Preparing for your appointment

Preparing for your Appointment

Here are a few tips, so that we might work with you to have a positive experience.

Appointment time

Arriving 10 minutes early helps! This allows us to update your health information, and make any necessary preparations.

If you have any forms that need to be filled in

- please let the receptionist know on arrival

- ensure that you have completed your sections prior to your appointment

- forms are not an insured service and are not covered by OHIP. There will be a charge to complete forms or paperwork

Thinking about your appointment

It is a good idea to review ahead why you are coming in to the appointment.

You might want to make a list, putting your most worrisome issue at the top. Please show your family doctor the list, at the beginning of the appointment.

Items to bring to your appointment

-your OHIP card

-immunization record so that it can be verified and updated when required

-all of your bottles of medications, if possible, along with a list of your medications, including the name and dose of each one. You will also need to bring in any vitamins/dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications that you take

Types of appointments

We categorize appointments into two types.

Short appointments – these are 10 - 15 minutes in length and are generally to discuss acute health conditions, or follow- up on chronic medical conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, etc.

Long appointments - these are generally 20 – 30 minutes in length and include mental health concerns (ex. anxiety/depression/stress), and comprehensive periodic health exams that will allow for immunizations, and referrals - for screening such as a mammogram, colonoscopy and bone densitometry. It is also a good time to discuss general health questions and concerns.

If you are able to tell the receptionist why you are coming in, it helps her book the appropriate amount of time for your visit.

In general, we try to have some same day appointment spaces kept for patients who need to be seen on the day they call. If you feel your symptoms need to be addressed urgently, please call us as soon after 8 AM as possible.