Secure Messaging Proof-of-Concept Pilot

Each physician who wishes to participate must register individually. Approximately 30 minutes is needed to complete registration.

Once your registration is submitted, an email confirmation will be sent to the primary email address provided during registration.

Once your registration is processed, you will receive an email confirming your approval to participate in the Secure Messaging Proof-of-Concept Pilot. Enclosed in the email will be information about the effective date of your registration. The effective date is the first service date upon which you may begin delivering and submitting claims for eligible services according to the terms of the pilot.

It is not mandatory to have procured a verified solution prior to registration (though it is preferred), however, a virtual visit solution that is verified for secure messaging and on the Verified Solution List is required for the Secure Messaging Proof-of-Concept Pilot. Further details can be found in the registration process linked below. 

Now that you’ve registered, it’s time to procure a verified secure messaging solution or to confirm if your current solution is on the verified list and configured correctly.

Services by secure messaging must be delivered using a virtual visit solution that is verified for secure messaging by Ontario Health and listed in the Verified Solutions List to meet one of the key eligibility requirements for reimbursement.

The Verified Solutions List can be filtered by modality (i.e., secure messaging, video) and status (i.e., verified, validated, under review). For more on terms and definitions, visit Verified Virtual Visit Solutions - Glossary.

All solutions on the Verified Solution List meet the mandatory requirements in the Ontario Health Virtual Visits Verification Standard. Further solution specifications and other details can be found by clicking any solution name of interest to you on the list. The solution specifications provide information on the recommended requirements a solution meets. This can support you to understand if a solution has the features and attributes of importance to you. 

Questions regarding the status of solutions that are not on the Verified Solutions List should be directed to the respective solution provider (vendor). Ontario Health does not disclose information regarding the status of vendors in the pipeline.

Learn about procurement considerations, differences between text, email, instant message and secure message, and get a sample statement to support you in communicating with the appropriate vendor.

These resources and checklist can help you implement and use your secure messaging solution. 

This is not an exhaustive list. Some resources have not been updated post-COVID and not all of the resources were informed using only an Ontario-specific context. Thus, some elements may differ from the current Ontario context. The Ministry and Ontario Health do not take responsibility for third party content. 

Checklist:

• Register to participate in the Secure Messaging Proof-of-Concept Pilot
• Check the Verified Solutions List if you require a secure messaging solution or to confirm if your solution is on the verified list and configured correctly 
• Assess your clinic's readiness and capacity for secure messaging
• Procure and implement a solution
• Develop a clear policy and procedure for using secure messaging in your clinic
• Train staff in the use of secure messaging
• Share communications with your patients about the use of secure messaging and how it will be used in your clinic

Resources: