Virtual Care Options in PEI

Virtual care is a way to visit with your health care provider (e.g., doctor, nurse, social worker) using your phone, computer, or tablet.

You may see a health care provider virtually if: 

• your health care provider offers virtual visits and believes the visit can be done virtually, OR
• you are seeing an off-island specialist through one of Health PEI’s clinics, OR
• you don’t currently have a primary care health care provider. See virtual healthcare for Islanders without a primary care provider (Maple) for the steps you need to take to be eligible for this service.

Is there a cost for virtual care?

All Health PEI’s virtual programs are free of charge.

What types of care can be done virtually?

Health care providers can virtually assess, treat, provide education, and support many health concerns. They can write certain prescriptions, fax them directly to your preferred pharmacy, and order additional assessments such as blood work and image requisitions. 

Not all care can be done virtually. If your provider reviews your symptoms and feels you need an in-person visit or emergency care, they will let you know.

Do I have to use virtual care?

No. You have the choice to decline a virtual visit and seek or ask for an in-person option/appointment.

How does virtual care benefit me?

Virtual care:

• Can be done in the comfort of your own home
• Allows you to have a support person in your physical location with you for the visit
• Lowers the chance of getting sicknesses while in waiting rooms
• Removes challenges associated with transportation
• Allows you to access out-of-province specialists without travel

What about my privacy?

Health PEI, Maple, and health care providers offering virtual care are committed to protecting the privacy of your personal health information by following the Health Information Act. 

Your virtual health care provider follows the same policies and procedures for in-person medical care. Only those health care providers involved in your care can see or hear your personal health information.

To help protect your privacy:
1.    Use a private location for your virtual visit, if possible
2.    Use a private network rather than a public one (such as at a coffee shop), if possible 

If at any time you feel your privacy is at risk, let the health care provider know and make another appointment.

If you have any questions about privacy, visit Privacy and Your Personal Health Information or contact healthprivacy@ihis.org.

Where can I get help getting set up for virtual care? 

The Virtual Care Technical Support Desk can help you with:

• general questions about virtual care
• virtual test call(s)
• hardware, such as a camera, microphone, computer, laptop, or smartphone

Phone: 1-855-506-3963 (toll-free)
Email: virtualcare@ihis.org