Even though we are now open, we are still offering telerehab appointments. The fees for virtual appointments are the same as in clinic appointmetnts.
What is tele-rehabilitation?
Tele-rehabilitation is the provision of physiotherapy services at a distance, by an information or communication technology such as video conferencing, when an in-person visit is not possible. A patient can expect the same safe, effective, and ethical care as an in-person visit and the physiotherapist must comply with all regulatory requirements. Tele-rehabilitation may be appropriate if the patient cannot easily access an in-person visit due to a shortage of physiotherapy services available in the region where the patient lives or because of transportation or mobility concerns. Physiotherapists should use their professional judgment to determine if this model of care is the most appropriate available method to deliver physiotherapy care and that the patient is not exposed to any increased risk. Patients and physiotherapists alike need to recognize any limitations that tele-rehabilitation services present including privacy of personal health information, safety of the patient within the context of their home or work environment and the inability to perform a hands-on assessment and subsequent treatment.
Your privacy and personal health information is extremely important to us. To deliver video conferencing to your home from our homes we will be using a secure video conferencing platform through MEDEO to ensure your confidentiality and privacy are protected. This secure video conferencing is linked directly with QHR technologies our electronic medical records provider. QHR Technologies is one of the largest Canadian EMR providers in Canada and has all the mandatory industry standards and safeguards in place to protect your medical information and privacy. Tele-rehabilitation through Skype and many other platforms is simply not secure enough and puts your personal health information at risk.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our practices accordingly. Below are some FAQ’s about tele-rehabilitation. Please contact 613-520-3510 or physioinfo@carletonsportsmed.com to book an appointment.
Tele-rehabilitation in Physiotherapy Patient Information
When would tele-rehabilitation not be appropriate?
Tele-rehabilitation has limitations compared to an in-person encounter such as the inability to perform hands-on examination, assessment and treatment. For this reason, in many circumstances, if suitable in-person care is available it will be preferable. 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.
Will I get good quality care?
Expect to receive the same safe, quality care that you would get during an in-person visit. The College expects physiotherapists to meet the same standards of practice regardless of how the services are delivered.
What are the risks of receiving care via tele-rehabilitation?
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. The physiotherapist is required to 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. The physiotherapist may recommend that the visit proceed in the presence of another person to enhance the safety and value of the visit. Tele-rehabilitation can include mediums such as videoconferencing, email, apps, web-based communication, wearable technology.
Will my personal information still be private and secure?
Physiotherapists are required to ensure the privacy and security of your personal information at all times. This extends to the technology they use as well as the appropriateness of the setting in which services are delivered. For example, it may be appropriate for you to receive services in your home or at a medical facility, with the physiotherapist communicating with you from their office rather than in a public place.
Do I have to pay for tele-rehabilitation physiotherapy services?
If the service is not publicly funded, you would need to pay in the same way as you would if you were attending an in-person visit. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association and Ontario Physiotherapy Association are working with insurance companies to assist in claim coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic for tele-rehabilitation appointments.
Please check with your insurance provider for tele-rehab physiotherapy. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will certainly work with you to make the payment process as seamless as possible. Knowing the financial difficulties that some our patients are experiencing, we are happy to work on a case by case bases to help everyone through this keeping your health at the forefront.
Your physiotherapist will continue to support you by phone or video appointments, while taking measures to protect your personal health information, within the guidelines from the Ontario College of Physiotherapy, Canadian and Ontario Physiotherapy Associations.
Tele-rehabilitation follow-up appointment by phone or video
Reduced fees during the COVID -19 pandemic:
$70.00 physiotherapy treatment session.
$90.00 new injury assessment session.
Payment can be done by e-transfer and to receive your payment receipt for insurance at kim@carletonsportsmed.com.
Stay Healthy,
The Sport Medicine Team