With healthcare, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. Health is just too dynamic—and personal: everyone’s care needs are individual to them, and each person follows a unique journey to maintain or improve their wellbeing. That’s why it’s so valuable to see evolutions in healthcare delivery, such as virtual care, that give patients more options to customize how they receive support.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care has become integral to the healthcare experience. At TELUS Health, we’re committed to innovating healthcare access and experience, so we embrace the revolutionary technology that is doing just that. TELUS Health Virtual Care is a platform that facilitates medical consultations for individuals and families through a plan sponsor, but it’s also much more. It can function as your doorway to various supports across the healthcare journey and capture all the details of that journey in a central place.
What could your healthcare journey look like with virtual care?
As you navigate your health and support your family members with theirs, the path you take may include a combination of interventions, modalities, and stages. The Virtual Care app can help you navigate steps like these—though the order and combination will vary from person to person.
1. Virtual primary care
A primary care consultation is usually the first step you’ll take to address health concerns. Whether you’re experiencing acute symptoms, require a prescription, or just have questions, you can conduct a primary care consultation on-demand, at any time, through Virtual Care. If your consultation requires next steps, such as blood work or a specialist appointment, your healthcare professional will get the ball rolling.
2. Referral
Depending on your symptoms, a healthcare practitioner may refer you to a specialist for evaluation. Many specialists offer video or telephone consultations through their clinic or private office.
3. Diagnosis
A primary care clinician or specialist may be able to diagnose your condition during or after a virtual consultation. If they need to order medical imaging or lab tests, they can do so and will later communicate the results back to you directly from the Virtual Care app.
4. Treatment
The Virtual Care app can also facilitate a variety of treatments:
Pharmacy services1
Your healthcare professional may prescribe you pharmaceutical treatment for a condition, and if it’s most convenient for you to pick up the medication, they can send the prescription to your preferred pharmacy. Alternatively, you can access the TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy app to manage your prescription's delivery or renewal, or connect with a pharmacist for medication advice.
Mental health support
You may pursue treatment for mental health through Virtual Care, which provides 24/7 primary mental health care with nurse practitioners, as well as access to therapy sessions with mental health specialists. The app offers mental health programs and other forms of talk therapy.
Physical therapy*
Although some physical therapy involves hands-on treatment, that’s not always the case. You can consult a physiotherapist through Virtual Care to learn exercises you can practice on your own (and check your consult notes on the app at any time if you need a reminder of your therapist’s recommendations).
Dieticians and nutritionists
Proper nutrition plays a big part in your overall health and wellbeing, and dietary adjustments may help you manage a health condition. Connect to a dietician or nutritionist for personalized advice and recommendations on the app. With LifeJourney, nutritional counselling is also an option.
How can virtual care support each stage of your healthcare journey?
Here are some reasons you might choose virtual support for your healthcare journey:
- Availability: Virtual Care is available on-demand, 24/7, so you can get symptoms evaluated promptly.
- Convenience: If you have a demanding schedule, are experiencing restricted mobility, need support when clinics are closed, or just don’t feel up to leaving the house, you can still consult a healthcare professional online.
- Continuity of care: When you consult a healthcare professional through Virtual Care, they can send medical notes to your family doctor, ensuring continuity of care.
- Simplicity: It’s complicated to keep track of your own (and your family’s) care team, including health recommendations, prescriptions, and appointments. TELUS Health Virtual Care allows you to keep your records and schedules in one place.
TELUS Health Virtual Care is designed to make the healthcare journey easier for you and your family. We're here to support your health at every stage with the options that suit you best—all from one convenient place.
*Note that availability varies by province.
1. TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy will be available to residents of Quebec starting in 2023.