A virtual visit can make it easier to meet with your care provider, allowing you to connect from your home or your nearest AHS healthcare site.
Is a Virtual Visit Right for You?
If you are interested in virtual care, talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you on the benefits and limitations of virtual care, and if it's right for you. Please be advised that some types of healthcare services are not possible with virtual care.
If you don't have a healthcare provider, contact Health Link at 811.
Benefits
- Faster connections: It can offer an easier way to connect with your healthcare provider, especially when you live far away or it is difficult to travel to appointments.
- Flexibility: Certain types of appointments and care do not require an in-person visit and can be done virtually from the comfort of your own home, workplace, or community.
- Access for family and support persons: Virtual visits can make it easier for your family and supports to participate in your care.
- Can save travel time, costs, and time away from work.
Learn more about virtual visits and if they are right for you.
How to Prepare
Your healthcare provider will give you information on how to connect to your virtual visit. This will include the type of equipment you'll need, for example a telephone, or computer for a video call, and who to contact if you can't connect to your appointment.
Have these items ready for your virtual visit:
- Your Alberta Personal Healthcare Card
- List of current medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking
- Name and location of your pharmacy
- Notes on your medical history and symptoms
- List of any questions you want to ask
- Pen and paper to write down notes
- Phone number of healthcare provider or clinic
How You'll Be Connected
Your virtual visit will take place over video, telephone, email or secure messaging using an AHS virtual care platform that meets AHS Information Security & Privacy Standards.
If a virtual visit meets your healthcare needs, your provider will talk with you about which platform will work best for you, and provide instructions to connect to the visit.
Virtual Visit Information
Visits Using Zoom
Visits Using MyAHS Connect
If your provider uses Connect Care, you may be asked to join your virtual visit using MyAHS Connect. MyAHS Connect is a secure, online, interactive tool that gives you access to your health information. Your provider will give you the information you need for your appointment. If you have questions, contact your healthcare provider or clinic. More information is available for Patients & Families.
What to Expect
During Your Visit
Your healthcare provider will introduce themselves and any other care provider who may be joining the virtual appointment. You will be asked to do the same.
You will be asked:
- if you still wish to proceed with a virtual visit (and reminded that you can change your mind at any time).
- your current location and phone number in case of a health emergency or if the virtual visit is disconnected.
You can ask questions and talk about your needs and goals, just like an in-person visit.
You will be able to make a care plan with your healthcare provider. This may include:
- How to manage your symptoms
- Referrals for blood work, tests, prescriptions, other programs, or healthcare providers
- When to book your next appointment
- What to do if your symptoms get worse
Tips for a Good Appointment
When Joining from Home or Any Non-healthcare Site
- Have the appointment details ready (such as your healthcare provider's name, the virtual visit link or provider's phone number).
- Consider inviting a family member or caregiver to join you
- Join the visit from a place where you can focus, such as your home. Do not drive during a virtual visit
- Choose a well-lit, private space where you can talk freely
- Remove distractions and plan the visit around other activities
- Position your camera at eye level
- Make sure your device is fully charged or plugged in
- Sign in 5 to 10 minutes early in case you have technical issues (for video visits)
- Speak at a normal volume. Adjust the volume if you cannot hear your provider
- To avoid data charges, use a wired connection to the internet or secure Wi-Fi.
When Joining from a Healthcare Site Using Telehealth Equipment
- You may be invited to join a virtual visit from your local healthcare site using special videoconferencing equipment called telehealth. Have the appointment details ready (such as your healthcare provider's name, the virtual visit link or provider's phone number).
- Consider inviting a family member or caregiver to join you
- Your session should connect automatically. If your session does not connect or your healthcare provider doesn't arrive within 5 to 10 minutes after the session starts, call your clinic at the number they provided.
- Instructions will appear in the appointment room to help you unmute and adjust the volume
- Speak at a normal volume. Adjust volume if you cannot hear your healthcare provider
- Your healthcare provider will disconnect the call at the end of your appointment
Accessibility
If you have questions or concerns about accessibility and your virtual visit, we encourage you to talk with your provider about your specific needs.
English as a Second Language
Interpretation services are available for all virtual visits. Let your health care team know before your appointment if you need an interpreter.
For Those Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Costs
While AHS doesn't charge any extra fees for virtual care, we recommend Albertans contact their internet or mobile service provider for information on internet or cellular (data) usage fees.
