Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Start with urgency, not convenience
Diarrhea can range from a short-term concern to something that needs prompt professional assessment. This article does not identify the cause or provide treatment instructions. It helps with choosing a safer Alberta route and preparing a clear question.
For loss of consciousness, maroon or very bloody stools, a possible emergency, or another life-threatening concern, call 911 or use emergency care. Do not wait for an online callback in an emergency.
Prepare the information to share
A clear timeline, changes in symptoms, fever, hydration concerns, ability to keep fluids down, blood or black/tarry stool, relevant medicines, health history, and recent travel context can help explain why you are seeking care. This is preparation, not a diagnosis checklist.
Share the details that matter to the clinician and ask which setting is appropriate. If the concern changes, use the current level of care that fits rather than waiting for a prior request.
Understand the online visit request boundary
Eligible people physically in Alberta with active AHCIP may submit AlbertaMD's online form for a non-emergency health concern. The clinic reviews the request and may recommend another setting.
An online request does not diagnose a cause, guarantee a callback, confirm an appointment, or promise a prescription, test, referral, or treatment result.
Common patient questions.
Ready to start? For an eligible non-emergency concern, start your visit form when you are ready; the clinic reviews each request. Call 911 for an emergency or Health Link 811 when the right care setting is unclear.
When should I call 911 for diarrhea symptoms?
Call 911 or use emergency care for loss of consciousness, maroon or very bloody stools, a possible emergency, or another life-threatening concern. Do not wait for a callback.
Should I call Health Link 811 or contact a doctor?
Health Link 811 provides 24-hour Alberta nurse advice and navigation when you are unsure about the right non-emergency setting. Contact a clinician or seek prompt care when symptoms are worsening, persistent, or concerning.
What should I know before starting an online visit form?
The form is for an eligible, non-emergency concern. The clinic reviews the information and decides whether a virtual conversation or another setting may fit; it is not an appointment or guaranteed outcome.
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Read the articleContinue with related Alberta guides.
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Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
Ready to see a doctor?
Start your visit now.
For non-emergency health concerns only. After a completed form during 8 AM–10 PM Mountain Time, a doctor usually calls within 60 minutes. This is not a live wait, confirmed appointment, or guaranteed callback; the clinic reviews each request before confirming an appropriate next step.