Quality healthcare,
wherever you need it.
A guide to virtual care
What is virtual care?
Virtual care allows patients to have a remote appointment with a healthcare provider through their smartphone, tablet, computer or other internet-enabled device.
Patients have long suffered the burden of long waiting times, large distances to travel, lack of available specialists, potential exposure to infection in waiting rooms and the need to take significant time out of their busy lives for an appointment with the doctor.
Virtual care brings accessibility, convenience and safety to a meeting with the doctor.
Is a virtual appointment as good as seeing the doctor in person?
In most cases, yes.
Diagnosing and treating a vast range of health conditions is achievable through virtual care. Doctors can assess symptoms or concerns through a video or audio visit while being as thorough as they would be in person. In some cases, doctors may request additional photographs to assist with their examination. Rocket Doctor is also equipped with a range of advanced at-home medical devices that can be delivered to a patient’s home in order to support a diagnosis or monitor an ongoing condition.
Of course, there are some instances that require an in-person visit to a healthcare provider or an immediate presentation to an Emergency Department. These include things such as serious injury, concerns for heart attack, stroke, sudden shortness of breath and other conditions that may require immediate scan or physical examination. Rocket Doctor’s Patient Care Coordinators are specially trained to identify instances that are not deemed suitable for a virtual appointment, and our doctors may also refer patients for a physical appointment in the event that they believe a physical visit is in the best interests of their patient.
How do I prepare for my virtual visit?
Take some notes
It’s a good idea to write down the main things you want to talk about and if anything is worrying you. Note the symptoms you are experiencing, any medication you are currently taking and anything else you think may be important to tell the doctor.
Find a space
Find a quiet, private space where you are comfortable to talk and you won’t be disturbed. Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Rest assured
Remember that you’re in good hands. All doctors practicing medicine on Rocket Doctor are fully licensed, certified and trained to provide the most comprehensive care for all of our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rocket Doctor is a virtual health platform that allows you to book an online doctor appointment in Canada from the comfort of your own home. It works by connecting you with licensed Canadian doctors who can provide medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment through secure video call or text chat (text chat is currently available in Ontario only)
A Rocket Doctor physician licensed and located in your province will speak to you where you can discuss any symptoms or concerns that you are feeling. The doctor will assess you and put together the best care plan for you. If a prescription is required, arrangements will be made to send it to a pharmacy of your choice.
Waiting times depend on the availability of doctors in your province. In most cases, when you request an appointment, it will be scheduled for either that same day, or the following day.
Rocket Doctor’s online appointments can address a range of medical conditions, including acute illnesses, mental health concerns, sexual health concerns, allergies and much more. However, there are some medical issues that may require an in-person visit with a doctor or specialist
We have built our cloud-based technology platform in a way that enables each doctor to view the records of all of your previous visits with Rocket Doctor in order to assist with the best possible care. While each doctor may not have time to review these records in-depth in advance of your visit, the system ensures that access to the information that will assist in your care as streamlined and efficient as possible.
All doctors on Rocket Doctor are licensed and qualified to practice medicine in Canada. They are required to meet the same standards and regulations as doctors who work in traditional brick-and-mortar clinics or hospitals.
Yes, you can obtain a prescription through Rocket Doctor’s online appointments, regardless of which province you are located in. If the doctor deems it necessary, they can send your prescription directly to your pharmacy for collection. Whether you are in Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta, Rocket Doctor provides a convenient and accessible alternative to in-person doctor visits for prescriptions and prescription refills.
If you need to see a specialist, you can get a referral from a physician through Rocket Doctor. There are also a number of specialists working on the platform meaning accessing specialist care much can be much quicker and more convenient.
If you need additional testing after your online doctor appointment with Rocket Doctor, the doctor may request blood work, imaging, or other diagnostic tests. You may be required to visit a physical clinic or hospital for these services.
In Alberta and British Columbia, appointments are completely covered by your provincial health insurance.
In Ontario, specialist care services including our Substance Use Services clinic are fully covered by OHIP, however, unfortunately due to changes made by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and the Ontario Ministry of Health, primary care and urgent care services on Rocket Doctor are no longer funded by OHIP. Rocket Doctor offers a range of care options ranging from $55-$65 for an appointment.
When you first book an appointment, the smart platform will match you with the most appropriate licensed health professional available for your medical concerns. This ensures that you receive the best possible care and advice during your virtual appointment, whether you need to see a doctor for a routine check-up or have a more urgent medical concern.
For any follow up appointments, you can request to meet with the same physician. The team will do their best to arrange an appointment with your chosen physician however it will depend on the specific doctor’s availability.
