Connect with a healthcare provider by phone for all your medical needs including COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 testing and more.
What if I do not have OHIP Coverage?
To determine if you are eligible for OHIP coverage your must contact Service Ontario directly. You can visit their website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-cards or call: 416-326-1234 or toll-free: 1-800-267- 8097.
What can I expect as a new patient?
On your first visit to the clinic our staff will ask provide you with registration and health history forms to complete. We ask that new patients arrive 15 mins before scheduled appointment time to complete any paperwork. These forms may be accessed on our website, under Resources > Forms & Documents.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring a list of medications you are currently taking and a valid OHIP card. In addition, it is helpful to write down a list of questions for the provider to ensure all questions and concerns are addressed during the appointment.
How long is the wait time for appointments?
Routine appointments can be booked in-person or over the phone, in advance or on the same day. Our staff will make their utmost effort to accommodate your appointment at the earliest available time.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Our providers accept walk-in patients on a daily basis. Every effort is made to provide timely care however, priority is given to patients who have booked an appointment unless a walk-in patient presents with an emergency or a condition that requires urgent medical care.
What if I missed my appointment?
MedCare Clinics requires 24-hours' notice for appointment cancellations. If you are unable to make your appointment, please call us ahead of time to reschedule. No shows will be charged a fee that varies based on the type of appointment missed.
If I had lab work or imaging done, can I get the results over the phone?
MedCare Clinics policy prohibits us from providing lab, imaging results or medical reports over the phone.
How do I renew my medication?
If you need a prescription renewal you may not need to see your doctor. Simply call your pharmacy and have them send a fax request to us to renew your medication. Your doctor will check to ensure that this medication is appropriate to be renewed. An appointment may be required if you have not followed up with your provider in a while or if this is a medication that you do not normally receive or was prescribed by a provider outside of our clinic.
Please be aware that prescription renewals by phone may take up to 48 to 72 hours to process. Prescriptions are usually ready to be picked up at your pharmacy in 2 to 3 business days. Patients are urged to plan in advance. Order your medication at least one week before you need it. Never run out of medicine.
What if I live in another province/another country?
There will be a charge for all patients who do not have valid medical coverage in Canada. However, we must be able to verify your coverage prior to your visit.
I am waiting for a specialist appointment, when do I expect to hear back?
Generally, you should receive a notification within 3 weeks from the time the referral was sent. Unfortunately, we cannot control the time delay nor the actual appointment date with the specialist as the scheduling is done on their end. However, we make every effort to ensure that you are seen in a timely manner.
What if I need paperwork filled out by my Physician?
Forms are to be presented at time of appointment booking. Depending on the type of form, it may take up to 5 days to be completed. Forms cannot be completed the same day if the scheduling staff was not notified of them. A new appointment will have to be scheduled in this case.
Who can help me with a bill that I received?
For your convenience, please contact our Patient Support Services Department at support@medcareclinics.com for assistance.
What is Telehealth Ontario?
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This means quick, easy access to a qualified health professional, who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. Please note that Telehealth Ontario should not replace an urgent situation and all such calls should be made to 911.
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-000
Can I speak with the provider over the phone during office hours?
Our Providers are fully booked with appointments during office hours and are unable to take patient phone calls as providing medical advice over the phone is not appropriate. The only time a provider will directly call a patient is in the case of an emergency. Our front staff and nurses will be more than happy to assist you. If you, however, do need to speak to the provider directly, the best way to speak with them is to book an appointment or to come in as a walk-in.
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced university education who provides personalized, quality health care to patients. Ontario Nurse Practitioners provide a full range of health care services to individuals, families and communities in a variety of settings including hospitals and community-based clinics in cities and smaller towns in Ontario. Nurse Practitioners work in partnership with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals such as social workers, midwives, mental health professionals and pharmacists to keep you, your family and your community well.
What does a Nurse Practitioner do?
A Nurse Practitioner provides care to patients of all ages with a focus on preventing disease, promoting good health and curing illness. Nurse Practitioners are part of your health care team. Nurse Practitioners play an important role in helping you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, and to understand and/or treat your illness. Nurse Practitioners also work with your community to promote good health and prevent disease. As a member of your health care team, Nurse Practitioners offer a variety of health care services including the ability to:
What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is an advanced practice health care provider. Physician Assistants can perform histories, physicals, order and interpret investigations, diagnose, and formulate treatment plans. Physician Assistants have a unique, holistic approach to care that addresses the physical, emotional, mental and social aspect of your health. Physician Assistants are also well qualified to do your physicals, well women, well men and well-baby visits. Physician Assistants educate and counsel patients preventative health. They work under the supervision of a physician, based on medical directives. Physician Assistants can prescribe most medications except narcotics and controlled substances.
What does a Physician Assistant do?
Physician Assistants also provide care to patients of all ages with a focus on preventing disease, promoting good health and curing illness. Physician Assistants work as part of your health care team by providing education, care and support to all patients. Physician Assistants offer a variety of health care services including the ability to:
What is a physical assessment?
Physicals Assessments are for preventative care. Your healthcare provider wants to proactively manage your health care and ensure you are participating in health screening and examination to ensure early detection and treatment of health issues. The physical assessment is a 'well visit' that should be at the direction of your healthcare provider. During a physical assessment, your healthcare provider ensures screening aspects of your health are well managed, including paps, breast exams, prostate exams, routine blood tests, physical examination, blood pressure, and lifestyle.
Children should make well visits at the ages of: 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, then annually till age 20. Healthy adults should generally seek a physicals assessment every 2 years between ages 20 - 50, then annually after 50. Patients with chronic illness should discuss with their healthcare provider how frequent their appointments should be.
You should see your healthcare provider in follow-up visits for all healthcare issues. Do not wait for your physical assessment to see our providers with a laundry list of problems. Your provider expects you to make an appointment and see them regularly to deal with your problems one at a time in a timely fashion.