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By Nathaniel Leigh

Health

Study shows benefits of Virtual MD service

Jul 4, 2025 | 3:34 PM

A Primary Care Alberta Service is being praised for its efforts treating patients without sending them to emergency departments.

The Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine studied the PCA’s Virtual MD service and concluded it enables patients to access more appropriate levels of care for their healthcare needs.

The service has patients contact Health Link at 811 and speak with a registered nurse or clinical staff member for an assessment to determine whether they’re in need of further assessment from a physician.

Since its launch in 2022, more than half of the patients assessed by the service have followed through on recommendations, and of the first 100,000 patients assessed, about half were able to manage their symptoms with self-care.

PCA’s Patricia Chambers says the study illustrates that Virtual MS is ensuring Albertans access to the right care and reducing the strain on the healthcare system.

The service involves 90 physicians and is available seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.