Telehealth Services

Telehealth or In-Clinic Appointments

Telehealth appointments are an excellent way to get started and stay on track with your physiotherapy goals! Telehealth appointments are especially convenient for busy moms, clients with mobility issues, snow days, clients who want to have some questions answered as soon as possible, or clients who prefer to have their physio from the comfort of your home. We can take your history, observing your posture, breathing and movement patterns, provide education and instruction in exercises, and follow up on your progress and goals!

If you are immunocompromised as a result of any of the conditions below, please call our receptionist or email reception@core-connections.ca to discuss the options for a telehealth appointment:

  • undergoing cancer chemotherapy
  • with untreated HIV infection with CD4 T lymphocyte count less than 200
  • with combined primary immunodeficiency disorder
  • on prednisone medication – more than 20 mg per day (or equivalent) for more than 14 days
  • on other immune suppressive medications

Consider a telehealth appointment if

  • you are within any of the higher-risk groups above
  • you would benefit from education and exercise instruction
  • you have no urgent need for in-clinic hands-on therapy treatment techniques
  • you find it challenging to arrange public transportation
  • it is more convenient for you to receive your physiotherapy care in the comfort of your home

Consider an in-clinic appointment if:

  • you can greatly benefit from hands-on treatment
  • you are finding it difficult to manage your symptoms with home exercises and eduction
  • you do not fall within the higher-risk groups below

If you aren’t sure whether to book a telehealth or in-clinic appointment, let us help you!

Call our receptionist or email reception@core-connections.ca to set up a complimentary phone consultation with one of our physiotherapists to discuss your specific needs and the risks and benefits associated with telehealth and in-clinic appointments.

Learn more about Telehealth

What is Telehealth physiotherapy?

Telehealth physiotherapy, also known as virtual care, is the delivery of professional physiotherapy services at a distance, using telecommunications (videoconferencing) technology. Telehealth physiotherapy relates to all aspects of patient care including the patient interview, physical assessment and diagnosis, treatment, exercise prescription, and education. Physiotherapists that provide telehealth adhere to all existing practice requirements, including the scope of practice of the profession, the standards of professional practice, the code of ethics, as well as any provincial and federal laws that guide practice.

Your physiotherapist will be able to determine:

  • Whether tele-rehabilitation is the most appropriate method to deliver services considering the circumstances.
  • Whether an in-person physical assessment is required to  determine a physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Whether they have the ability to deliver substantively similar care as physiotherapy delivered face-to-face.
  • Whether patient factors such as physical, sensory, or cognitive deficits may impact the ability to deliver appropriate care through telerehabilitation.

Will my insurance cover a telehealth physiotherapy appointment?

We recommend that you call your insurance company to find out the details of your plan. Companies that previously required a physician’s referral for physiotherapy services likely no longer do, given new legislation that has been put in place during this time of pandemic.

How do I know if I will benefit from a telehealth physiotherapy appointment?

Talk to your physiotherapist to determine if your treatment goals can be effectively met through telehealth physiotherapy.

What do I need to have a telehealth physiotherapy appointment?

You will need a laptop or tablet or phone with a screen, camera and microphone. A phone consultation is also an option if the above are not available to you.

How secure and private are services provided by telehealth?

Our telehealth provider uses 128-bit GCM encryption — the same standard most banks use to protect your financial information.

View our Consent to Telehealth appointments.