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.
Prepare before the appointment starts
Before joining, save the clinic phone number, the appointment details, and any visit link in a place you can find quickly. Keep your device charged and, if possible, connect through secure Wi-Fi or a reliable wired connection. Alberta Health Services recommends signing in early for video visits in case technical issues arise.
Make sure the clinic has a current callback number and knows where you are during the visit. Those practical details can matter if the provider needs to reconnect or direct you to a different care setting.
Try the clinic’s connection instructions first
If the video or audio stops, wait briefly, then follow the connection instructions the clinic provided. Check that your device has power, your internet or phone service is working, and the correct appointment link is open. Avoid repeatedly entering information into unfamiliar links or sharing health details through unverified channels.
If you cannot reconnect, call the clinic using the number it provided. A clinic may choose to continue by another approved method, reschedule, or advise a different next step. Do not assume a disconnected virtual visit has been completed or that a planned outcome will still occur.
Do not let a technology problem delay urgent help
A connection problem is not a reason to wait when symptoms become severe, rapidly worsen, or may be life-threatening. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for an emergency. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance.
If the visit was interrupted after a provider gave you a specific instruction, follow that instruction. If you are uncertain what to do, contact the clinic through its approved channel rather than relying on a website form for urgent help.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
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