New app helps Albertans access health care
March 19, 2020 Media inquiries
Albertans can now meet with Alberta-licensed physicians through their smartphone, thanks to an initiative by TELUS Health.
Babylon by TELUS Health is a service
already available in British Columbia via a free downloadable app. The
app can serve as a new tool for Albertans to access health-care
information and support in response to COVID-19 – from anywhere
in the province. Albertans can use the service to check symptoms, book
appointments, see a doctor, and get prescriptions and referrals for
diagnostic imaging and specialists – all covered by Alberta Health
Care.
“Alberta is pleased to partner with TELUS
to deliver physician services in a new way. This app is now available
and ready for use in Alberta thanks to an alternative relationship plan,
and it comes at a time when our health system
is actively asking people to self-isolate as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic. Using this app is an alternative to visiting physicians
face-to-face when you’re not sure if your symptoms are related to the
novel coronavirus or at any other time.”
Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health
“TELUS’ passionate and skilled health-care
team is committed to driving improved health outcomes for Albertans by
bringing our Babylon by TELUS Health virtual care service to communities
and families across the entire province.
In partnership with the Government of Alberta, our virtual health-care
service bridges time and distance for Albertans in need of expeditiously
accessing a physician at no cost from the comfort of home, while
simultaneously keeping our amazing health-care professionals
protected. It is our sincere hope that we can mitigate the enormous
pressure on our health-care system through our technology, human
ingenuity and compassion.”
Darren Entwistle, president & CEO, TELUS
The service is being delivered to Albertans
through an alternative relationship plan (ARP) between the Alberta
government and TELUS. There are currently 61 ARPs in Alberta involving
2,500 doctors.
All physicians providing advice via
telephone, email and videoconferencing, including virtual care, can bill
for services using the health service code (HSC) 03.01AD. This includes
care related to COVID-19 as well as care not related
to the virus. The code will remain active as long as the chief medical
officer of health determines it should remain active. For more
information, physicians can read the updated bulletin on providing
telephone advice (Med
221), or email health-pcsp.admin@gov.ab.ca.
Find more information about Babylon by TELUS Health and download the app here.