Virtual care

We use technology to connect you to the right care, at the right time and from the right place. We provide convenient access to certain healthcare services with video visits.

To have a video visit, you will need: 

• Access to email 
• A tablet, smart phone or computer 
• Access to secure Wi-Fi or other internet data connection 
• A private space for your conversation 

Under British Columbia (BC)’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, we need to collect some personal information. You will need to provide your first and last name and email address. This is to confirm your identity and access virtual health visits. 

Questions about Virtual Health Visits? Please contact: privacy@providencehealth.bc.ca. 

We may email or text meeting invitations, appointment reminder notifications, and questionnaire links. Your information, including the care you receive, is kept confidential.  Learn more about digital patient questionnaires.

For help with virtual visits, contact our Patient Virtual Healthcare Tech Support desk. We offer phone support for patients using the Zoom for Healthcare or BC Virtual Visits platform for their Virtual Health Visits (VHV). We can help with installing or accessing the VHV tool. We can also support setting up your camera and microphone, or testing your connection.

Prepare for your visit

We want the technology to be successful and simple to use. If it’s not, please let us know. 

What you need to know

About accessing virtual care 

• Sometimes technology does not work, and there can be unexpected problems. We will do our best to reduce any issues with technology.  
• You are responsible for the security of your own computer/tablet/device, email service and Wi-Fi. 
• We may use encryption to protect communications. Providence Health Care cannot guarantee the security of the information you share over the internet.

About virtual care apps

• Virtual care apps are like other mobile apps. They need permission to access your phone or computer. Patients must have a working camera and microphone for a video appointment.
• These apps may collect personal data like your first name, last name and email address. They may also use your device and internet connection details (e.g. IP address) to provide their services. 
• Your data may be stored and/or accessed outside of Canada.

About your virtual visit

• Your care team will let you know if anyone else can hear or see the conversation before it starts. 
• At the start of your visit, your clinician will ask for two forms of identification to confirm who you are. This could be your name, birthdate, address, and/or health card number. 
• The rules and regulations that apply to the practice of medicine in the province of BC apply to video conferencing (e.g. documentation in your health record). 

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Hours

Monday to Friday
7:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.