Virtual Doctors (Telemedicine)
Fast access to virtual care as an employee benefit
Virtual care is a remote interaction with a medical provider using technology (video, phone, or secure messaging). It’s designed to complement in-person care—helping employees get guidance sooner for many non-urgent concerns.
Based in Halifax • Serving HRM (Halifax / Bedford / Dartmouth) + Nova Scotia (incl. Cape Breton) and Atlantic Canada
Important: not for emergencies
Virtual care has limits. Some issues require in-person assessment, lab work, imaging, or urgent care. We recommend positioning Virtual Doctors as a convenience + access tool, not a replacement for emergency services or ongoing primary care.
What employees typically use Virtual Doctors for
Common, non-urgent needs
Often suited to virtual visits (depending on symptoms and clinical judgment):
- Minor infections and routine concerns (e.g., sore throat, sinus issues)
- Many skin concerns / rashes
- Mental health conversations and follow-ups
- Review of test results / specialist reports
- Questions about symptoms, medications, and next steps
How it’s delivered
- Video consultations
- Phone calls
- Secure messaging
- Follow-ups when appropriate
Providers are expected to meet the same standard of care virtually as they would in person, and recommend in-person care when needed.
Why employers add this benefit
Access + productivity
- Fewer “half-day off” clinic runs for minor issues
- Convenient access for remote teams and field staff
- Better employee experience (simple, modern benefit)
Recruiting + retention
- High-perceived value relative to cost
- Supports a wellness-forward culture
- Pairs well with core benefits and HSAs/Wellness accounts
Privacy, safety, and expectations (how to position it correctly)
Privacy & records
- Virtual care still involves personal health information
- Vendors must protect privacy and follow professional standards
- Good implementations clarify how records and follow-ups work
Clinical limitations
- Some issues require physical exam or diagnostic testing
- Prescribing rules can vary by scenario and jurisdiction
- Employees should be guided to urgent care when appropriate
How we implement Virtual Doctors for your team
We align the right Virtual Doctors solution with your carrier, plan type, and workforce footprint.
Clear “when to use it / when not to” messaging improves satisfaction and avoids confusion.
A short launch note + how-to guide is usually enough to drive adoption.
If you want, we can adjust the broader package (HSA/Wellness, EFAP, core benefits) based on what staff actually use.
FAQs
Is Virtual Doctors the same as having a family doctor?
No. It’s a convenient access channel for many non-urgent concerns and follow-ups, but it doesn’t replace longitudinal primary care or urgent/emergency services.
What does it cover?
Coverage depends on the specific provider and plan. Most include general medical consultation by video/phone/messaging and guidance on next steps. Some situations require in-person follow-up.
Can remote employees use it outside HRM?
Often yes—many services are designed for distributed teams. Availability can depend on vendor rules and where the employee resides.
How do we launch it without confusing staff?
We provide a one-page rollout message and a “Use it for / Don’t use it for” guide so employees know exactly what to expect.
Want to add Virtual Doctors to your plan?
Tell us your group size and where your employees are located. We’ll recommend the cleanest fit and how to roll it out.