A survey conducted by The Commonwealth Fund, a New York-based private foundation, asked residents of 11 countries to rate their healthcare. While Canada ranked high regarding quality of care, they tied for last when it came to accessibility.
About 57% of Canadians claimed they could not schedule an appointment with their doctor within 48 hours. The survey also found that 76 per cent of Canadians found it difficult to secure care on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Without access to primary or family care, many Canadians turn to emergency rooms — whether their condition is an emergency or not.
Employers who adopt, and provide to their employees, alternatives that complement the existing healthcare system contribute to a solution for the challenges facing the Canadian healthcare system. Teladoc is the global leader in virtual care, operating in over 130 countries, and as of September 1, 2019, Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan enhanced its Extended Health option to include Teladoc telemedicine services.
Chambers Plan was the first in Canada to provide Teladoc’s virtual care solution. This service enables employees to get in touch with a licensed physician by phone1 or through a mobile app, usually within an hour, 24/7, anywhere in Canada or the United States.
Members are connected with a licensed doctor, who can consult on an array of non-urgent medical matters. Cold and flu, allergies, upper respiratory infections, pink eye, and urinary tract infections are among the many conditions for which employees and their dependents can be diagnosed and prescribed medication (if necessary).
Family-related health issues have a direct impact on employee productivity and cost employers billions of dollars in absenteeism. Now, through Chambers Plan, with Teladoc’s comprehensive virtual care solution, employers can provide employees with convenient access to quality healthcare, while they help reduce absenteeism and increase productivity.
1In Quebec, telemedicine services must be offered by video conference.
