When should you choose telemedicine?

Dr. Nguyen Gouez, Medical Director

In the modern age of medicine, a wide range of health problems can now be effectively assessed and treated online.
However, certain conditions make it imperative to have a physical assessment to ensure optimal and safe care. At Allodocteur.ca, we offer targeted virtual consultations to meet your immediate needs, while emphasizing the crucial importance of in-person visits for a complete assessment.

It's essential to understand that, despite its many advantages, telemedicine is a complement to, not a replacement for, a physical consultation.

This guide is designed to help you understand whether telemedicine is the best option for you.

Telemedicine applications

For short-term management, virtual care is ideally suited to the following situations, as recommended in the Canadian Medical Association's virtual care discussion paper:

  • Psychological disorders with no associated physical pathology: appropriate assessment and follow-up can be carried out remotely.

  • Minor dermatological conditions: An effective consultation can be facilitated by sending clear, detailed photos in advance, which often offer better resolution than videos.

  • Benign infections: Management of urinary tract infections, sinusitis and mild skin infections via virtual consultation.

  • Sore throat and red eyes without severe symptoms: Assessment not requiring immediate physical examination.

  • Sexual health: counseling, STI screening and management of hormonal contraception, with a preliminary blood pressure measurement performed at home or in the pharmacy.

  • Monitoring of chronic conditions: Use of home appliances or laboratory tests to monitor hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid disorders and certain aspects of diabetes.

  • Interpretation of medical results: Analysis of specialist reports and results of laboratory or imaging tests prescribed via the platform.

  • Promotion of good health practices: personalized advice to maintain or improve general well-being or well-being linked to a specific condition.

Limitations of telemedicine

Telemedicine is not suitable for certain types of health problems that require a direct physical examination by a physician. Here are some specific situations requiring an in-person consultation:

  • New or Urgent Symptoms: Including chest pain, shortness of breath, visual or auditory disturbances, weakness, fainting, palpitations, paralysis, sudden numbness or severe headaches, requiring an immediate visit to the emergency room.

  • Otalgia: Requires internal ear examination, unavailable via video call.

  • Pronounced cough: where pulmonary auscultation with a stethoscope is indispensable.

  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal or pelvic pain requiring manual palpation for diagnosis.

  • Unexplained Weight Loss and Persistent Fatigue: Symptoms requiring in-depth evaluation.

  • Trauma and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Requiring physical examination to assess tenderness, heat, arthritis or ligament problems.

  • Gestion des Accidents de Travail CNESST: Requires a physical examination to properly document injuries.

  • Formalities Requiring a Physical Examination: Such as SAAQ documents or medical attestations for long-term work, to confirm the patient's state of health accurately.

  • Diminished general condition: Symptoms of fatigue or generalized malaise requiring a thorough examination.

Controlled Substances and Work Stoppages Policy :

  • Controlled substances: The prescription of such substances is limited to one month, in line with our strict policy of guaranteeing safety and quality of care.

  • Work stoppages: It is not possible to provide extended or retroactive work stoppages via telemedicine. For needs beyond one week, an in-person consultation is required.

Does your health problem fall within the scope of telemedicine?

Avoid frustration and make an appointment with our doctors at home.
You will be put in touch with the doctor in our team closest to you.