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Telemedicine Applications

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

• Psychological disorders without associated physical pathology: Appropriate assessment and follow-up can be performed remotely.
• Minor dermatological conditions: An effective consultation can be facilitated by sending clear and 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: Evaluation without the need for an immediate physical exam.
• Sexual health: Counselling, STI screening, and hormonal contraception management, with a prior blood pressure measurement performed at home or at a pharmacy.
• Monitoring of chronic conditions: Use of home devices or laboratory tests for the follow-up of hypertension, cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and certain aspects of diabetes.
• Interpretation of medical results: Analysis of specialist reports and results from laboratory or imaging exams prescribed via the platform.
• Promotion of good health practices: Personalized advice to maintain or improve general well-being or well-being related to a specific condition.

Telemedicine Limitations

Telemedicine is not suitable for certain types of health problems that require a direct physical examination by a doctor. Here are 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, which require an immediate visit to the emergency room.
• Earaches: Requiring an internal examination of the ear, which is infeasible via a video call.
• Pronounced Cough: Where lung 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 a thorough evaluation.
• Trauma and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Requiring a physical exam to assess tenderness, heat, arthritis, or ligament problems.
• CNESST Work Accident Management: Requires a physical exam to properly document injuries.
• Formalities Requiring a Physical Exam: Such as documents for the SAAQ or medical certificates for long-term work, in order to accurately confirm the patient's health status.
• Decreased General State: Symptoms of fatigue or generalized malaise requiring a complete exam.

Controlled Substances and Work Leave Policy:

• Controlled substances: The prescription of such substances is limited to one month, in accordance with our strict policy aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of care.
• Work leave: It is not possible to provide extended or retroactive work leave via telemedicine. For needs beyond one week, an in-person consultation is required.

Does your health issue not fall within the scope of telemedicine?

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