ALBERTA - Virtual MD, delivered through Primary Care Alberta, has surpassed 150,000 referrals since 2022 and is expanding to further support Albertans accessing care through Health Link 811.

Health Link 811 callers are assessed by registered nurses or clinical staff and referred to the Virtual MD program when follow-up assessment and care are required. The program includes more than 80 physicians who provide assessment, diagnosis, and medical advice, and help guide patients to appropriate next steps, including urgent care or back to their medical home, by phone or video.

“It’s great to see Virtual MD reach another milestone as it continues to help Albertans access timely care and advice when they need it, while also easing pressure on emergency departments and strengthening access across the health system.” Justin Wright, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services.

“This isn’t the same Health Link your mother used in the early 2000s,” says Kim Simmonds, CEO for Primary Care Alberta. “We’re adapting to meet the current needs of Albertans and offering more options – like Virtual MD – to help them live their healthiest lives.”

On average, about 115 patients are referred to Virtual MD each day. In 2025, 8.5 per cent of referrals resulted in advice to attend an emergency department or urgent care facility. Most calls (60.4 per cent) received self-care instructions or were advised to follow up with a primary care provider or walk-in clinic (28 per cent), while a small proportion received other guidance such as Mobile Integrated Health services or advice to call 911 (3.1 per cent).

“Virtual MD continues to bridge a critical gap, by providing urgent advice, assessment and treatment to patients in their own home, reducing the strain on our emergency departments and filling gaps for those without access to a regular primary care provider,” says Dr. Genelle Dingeldein, Medical Director of Health Link 811 and Virtual MD physician.

In June, the program will expand further with pediatric emergency physicians joining to provide targeted support for children, followed by newborn services for eligible infants aged 0–3 months later this summer.

Virtual MD is available from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Visit primarycarealberta.ca/virtualmd for more information.

Primary Care Alberta is a made-in-Alberta solution to improve access to the primary care services Albertans rely on. It supports healthcare providers in delivering timely, patient-centred care and helps connect Albertans to the right services throughout their health care journey.