New data shows most of telemedicine use avoided in-person visits
More than one in five Canadians do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, according to GreenShield’s latest Health Outcomes Report, Measuring Better Health for All.
Among those who do, 40 percent waited four days or more to address minor health issues.
The report indicates that this limited access is contributing to worsening outcomes and rising emergency room visits.
In response, GreenShield highlighted the impact of its telemedicine platform.
In the first quarter of 2025, 77 percent of appointments booked through the platform reduced the need for in-person visits to emergency departments, family doctors, or walk-in clinics.
The report draws on data from the seven and a half million Canadians GreenShield supports and outlines how integrated coverage and care delivery is changing healthcare service use, especially in pharmacy, mental health, and chronic disease management.
President and CEO Zahid Salman said rising trade tensions and cost of living pressures are creating new barriers for Canadians seeking care.
He noted the company’s commitment to reducing systemic barriers and supporting nationwide well-being as “Canada's only national non-profit health and benefits company.”
He added that the payer-provider model “is revolutionizing the health and benefits experience by putting Canadians at the centre.”
The report notes that more than 40 percent of Canadians live with chronic illness, and 20 percent of them take five or more medications.
