Virtual urgent care

The JGH’s Virtual Urgent Care is a virtual urgent care program that provides online emergency care via a video call, delivered by emergency physicians Monday to Friday. 

The service is available to patients 18 years old and up with a valid RAMQ card, who  reside within the area served by CIUSSS West-Central Montreal.

Is this service right for you?

You should go to the physical ED:

You should go to the Emergency Department in person or call 9-1-1 if you have:

  • Chest pain or palpitations
  • Stroke symptoms (sudden weakness, confusion, vision changes, difficulty speaking)
  • Severe breathing difficulties 
  • Severe allergic reactions (tongue swelling, lip swelling, throat swelling)
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Bleeding during early pregnancy without an ultrasound
  • Bleeding during early pregnancy with severe abdominal pain
  • Acute mental health difficulties, such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, hallucinations or intoxication 

You can book a Virtual Urgent Care visit:

You can book a Virtual Urgent Care visit if you:

  • Need timely medical assessment, but are unable to access a prompt appointment with a family doctor or nurse practitioner
  • Have an urgent health concern that is not life-threatening
  • Are physically present in Montreal at the time of your virtual consultation

Please note that the patient must be present and able to participate in the virtual appointment. Assessment cannot be provided to someone else who attends on the patient’s behalf. 

We do not provide renewals of long-term medication for chronic conditions, nor do we perform annual check-ups.

Examples of symptoms and conditions that are urgent but not life threatening:

Minor injuries and pain

  • Back pain
  • Limb pain without a recent severe injury
  • Minor cuts or abrasions
  • Mild burns
  • Minor head injury
  • Headache

Infections and skin conditions

  • Symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Mild skin infections or rashes
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Red eye without pain or vision loss
  • Eyelid swelling

Respiratory and flu-like symptoms

  • Cough, cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Seasonal allergies

Gastrointestinal symptoms

  • Mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Constipation (under age 65)
  • Mild indigestion or acid reflux

Mental health (non-urgent)

  • Insomnia
  • Mild to moderate anxiety
     

When are Virtual Urgent Care visits available?

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hours are subject to change based on demand and capacity.  

What can I expect during a Virtual Urgent Care visit?

First-time users: You must create a patient portal account before booking your first appointment. 

Appointments are booked through the patient portal for a specific time slot. Your appointment time reserves your place in the virtual line, however, the actual start time may vary as doctors take the necessary time with each patient. 

You will receive an email with a video link when the doctor is ready to see you.

Please:

  • Start monitoring your email shortly before your scheduled appointment time
  • Be prepared to join the call right away when you receive the link
  • Important: If you do not join within five minutes of receiving the link, your appointment may be cancelled to allow us to see other patients

Once you join your virtual call, you will speak with a doctor who will review your concerns and help determine the best next steps for your care. 

Depending on your situation, this may include:

  • Sending a prescription directly to your pharmacy
  • Referring you to a specialist or outpatient clinic, if appropriate
  • Requesting laboratory tests or imaging, with follow-up through the Virtual Urgent Care
  • Recommending follow-up with your family doctor
  • Advising you to go to the nearest Emergency Department for an in-person assessment
  • Providing medical advice only, if your concern can be fully addressed through the virtual visit

What do I need for my Virtual Urgent Care visit?

To participate in a Virtual Urgent Care visit, you will need:

  • A valid RAMQ health insurance card
  • A quiet, private space where you can speak with the clinician
  • A computer, smartphone or tablet with a camera and microphone
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A valid email address to receive any follow-up information
  • The name of your preferred pharmacy
     

 Book an appointment

Reminder: Appointments are booked with specific time slots, but you may have to wait a little before a doctor joins your video visit. This may be earlier or later than the scheduled time. Thank you for your patience.
 

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