A Saskatoon physician and associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan hopes virtual appointments will continue after COVID-19 is no longer an issue.
Dr. Carla Holinaty says during the pandemic, the majority of her care is by phone.
Others are doing virtual visits.
She believes it works particularly well in family practice, because you get to know your patients over the years and you know their medication history.
The advantages for patients are if you are working you may not have to take time off, you can just have your appointment during a coffee break.
It’s also a benefit in non-urgent care if you live far away from your doctor or have accessibility issues.
Dr. Holinaty believes it’s something people want and what doctors want to give them.
Right now, it’s only available during the pandemic but the Saskatchewan Medical Association was negotiating a contract that includes virtual visits even before COVID-19.
Holinaty hopes the examples of how this care has worked during the pandemic will be proof that it works and can be effective in certain situations.