This story first appeared in Nicola Ross’s Newsletter, Loops & Lattes Hiking Guides, November 24, 2021 Edition

I have a friend who has stopped hiking because she fears being bitten by a tick. She doesn’t even know what a tick looks like. So for her, and others, I want to inform you of a new OHIP-covered Tick service called TickMD.

Here is how it works:

TickMD is a first-of-its-kind telehealth service that bridges the gap between tick testing and rapid, accessible healthcare. The TickMD program provides people who ticks have recently bitten with virtual access to a tick-knowledgeable physician. This physician can make informed early decisions about acute and prophylactic care following tick bites – all from the comfort of your home! Currently, this program is ONLY available to individuals in Ontario. 

The three simple steps to see a TickMD physician are:

  1. Safely remove the tick
  2. Submit the tick to Geneticks for testing
  3. Book an appointment with the TickMD physician

During the virtual visit, the TickMD physician will review your tick bite, medical history, and tick testing results and make an informed decision on the best course of care. If necessary, a prescription will be faxed to a pharmacy of your choosing, allowing you to fill the script locally at your convenience.

 

For more information, visit TickMD.