FAQs
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please make sure that you arrive to the physician’s clinic at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you can provide us the necessary paperwork and insurance information to put you into our system. To save time, you can also print the “New Patient Forms” located on our forms page and bring them filled out to your appointment.
[box type=”note”]Please bring a list of your medications (drugs) including doses and frequency.[/box]
Do I need a referral to make an appointment?
- New patients: Appointments are only by referral from a family physician or a specialist.
- Previously seen patients: Patients who have been seen in the office/hospital within the past year may phone and request a follow up appointment or reassessment.
- Inactive patients: Patients who have not been seen in the office/hospital for more than a year are required to obtain a new referral from their family physicians.
Do I need to have my blood pressure checked regularly?
It is recommended that your blood pressure be checked every two years after the age of 21. We also recommend annual check-ups with your primary physician after the age of 50 and frequent check-ups if you have additional risk factors. The most common risk factors for high blood pressure include family history, being overweight and having a high sodium or poor diet.
How can I get a hold of my medical doctor?
If you need to speak to the doctor about any matter, please call during normal business hours if at all possible. Please note that no private calls are answered after work hours or on weekends/public holidays.
[box type=”info”]For perceived life threatening emergencies such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or fainting, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the emergency room. An ambulance service with trained medical staff is always safer.[/box]
[box type=”info”]If you experience a medical emergency call 911 or contact your primary care doctor (i.e. your family doctor), or the person on call for him/her.[/box]