HPB & upper GI video consultations
Telemedicine uses two-way videoconferencing and advanced information communication technologies to deliver examinations, treatments, clinical, education and administrative services to more than 360 urban, rural, and remote health care sites throughout Ontario.
- Reduces patient and family travel outside of their home community
- Improves care coordination and continuity
- Reduces the need for patient transfers between health care facilities
What happens at a telemedicine appointment?
- Once the patient has checked into the telemedicine site, usually inside a hospital, the local telemedicine coordinator will explain the process and the equipment to the patient.
- The patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending on the type of appointment. The length of the appointment will vary depending on the discipline and physician.
- Time-saving video technologies and electronic diagnostic equipment such as patient exam cameras and digital stethoscopes work together to allow patients to be assessed as if they were there in person.
- Typically, the telemedicine coordinator will stay in the room with the patient for the consultation, and sometimes the local physician or health care provider will attend as well. The patient is welcome to bring a family member or friend with them.
- The appointments take place in private, secure rooms and the examination can only be seen and heard by those involved in the consultation - at both the patient's location and the consultant's site.
Telemedicine Locations
We are a member of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN). The OTN has enabled the majority of Ontario hospitals for telemedicine activity. Services have been expanded to health care centres such as:
- First Nations Communities in North Western Ontario
- Central East Correction Centre, Lindsay
- Monteith Correction Centre, Monteith
- Cancer Centres
- Community Care Access Centres
- Addiction and Treatment Centres
OTN's membership list and their associated Local Health Integration Networks (LHIN's) can be found on the OTN Website.
» View a general map of Ontario locations
Referrals
» Refer a patient using our HPB & upper GI online referral form
