The REACH doctors can now see you via #VirtualCARE as we all #stay_home to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you’re ill or need care for ongoing conditions, our doctors can often treat their patients via phone and video without having to see you in person. Call REACH Medical if you need an appointment!

Why are doctors using so much more virtual care so suddenly?

During this pandemic, it is important that we all do what we can to keep everyone safe. One way we can do this is through providing virtual care to our patients. Virtual care enables patients to stay safe, reducing the risk of transmission of the virus. It also keeps providers safe, so that we can continue to provide care throughout this challenging time. This is not new technology, but it has not been widely used up until now and the numbers of virtual care visits we normally do is much lower.

The BC government and Doctors of BC have agreed to significantly increase our ability to use virtual care to see patients during this pandemic.

Do patients have to pay for virtual care?

Virtual appointments are covered by the BC Medical Services Plan.

Is my privacy ensured?

The systems we use are very reliable. We will do everything we can to ensure your privacy is protected.

You can also do your part by: taking the call from a private area and using your own internet connection rather than a public connection.

What happens if I do need an in-person visit?

If your healthcare practitioner determines that you need an in-person visit, that will be arranged and will take place in a way that maximizes the safety of both you and your practitioner.

What if I really feel I have to see my doctor in-person?

Please call our office first. We will make it very easy to connect with you over the phone.

Once we have spoken with you, we will assess whether an in-person visit is needed. If so, we will arrange to do that in a safe way.

Will you take calls from patients who are worried they have symptoms of COVID-19?

Yes, we will. Patients can call us about any medical issues they are concerned about.

Patients and the public can also use the self-assessment tool here https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en

Will you be doing testing for COVID-19?

Testing is being done through designated assessment centers in our community.

We can speak with patients and determine whether they need to go to one of those centers for testing or not.