Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions 

We understand that doing a therapy session online might feel a bit weird, but we hope the following FAQ section helps answer any concerns you might have.  If you read through the whole post and still have questions about an online therapy session, please do reach out and we would be more than happy to answer any ongoing questions or concerns you may still have.

 

Question: When might telerehabilitation be appropriate?

Answer:  It may be appropriate if you cannot attend in-person visits or because you have transportation or mobility problems.  It may offer a way for you to receive follow-up care by your original treating physiotherapist if you are no longer in the location where the initial treatment was provided.

 

Question: When would tele-rehabilitation not be appropriate?

Answer: It may not be appropriate for clients who would benefit more from in-person sessions where hands-on examination, assessment and treatment are needed. It is up to you and the physiotherapist to determine what is best for you, based on your particular condition and preference, available technology, and other risks and benefits.

 

Question: Will I get good quality care?

Answer: You should expect to receive the same safe, high-quality care that you would get during an in-person visit.

 

Question: What are the risks of receiving care via tele-rehabilitation?

Answer: The risks of receiving physiotherapy care specific to tele-rehabilitation relate mostly to concerns about the privacy of your personal health information, and your personal safety. We will ensure that the location where you receive care is safe, and that procedures are in place to ensure the availability of help in the event of an emergency. Your provider may recommend that the visit proceed in the presence of another person to enhance the safety and value of the visit.

 

Question: Will my personal information be private and secure?

Answer: We ensure the privacy and security of your personal information at all times. This extends to the technology we use as well as the appropriateness of the setting in which services are delivered.

 

Question: What technology do I need to have to engage in an online session?

Answer:

  • You will need a reasonably good internet connection, especially if using video conferencing features
  • You will need a telephone line to take part in telephone sessions
  • You will need a web browser on either a phone, ipad, or computer to be able to connect with your therapist

 

Question: What can I do to prepare for my online session?

Answer:

  • For new assessments, make sure that all online intake forms are filled in
    • For Physiotherapy: Intake Form, Let Us Get to Know You Better, Telehealth Consent Form
    • For Psychotherapy: Intake Form, Telehealth Consent Form
    • For Dietetics: Intake Form, Telehealth Consent Form
  • For clients who have previously been seen in clinic, the Telehealth Consent Form must be completed
  • Credit care authorization form must also be completed and returned to the clinic (stored securely on our servers)
  • For all sessions, the following environment would be best:
    • Quiet room with access to a microphone headset if possible
    • For physiotherapy sessions, space behind the camera to move around
    • For physiotherapy sessions, somewhere to lie down comfortably may also be beneficial (ie. a couch, a mat on the floor, or a bed)

 

Question: What can I expect from a virtual assessment?

Answer: During the assessment, your provider will have a detailed discussion with you about your condition, previous medical history, and goals for seeking treatment.

For physiotherapy sessions, your provider may ask you to move around in front of the camera, demonstrate certain movements, and may visually assess posture and abdominal scars.  You will never be asked to undress for a session if you are not comfortable with it.

Your therapist will go over clinical findings with you and based on your therapeutic goals, a treatment plan will be proposed.  Your therapist will also provide you with education and some things to start trying at home.

 

Question: What can I expect from a virtual treatment session?

Answer: At each session your therapist will check in on your progress from the previous session.  If things have been progressing well, your therapist will likely review certain aspects of your program and provide you with suggestions for progression.  If you have encountered difficulties with your program, need clarification, or need to review aspects of your program, this is the perfect time to work together with your therapist to troubleshoot these issues.

 

Question: Will my insurance cover an online session?

Answer: Insurance companies are increasingly covering Telehealth Sessions, especially given the rapid change in healthcare needs recently.  We recommend always checking with your specific insurance provider to see if they cover telehealth sessions with your specific group plan.

As of March 23, 2020, we have heard from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association that the following companies have extended coverage to include virtual services:

  • Sunlife Insurance

https://www.sunlife.ca/slf/Focus+Updates/covid19?vgnLocale=en_CA&/sponsorcovid19

As of March 23, 2020, we have received verbal confirmation from the following companies that they are also extending their coverage to virtual services:

  • Green Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • Manulife
  • Great West Life

Again, this list is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.  We recommended that you do check with your specific insurer to verify if your specific plan will cover online services.