Information for Virtual Patient Care

In these unprecedented times of Covid-19 we hope that you are in good health and doing all that you can to maintain your health and safety. At Barr Plastic Surgery we have taken all precautions to ensure that our patients, their families as well as our staff all remain healthy and safe. All of our staff remain healthy and we have no cases of Covid-19 among or patients, staff or their families.   

As you are aware, the government has temporarily regulated that all non-emergent patient care be postponed. Urgent patient care can still be provided but all efforts must be made to ensure social distancing, patient and staff safety. As a private, fully accredited surgical facility we agree with and are complying with these necessary regulations.

Our current and new patients have requested “virtual consultations” to discuss their aesthetic and plastic surgery questions and become properly educated about their options. While we are disappointed the current restrictions will not allow us to meet in person, we understand patient’s desire for timely accurate information and the desire to plan for surgery or a procedure around their schedule and when government regulations permit. 

Our office will arrange for a virtual consultation through your computer. We will send you a “Zoom” invite for a mutually agreed date and time. Dr. Barr will connect with you through Zoom and complete all aspects of our usual consultation except for the physical examination. By using screen share he will ensure you understand all your options and fully explain his plan for you to reach your desired aesthetic goals. If you do not want to use your video feed, it is not required. Audio can be done through your computer or on the phone. 

Prior to the virtual consultation, Keri or Carin will contact you to start the consultation process. They will obtain important medical information including your past medical history, previous operations, medications, allergies etc. This would normally be done, in person, at our office, for all consultations. 

In addition, “standardized images” will dramatically improve the quality of the consultation process. If you send images prior to the virtual consultation, Dr. Barr will refer to these images during the consultation. Please see the attached guidelines and recommendations to ensure appropriate modesty and privacy when sending images to our office. 

We understand that there is some uncertainty when the “curve will flatten” and we will be able to provide elective procedures. As soon as we can arrange for your surgery, ensure that patients are 100 % free of the Covid-19 virus, arrange for all the appropriate pre-operative routine lab work and follow up appointments (while not putting you and your family at zero risk) and be in compliance with the current health care regulations, we will do so. Rest assured that as an accredited surgical facility we exceed all the required sterilization and cleaning requirements. With Covid-19, we have implemented additional measures to ensure the safety and health of our patients, their families and our staff. 

As an added benefit to our patients, we have extended duration of the quote from 6 to 12 months. In addition, we have allowed the consultation fee to be deducted from the surgical fee for 15 months instead of the usual 12 months.    

We know the decision to have a consultation is significant and for some can be stressful. Dr. Barr understands this and will do all he can alleviate your anxiety during the process. We hope by having the consultation virtually, while in your own home, it will be more relaxed. In addition, please have a family member or close friend sit in with you during your virtual consultation if you would like.

Sincerely

Scott Barr, MD, FRCSC

President, Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Director, Barr Plastic Surgery and Northern Ontario Surgical Centre

Medical Director, SKIN MediSpa

205 Douglas Street, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Fill out the following form to set up your Virtual Aesthetic Consultation

Virtual Consent

Just like online shopping or email, using Virtual Care may subject you to possible privacy or security risk that your health information may be intercepted or unintentionally disclosed. We want to make sure you understand this before we proceed. In order to improve privacy and confidentiality, you should also take steps to participate in this virtual care encounter in a private setting and should not use an employer’s or someone else’s computer/device as they may be able to access your information.

At some point in the future, you will require a physical exam, and this will need to be completed in person in the office. This will be arranged at a mutually convenient time. You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for attending the Emergency Department if urgent care is needed.

Your consent is required to complete the application