Key Takeaways
- Virtual consultations can be used to connect Canadian patients and surgeons located in the United States, resulting in faster access to expert care.
- Online visits are an excellent way for patients to discuss new or pre-existing treatment plans without having to leave their homes.
- For a quick and effective virtual experience, patients should ensure they have a reliable setup and prepare their medical records and imaging before their appointment starts.
- Even though virtual consults with U.S. surgeons may result in out-of-pocket costs for Canadians, they can reduce wait times, travel costs, and uncertainty, making them worth it.
The Role of Virtual Consults for Canadian Patients
For many Canadians, the path to surgical care can be unnecessarily long and filled with uncertainty, especially for knee and hip procedures, as joint replacement wait times in Canada can stretch well beyond the advised 182-day waiting period. Unfortunately, as patients are forced to wait for their medical care, their quality of life may suffer due to an increase in pain and a decrease in mobility.
In response, more Canadians in need of surgery are turning to medical tourism and traveling to places like the United States, where advanced surgical techniques and shorter wait times can lead to better outcomes. Nevertheless, traveling internationally for surgery can feel daunting at first, especially if the patient has not already established a relationship with a care team abroad—that’s where virtual consultations come in.
Scheduling secure, online appointments can allow Canadian patients to meet one-on-one with U.S. surgeons to review their medical history and discuss treatment options from the comfort and convenience of their home. The guide below covers how Canadians can use virtual consults to access timely, expert medical opinions that facilitate informed decision-making.
Virtual Consultation Benefits
Virtual consultations offered by United States-based surgery centers have revolutionized how international patients, especially individuals from Canada, approach surgery planning. Thanks to the various benefits below, what was once a long, challenging process can now begin with a quick online appointment.
Access to Expert Opinions and Personalized Care
For anyone in Canada struggling with hip or knee complications, a virtual consult can connect you directly with board-certified U.S. orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Shane Martin, who specialize in procedures like minimally invasive joint replacement and revision surgeries.
Although almost everyone can find value in a virtual consultation, some people for whom it may be especially beneficial are:
- Anyone seeking a second opinion before committing to surgery
- Individuals researching options for complex or revision cases
- Patients trying to confirm whether they are good candidates for advanced techniques like robot-assisted or anterior approach joint replacements
Convenience and Time Savings
For many Canadians, a virtual consult with a private surgeon in the United States is the fastest way to get clarity about their condition and iron out the next steps. These patients no longer have to worry about travel, border crossing, or extended time off work before committing to their surgery. So, instead of waiting months for an assessment, patients can receive expert feedback in a matter of days.
In fact, patients can connect with a U.S. medical provider from their living room, where they can review imaging with their surgeon in real time and receive immediate feedback. In many cases, the ease of accessibility of a virtual consultation can promote early identification of issues, helping patients and their providers intervene before problems worsen and achieve better long-term outcomes.
Reduced Travel Costs
In addition to saving patients’ time, virtual consults can also help medical tourists save money by cutting down on airfare, accommodations, and time away from home. By completing initial evaluations online, Canadian patients only need to travel to the U.S. when surgery or in-person procedures are truly necessary.
Ideal for Complex and Ongoing Care
Virtual consults are also helpful for post-op care for those traveling abroad for their surgery. Through a video chat or audio call, a surgeon can review recovery progress, adjust care recommendations, and answer questions without needing to see the patient in person.
Preparing for a Virtual Consult
By preparing in advance, Canadian patients can get the most out of their virtual consultation with a U.S. surgeon by preparing in advance. Just like in an in-person visit, your surgeon will want a complete picture of your medical background, making it essential to prioritize the following tasks before your online meeting.
Gather Medical Records and Imaging
Some medical records you should collect and organize before your appointment include:
- Imaging results from X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans
- Recent lab work showing test results related to your joint or general health
- Medical history, including past surgeries, injuries, or chronic conditions
- A list of medications that features dosage and frequency
Having the materials above ready allows the surgeon to review your case more efficiently and provide the most accurate recommendations possible.
Document Your Symptoms and Goals
To give your medical provider a complete picture of your health, you should take notes on details like:
- When your pain began
- How symptoms affect your daily life
- Treatments you have already tried
- What you hope to accomplish through treatment
Be specific about your symptoms and goals, such as walking pain-free, returning to sports, or resuming an active retirement. Doing so can make it easier for your surgeon to understand your lifestyle and help you reach your desired outcomes.
Set Up a Comfortable, Quiet Environment
When setting up your device for your virtual consultation, choose a well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted. Some other important tasks include:
- Charging the computer or tablet you will use
- Ensuring your camera and microphone work properly
- Checking that your internet connection is stable
If you are not used to video chat technology, consider doing a quick test call beforehand with a friend or family member to achieve peace of mind.
Understand the Technical Details
Most United States-based surgical centers use secure video platforms that comply with U.S. medical privacy standards when performing virtual consultations. Typically, patients receive a link via email before the appointment, along with any pre-consult forms you need to complete.
Keep in mind that Arizona, which is home to the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, operates in a different time zone from most of Canada. Therefore, it is crucial to choose your appointment time carefully.
How Canadians Can Connect with U.S. Surgeons
Even though each team of medical professionals may handle virtual consults differently, the scheduling process is usually straightforward. Some steps that may be involved include:
- Request a consultation – You will likely start by filling out a simple online form on the provider’s website. You may be asked to describe your condition, upload relevant imaging, and declare what you hope to discuss.
- Submit pre-consult information – After scheduling your consult, you should receive a confirmation email with instructions for uploading additional records or completing intake forms so the surgeon can proactively review your case.
- Meet with the surgeon – During your live virtual session, the surgeon should discuss your imaging, symptoms, and goals. They may also demonstrate exercises, share anatomical visuals, or suggest specific surgical techniques.
- Get clarity – By the end of the consultation, you will typically receive a professional medical opinion about your diagnosis, recommended next steps, such as physical therapy, injections, or surgery, and recovery expectations.
- Plan for in-person care (if needed) – If surgery is recommended, your care team may help coordinate logistics, such as scheduling, travel planning, and accommodation guidance.
After connecting with the Joint Replacement Center in Scottsdale, many Canadian patients choose to complete their surgery in Arizona to skip the line and get faster access to care. In that case, they typically finish the early stages of rehab before returning home.
Our team of board-certified surgeons and compassionate professionals will create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage joint pain and get back to your daily routine. Overcome Joint Pain with JRCS
Follow-Up and Coordination of Care
One of the strengths of modern-day virtual consult programs is the continuity they offer. With online check-ins, your U.S. surgeon can remain in touch throughout your journey, even as you transition between international care teams.
After your virtual consult, you’ll likely receive a summary of the discussion and recommendations. To ensure seamless coordination, you can share this with your family doctor, physiotherapist, or orthopedic specialist in Canada. This collaboration allows local providers to stay informed and actively participate in your recovery before and after travel.
Nevertheless, post-operative virtual appointments can usually still be scheduled with your U.S. surgeon to monitor healing, review movement progress, and address concerns.
Cost & Insurance Considerations
Cost transparency is crucial when exploring medical care abroad since the United States operates on private healthcare that differs from Canada’s publicly funded system.
Depending on factors like the medical field of the professional you are meeting with and the length of the session, virtual consultations with U.S. surgeons typically range between $200 and $500 USD. In many cases, payment is made online when scheduling.
Although most Canadian provincial health plans, such as OHIP or MSP, do not cover virtual consults with U.S. providers, many patients consider virtual consults valuable investments due to the clarity and speed they provide.
Saving on Overall Costs
In the long run, virtual consults can reduce medical tourism’s total expense by minimizing unnecessary trips. Now, the patient does not have to fly to the U.S. for an initial evaluation; instead, patients can make that first connection online, ensuring travel only occurs if surgery or in-person treatment is confirmed.
Insurance and Financing Options
Some extended health plans or medical travel insurers may offer partial reimbursement for international consultations. Still, reviewing policy terms and double-checking with the insurance provider to confirm coverage is essential.
Additionally, some clinics in the United States, like the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, may assist by providing quotes and cost breakdowns to help patients plan with confidence.
Connect With a U.S. Orthopedic Surgeon Virtually
If you are a Canadian patient searching for clarity or quicker access to care, consider setting up a virtual consultation with a medical professional in the United States who specializes in the type of procedure you need. For instance, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale offers virtual consultations for patients near and far who want a low-stress, high-value way to access our surgeons’ specialized expertise and determine whether surgery abroad is right for them.
Our world-class team has helped countless international patients return to the activities they care about most through personalized orthopedic care and advanced, robot-assisted surgical techniques using cutting-edge equipment like the CORI Surgical System. From their first online appointment to their final follow-up, the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale ensures every international patient has our full support, leading to many Canadian success stories.
Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your health-related goals, review past imaging results, and start your journey toward lasting joint relief and restored mobility.