eVisits with Dr. Tsuji
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs of our orthopaedic patients have not changed. As such, we are staying committed to providing our patients with continued care in a timely manner. We strongly recommend that our patients utilize the eVisit options with Dr. Tsuji, through videoconference or telephone at this time. It is uncertain when in-person office visits will resume and we expect great delays and long wait times for re-bookings. These eVisits allow us to stay on top of our patients needs and we look forward to continuing your care.
A videoconference visit is a private, face-to-face appointment between you and Dr. Tsuji on your smartphone or computer at a specific time. These appointments may also be conducted by a scheduled telephone call. An eVisit/telephone call is useful for consultation/follow-up appointments to discuss test results, review findings after surgery, or address concerns that do not require a physical examination in the office.
If this is a new consultation (first visit), relevant imaging must be accessible to Dr. Tsuji. Either imaging CD (x-ray, MRI, CT scan, etc.) has been dropped off at the office beforehand or these imaging have been completed at a Lakeridge Health Hospital (Oshawa, Bowmanville, Port Perry). If this has not been completed and the consultation would still like to proceed, Dr. Tsuji may request imaging to be completed at a Lakeridge site or await the CD to be dropped off for review. Alternatively, x-ray images may be emailed if possible or viewed during the video conference on your computer monitor.
We use an app called Zoom, which is like FaceTime, and allows for a private conversation. There is no cost to patients; and you DO NOT need to sign up for an account. In order to join the meeting however, you DO need to download the app from IOS/Apple or directly on your desktop computer.
Just like any online shopping or email communication, offering virtual care has some inherent privacy and security risks that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in this virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information.
If you want more information, please read the detailed paragraphs at the bottom of this page. If it is determined you require a physical exam you may still need to be assessed in person. You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for attending the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed.
Are you ok to continue? Keep reading below...
eVisit: Getting Started
How to Prepare for your eVisit:
1. Request an eVisit/phone call for your next followup appointment.
Alternatively, we may suggest an eVisit, and you will receive an automated notification from us. Our office staff will collect your email address and give you a date, and a time range for the video call or telephone call. If using the videoconference option, you must download the free ZOOM app for your smartphone or tablet, or you can use your computer with a webcam. You do not need to sign up for zoom, you just need to download the program.
If you do not have access to the technology for video conference or would prefer a telephone appointment, no problem, just let our office staff know and you will be given a call window by which Dr. Tsuji will contact you by telephone.
2. Plan ahead, do you want to use a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera? Ensure that your device is fully charged and you are in a private and quiet setting.
3. You will receive an email from Dr. Tsuji's office staff from tsujivirtualvisit@gmail.com. This email will contain a direct ZOOM link to access your appointment/video chat. Click on the link provided in this email message OR you can enter the MEETING ID that appear in your email message. You need to give Zoom permission to use your camera, microphone, and give you notifications.
4. This email message will give you a date and time range over which Dr. Tsuji will join the video call. For example, 26 March between 0900 and 0930. Ensure that you have accessed your email, downloaded the ZOOM app, and tested the ZOOM link in your email message. Test the video and sound on your device. Wait for Dr. Tsuji to join the meeting at your scheduled appointment time.
5. Ensure that you have access to the app 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.
6. If you are still unsure about how to do a ZOOM video call, please watch this short video found here.
eVisit & Virtual Care Disclaimer
Additional Information
COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic offers eVisits/virtual Care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. The specific program - Zoom- is developed for face-to face meetings and collaboration.
We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:
- Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.
- Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device)and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or tablet is more secure than at a library, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi.
You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).
If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, you can ask our office to arrange for you to visit a different healthcare provider or other health care center where you can be seen in person. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.
By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used : videoconferencing including ZOOM, email and telephone.
