Telemedicine has a number of benefits:
1. No more waiting rooms or long drives
With telemedicine, you can speak to a physician or health-care provider from your living room, even in bad weather or if you’ re not feeling well enough to travel.
2. No delays
There are often delays in seeing your family physician, such as on those days or weeks when they have no appointments available.
3. Better access, especially in rural areas Many ARTA members live in smaller towns or rural areas where health-care options are limited. Telemedicine connects you to physicians and specialists from across the province without leaving home.
4. Managing chronic conditions
If you live with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease, regular monitoring and follow-ups are easier with virtual visits.
5. Reduced costs
Less travel means saving money on gas, parking, or public transit.
Many members find that once they try it, telemedicine becomes quite comfortable. Family members or caregivers can also join the call, which can help with understanding instructions or asking questions.
Telemedicine is intended to complement— not replace— in-person care or your family physician. Many doctors now offer a mix of both in-person and telemedicine appointments, depending on what’ s best for the patient. This flexibility is especially valuable for retirees who are managing multiple conditions or those with transportation challenges.
ARTA’ s telemedicine service is available via the MyARTA Health Hub. Clicking on the link to telemedicine will quickly connect you with a physician.
The ease of use and effectiveness of telemedicine has even prompted some provinces to start using it to provide better access to health care for residents without a family physician, those who do not have easy access to a medical facility, or those who are uneasy about going to an emergency department. After a successful trial, Nova Scotia rolled out access to telemedicine for all residents in the fall of 2023( incidentally using the same provider used by ARTA), and some limited telemedicine is being offered to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, and New Brunswick.
If you have not yet had the opportunity, keep ARTA’ s telemedicine option in mind the next time you need a physician’ s opinion in a timely manner, if you need a prescription, or if you aren’ t able to see your own family physician.
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