Getting UTI Treatment Through Telehealth
Can I get a UTI treated through telehealth?: Quick relief for Ontario parents
Yes, many UTIs can be diagnosed and treated through telehealth! If you're dealing with those familiar burning, urgent symptoms, you don't always need to drag yourself (and possibly your kids) to a clinic. Ontario healthcare providers can often diagnose UTIs based on your symptoms and medical history, then send a prescription directly to your pharmacy.
How it works
Getting UTI treatment through telehealth is straightforward. You'll start by describing your symptoms to a healthcare provider through video chat, phone call, or text. They'll ask about things like burning during urination, frequency, urgency, and any pain in your lower abdomen or back.
The provider will review your medical history, including any previous UTIs and current medications. Based on your symptoms and history, they can often make a diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics right away. Your prescription gets sent electronically to the pharmacy of your choice, so you can pick it up within hours.
For straightforward UTIs in healthy adults, this process usually takes just a few minutes and gets you the relief you need fast.
What you'll need
- Access to phone, computer, or smartphone
- Your health card number
- List of current medications and allergies
- Preferred pharmacy information
- Details about your symptoms and when they started
When telehealth works best for UTIs
Telehealth is perfect for simple, uncomplicated UTIs, especially if you've had them before and recognize the symptoms. It's also great when you're dealing with classic UTI signs like burning, frequency, and urgency without fever or severe pain.
However, if you have diabetes, are pregnant, have kidney problems, or get frequent UTIs, your provider might want additional testing or an in-person visit. The same goes if you're running a fever or have severe back pain, which could signal a kidney infection.
Common questions
Can they really diagnose without testing my urine? For typical UTI symptoms in otherwise healthy people, yes. Many providers can confidently diagnose based on symptoms alone, though they might recommend a urine test if symptoms don't improve.
What if the first antibiotic doesn't work? Your telehealth provider can prescribe a different antibiotic or recommend further testing. Most UTIs clear up within a few days of starting treatment.
Will my insurance cover telehealth UTI treatment? In Ontario, telehealth visits covered by OHIP are free, just like in-person visits. Private telehealth services may charge fees.
The takeaway
Getting UTI treatment through telehealth saves you time and gets you feeling better faster. It's a convenient option that works well for most straightforward infections.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Urinary Tract Infections - Caring for Kids](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/urinarytractinfections)
- [Virtual Care - Ontario.ca](https://ontario.ca/page/get-virtual-care)
- [Urinary Tract Infection - AboutKidsHealth](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=746&language=english)