Initially launched in 2019-2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic the virtual physician programs [ViPP] have undergone considerable evolution. We operate as service inside Healthline 811 reflecting our province wide mandate. There are multiple separate service lines:

1. Primary Care / VIBEX - This is the 'original' virtual physician program. Code named Vibex (virtual basic and episodic care) it operates from 08:00-24:00 every day of the week. Patients phone in and speak to the HL811 nurses and if certain criteria are met the call is forwarded to the VIBEX physicians.  This physician group does not have the ability to order lab or imaging but does have the ability to virtually prescribe. They are well positioned to solve non-acute, non-emergency cases that would be handled by the typical family physician

2. Acute Care / VIPER - When fully staffed the VIPER (virtual physician for ER) program operates 24/7 x 365 to serve small rural and remote emergency departments. Dissimilar to the VIBEX program the patients in this stream are physically present in a rural emergency department. Accordingly the the VIPER physician (usually) has access to a range of diagnostics (vitals, labs, ECG, x-ray) and treatment options (e.g. IV antibiotics). This group of physicians holds board certification in emergency medicine (CCFP-EM or FRCPC) or 10 years of ER experience. They handle all levels of complexity and acuity from minor aliments to life threatening conditions.