What is a virtual visit with an ENT doctor?
A virtual visit uses telemedicine. Telemedicine is a medical visit using telecommunications, without a physical encounter. It was initially developed for the army and native populations in distant regions. During COVID-19, telemedicine is an option to meet with an ENT doctor in the comfort of your own home.
How can the doctor examine me from home?
A physical examination is not always necessary. Here are multiple ways to be examined remotely:
- An evaluation of the ears from a distance is possible using a small camera (sold separately), hearing tests, or CT scanning/MRI of the ears.
- An evaluation of the nose from a distance is possible with photos of the external nose, allergy tests, and CT scans of the nose and sinuses
- An evaluation of the throat from a distance is possible with pictures of the throat, throat cultures, and specialized imaging (CT scan, MRI)
- An evaluation of the neck from a distance is possible with specialized imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) and fine needle aspiration biopsies done by a radiologist
- An evaluation of the face from a distance is possible with photos of the face
Does a virtual visit prevent a future physical encounter?
A visit in person is called a presential visit. A virtual visit never prevents an eventual presential visit.
On the contrary, the virtual visit before a visit in person facilitates and accelerates the process during a presential visit. The doctor will be able to focus on the parts of the visit that are absolutely necessary to establish a diagnosis or start treatment (biopsy, laryngoscopy, surgery, for instance).
What are the benefits of a virtual visit?
There are many benefits to a virtual visit:
- It avoids useless trips, minimizing the risks of contracting contagious diseases such as COVID-19
- You will avoid hours of transportation in public transit or in traffic
- You will avoid waiting hours on end in a waiting room, by being simply available when the doctor calls you.
- You can keep doing what you're doing during the day, but by being close to your phone when it is your turn for the virtual visit.
- You can accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process by having some tests ordered or some medication prescribed after your virtual visit
English (Canada) 
Français du Canada