Virtual medication abortion appointments are currently unavailable.

Digital Health

With the advancement of digital health and virtual care (i.e. video appointments) we are pleased to add virtual care to our list of services. We believe that digital health can improve quality and that virtual care enables clients who face certain barriers to be able to access the services they need.  

Although digitization of health care is increasingly common, virtual care is new to CIHC. Virtual care is associated with the inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. To protect your privacy, CIHC only uses digital platforms that are compliant with the Privacy Laws of Ontario, specifically the Personal Health Information Protection Act. However, we also know that privacy breaches can still occur and everyone's comfort with online tools varies. In an effort to be transparent and ensure you are fully informed, we have created this section of our website to provide information about the tools and platforms we use in our clinic and to provide education on how to stay safe during a virtual care appointment.  

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Digital Tools and Platforms Used at CIHC to Serve Clients

 

Zoom Phone VOIP

VOIP aka Voice Over Internet Phones allows us to route phone calls to different members of our team on different days. It also allows us to automatically manage the queue of individuals calling the clinic. Learn more about Zoom Phone VOIP here.

Oceans  

Oceans is a secure online forms tool which allows us to send you your intake forms and and any other form in advance of your appointment. You can fill in the form digitally and will be sent directly to us and automatically populate your medical chart. This reduces errors and speeds up appointments. Learn more about Oceans here: https://www.cognisantmd.com/  

Accuro EMR, Virtual Appointments, and booking

Accuro and Accuro Engage are the software we use to book appointments and create digital client charts. This software holds information like your name, phone number, email, date/time of your appointment and chart forms related to your visit. Accuro Engage is the virtual care platform that enables our team to have video appointments with you. Learn more about Accuro and Accuro Engage.

Medeo – digital communication

Medeo is a secure tool for a messaging between clients and the team at CIHC so that we can reach you about your appointments and share information back and forth. This platform is a backbone of our online booking and connects what you enter into our electronic health records system. Learn more about Medeo here: https://medeohealth.com/

Staying Safe During Your Virtual Care Appointment - aka “Video Appointment”

 

Description  

  • We use video and audio technology so we can see and hear each other

  • We recommend you be in a quiet place for your virtual visit so that others cannot overhear the session (unless you want to include others in your visit – please tell us who is with you)

  • You will be asked for details of your situation and your health history – these questions may be very personal and sensitive

  • Written details of your virtual visit will be recorded in your health record just like in an in-person visit

  • We will not make a recording of the virtual visit. We ask that you not record the visit either.

  • We may ask to take photographs if necessary for us to make treatment decisions – we will tell you before we take any photograph

Limits 

  • Virtual visits are not appropriate for emergencies – in emergencies, please call 9-1-1

  • Despite meeting virtually, you and your physician may determine that you still need to visit the clinic or a lab for testing

Privacy 

  • We use PHIPA compliant platforms to provide virtual care appointments

  • Our staff have completed privacy training

  • At the moment, most of our staff are still working at our physical clinic. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff may conduct virtual visits from their home – they will find a quiet place away from others in their household

Risks 

  • It is possible there could be a problem with the technology and your session could be cut short or interrupted

  • The quality of the video or audio may be inadequate for a health care provider to assist you virtually or it could negatively impact the quality of the care you receive