Privacy and Telephone/Virtual Consultations
Our privacy information | What you should know
Privacy & Virtual Care Information
Virtual and Telephone Appointments
We offer both in-person and virtual/telephone appointments for your convenience.
Like any online communication (such as email or video calls), virtual care carries some inherent privacy and security risks. Your health information could potentially be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We use secure, PHIPA-compliant platforms and take every reasonable step to protect your confidentiality.
To help protect your privacy, we recommend:
- Participating from a private location
- Using your own personal device and a secure internet connection (avoid employer or shared devices)
Important notes:
- A virtual visit may not replace a full physical examination. You may still need an in-person appointment.
- Virtual care is not a substitute for emergency care. Please go to the nearest Emergency Department if you need urgent medical attention.
By proceeding with a virtual or telephone appointment, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal health information through these means.
Here are the full details of what you should know
We offer virtual (video) appointments as well as in-person visits for your convenience. Telephone appointments are available only occasionally when necessary.
Important Information about Virtual Care:
Virtual appointments use online communication tools, which carry some inherent privacy and security risks. While we only use secure, PHIPA-compliant platforms and follow strict privacy standards, no video technology is 100% secure. There is a small risk that your health information could be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed.
To protect your privacy, we strongly recommend:
- Joining from a private location where you cannot be overheard
- Using your own personal device (not an employer’s or shared device)
- Using a secure, password-protected internet connection (home Wi-Fi is much safer than public networks)
Please note:
- Some health concerns can be fully addressed virtually, but others may require an in-person physical examination.
- Virtual care is not a substitute for emergency care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.
By proceeding with a virtual or telephone appointment, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal health information through these electronic means in accordance with Ontario’s privacy laws (PHIPA).
We currently offer appointments in-office and via secure video, with telephone appointments available only on a limited basis.