Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will I get a call when the results of my test come in?
We only call patients with abnormal results. If your test is normal, you will not be called (with the exception of mammograms, echocardiograms, and bone mineral density tests).

2. Do I need an appointment to get a refill for my prescription?
Not always. If it is necessary, you may ask your pharmacy to send your doctor a Fax Renewal Request to 613-724-9965. If it is a routine renewal, your doctor may fax a prescription back to your pharmacy. You may be asked to make an appointment before giving a renewal, so try to give a month's notice when you anticipate running out of medication. We prefer that our patients renew all regular medication at their annual check-ups.

3. Can I speak to my doctor on the phone?
If you would like to speak to your doctor, you can make an appointment to see the doctor in person. The doctors have booked appointments during the day and do not have time to speak to additional patients on the phone. You may leave a message with the secretary, and the doctor may call you if it is necessary.

4. Can I book an urgent care appointment a day ahead of time?
No. Urgent care appointments are made the same day, for issues that arise that day.

5. What if I have an urgent issue on a Friday or Sunday?
If you have an urgent issue when urgent care appointments are not available, call the Telephone Health Advisory Service at 1-866-553-7205. The nurse on-call will give you home-care advice, and may advise you to visit the doctor or the hospital. The THAS has access to an on-call doctor who will advise the nurse if it is necessary. With your permission, your doctor will receive a fax detailing your call the next day.

6. Do I have to be enrolled to be a patient?
No. Enrolment is your choice, and does not affect your standing as a patient of your doctor. Enrolment only determines whether or not you are allowed access to after-hours care. If you are derostered for any reason, you will still be a patient, and will still be seen by your own doctor during regular office hours. We prefer our patients to be enrolled because we believe in this model of continuous comprehensive family medicine.

7. Why am I asked to sign the Consent to Release Personal Health Information form when I enroll? Who am I releasing my personal health information to?
By signing the enrolment form, you are consenting your family doctor to share relevant information (outlined on the back of the enrolment form) with the Ontario Ministry of Health. You are also allowing the other doctors in the FHO access to your medical records in the event that they see you in after-hours care.

8. Can I make an appointment with any doctor in the FHO?
During regular office hours, you may only make a appointments with your own doctor. If you make an urgent care appointment, you will see the doctor who is assigned to that day.

9. When will I hear about an appointment with a specialist?
As we serve about 4000 patients at our office, an appointment with a specialist might not be made for 10 days. Depending on the specialist, you will either hear about your appointment from our office or the referred office. As there is a shortage of doctors in the city, your appointment may be made as far as a year away.

10. Where do I park when I come to the office?
You can park on side streets near the office or at the meters across the street at the Parkdale Market.