Patient resources

Prepare for a successful virtual visit with a health care provider.

Content on this page applies to PHSA and regional health authorities transitioning to Microsoft Teams for virtual visits.

Access detailed resources you can use to support your virtual visit using Microsoft Teams.

PHSA's commitment to Indigenous health is multifaceted: It addresses systemic issues and uses innovative virtual solutions to improve access to culturally safe and appropriate health care for Indigenous people. The migration to Microsoft Teams from Zoom for Healthcare is one way to ensure alignment and efficient access to care in a timely manner.

Learn about the PHSA-wide work to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility across the organization at the Indigenous Health webpage.

Prepare for a visit

Before your virtual visit

Make sure your device is charged, and your internet connection is working. Find a quiet, private place with no interruptions. Join the virtual visit session by clicking the link sent to you by email. We encourage you to join the virtual visit a few minutes early so you can input your name and check your sound and video.

What happens during a virtual visit?

A virtual visit is similar to an in-person appointment. During the visit you can:

Talk about your concerns with your health care provider
Show your health care provider any rash, wound, or affected area
Ask questions you may have about your care

Your health care provider can:

Listen to your story and respect your knowledge
Ask questions to understand your concern fully
With your permission, examine the affected area
Invite you to move in ways that support assessment
Talk with you about a care plan that includes your input and values
Support access to specialists, Elders, or traditional healers if desired
Offer advice based on your preferences and goals
Explain medications clearly and respectfully (if needed)
Help you access prescriptions in a way that works for you

Download the app

If you are joining from a desktop computer or laptop, you can join a virtual visit from a web browser. However, we strongly encourage you to download the Microsoft Teams app for the best experience. If joining from a cell phone or tablet, you will be required to download the Microsoft app.

Download MS Teams on a computer

Go to the Microsoft Teams website. Open your internet browser and go to: www.microsoft.com/en-ca/microsoft-teams/download-app
Click the “Download for desktop” button. This will start downloading the Teams app to your computer.
Open the downloaded file. Find the file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to start the installation.
Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will guide you through the steps to install it.
Sign in or join a meeting. Once installed, open the app. You can sign in with your email if you have an account or click a meeting link from your clinic to join directly.

After downloading the app: Once you’ve downloaded the app you will be asked to sign into or create a Microsoft account.

Download MS Teams on a cell phone or tablet

Open the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android).
Tap the store icon on your home screen.
Search for “Microsoft Teams”. Type it into the search bar and look for the app with a purple “T” logo.
Tap “Download” or “Install”. Wait for the app to finish installing.
Open the app. Tap the Teams icon once it’s installed.
Sign in or join a meeting. You can sign in with your email or tap a meeting link from your clinic to join without signing in.

After downloading the app: Once you’ve downloaded the app you will be asked to sign into or create a Microsoft account.

Technical support

Contact your health care provider or health clinic using the contact information provided in your invite.

Join a virtual visit

Follow the instructions below or refer to our printable resource (PDF).

Open the virtual visit email you received

Click the Join the Meeting Now link to start the meeting.

If you don’t have the Microsoft Teams app installed on your computer, click continue on this browser.
Alternative: you can join by phone (audio only) by calling the telephone number provided in your meeting invite and enter the phone conference ID.

Join the virtual visit

A pop-up window may appear

Select allow to let Microsoft Teams use your mic and camera if prompted

Turn on the camera and mic

Adjust your background effects (optional)

Enter your name and click “Join Now”

On the Teams meeting

After you join you will enter into a virtual waiting room
You will be automatically admitted by the health care provider

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