OTN (Ontario Telemedicine Network)

What is OTN:

OTN helps Ontarians get more out of the health care system by bridging the distance of time and geography to bring more patients the care they need, where and when they need it. Using innovative technology, OTN streamlines the health care process, while also expanding the way knowledge is shared and how the medical community interacts with each other and with patients.

 Benefits of OTN:

 OTN allows patients to receive the care they need from specialists that may not be available in the community or see a specialist with a shorter wait time. OTN is allowing Patients to receive this care without having to worry about expenses or distance when travelling outside of Sault Ste Marie. Being able to stay in the comfort of their own Family health team allows patients to focus more on the situation at hand instead of having to stress about travelling in our constantly changing northern weather conditions.

 How does a Telemedicine clinical visit work?

 A Telemedicine appointment is just like a regular appointment; only the Specialist you will be seeing and speaking with is on a monitor. Before you arrive, the Specialist you are going to see will already have relevant information about you to support your Telemedicine visit. However, you may be asked to bring test results, medications or x-rays with you.

Our health care provider who has been trained in telemedicine could be with you during your visit depending on the needs from the specialist. The videoconference connection is made with the specialist at a different location and the visit begins.

 Booking:

 All that needs to be done to be referred to a specialist via OTN is an appointment with your family care provider and a referral sent by them to OTN.

 Is there a cost for a Telemedicine appointment?

 No. You will not be billed for this service. It is covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP ).

 Is telemedicine private?

 Just like a regular Doctor’s appointment, your Telemedicine visit will be private and confidential. It can only be seen and heard by the health care professionals involved, and will never be recorded or duplicated.

Baawaating FHT also offers:

At the Baawaating FHT we also offer telederm, which is a program that allows patients with skin conditions to receive their treatment from a dermatologist without a long wait list to see a local dermatologist. An OTN telederm appointment is just like a regular appointment, only in addition to an examination, the referring doctor or nurse takes a digital photo of a patient’s skin condition and forwards it electronically along with relevant patient information to an Ontario-based dermatologist. The dermatologist then gets back to our clinic within a month with a diagnosis and a treatment plan for the Patient.