has enough information. See the lab requisition and specialist referral guides for more detail.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 911 or attend the nearest emergency department. For non-emergency health advice in Alberta, call 811.
Discuss your concern with a physician
Book the existing Verra Health virtual appointment pathway. The physician will help determine the appropriate next step.
Book a Virtual Appointment