Family Health Team FAQ
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an annual physical exam?
- Will I always see my own doctor?
- What is a Family Health Team?
- How do I make an appointment in the Urgent-Care Clinic?
- What does a Nurse Practitioner do?
- Are we accepting new patients?
- How do I get my prescriptions renewed?
- What happens if I miss my appointment?
- What programs & services are available?
- How do I update or get a new Health Card?
Answers
1. Do I need an annual physical exam?
An annual physical examination may not be required by many patients, but an annual health review comprised of vital signs measurements and an update of your medical, social and family history is recommended. The new Ontario guidelines for pap testing are every 3 years for those who are sexually active, aged 21-69 years and who have had previously normal pap results. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you come in more often if you have had an abnormal pap in the past.
2. Will I always see my own doctor?
You will usually see your own provider but depending on your appointment request, you may be offered an appointment with a Registered Nurse or another Primary Care Provider in our Urgent-Care Clinic.
3. What is a Family Health Team?
A Family Health Team is an approach to primary health care that brings together different health care providers to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for you. Our Family Health Team consists of physicians, a nurse practitioner, registered nurses, a social worker, medical assistants and a diabetes education program.
4. How do I make an appointment in the Urgent-Care Clinic?
Our Urgent-Care Clinic is available to all patients of the Bridgepoint Family Health Team who need urgent care due to the sudden onset of symptoms. We have Urgent-Care Clinics Monday-Thursday from 5-8 PM, and on Saturdays from 9AM to 11:30AM. This is not a walk-in clinic and an appointment needs to be made by calling our offices at 416-470-6690.
5. What does a Nurse Practitioner do?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have additional education and nursing experience. Working collaboratively with other health-care providers, they provide quality care for patients, order tests, prescribe medications, and diagnose and manage chronic illnesses.
6. Are we accepting new patients?
unfortunately we are not able to accept new patients to the family health team at this time.
7. How do I get my prescriptions renewed?
Please book at appointment before you run out of medication. Your provider will have given you enough medication until the next time you are expected to be seen. Our clinic receives over 150 faxed requests for prescription renewals each week. Unlike other practices we have not started charging for this non-OHIP covered service, but may need to in the future if the demand keeps increasing.
Tips to help you manage your medication:
- Make an appointment before your medication is finished.
- Make sure you have enough medication to last you until your next visit.
- Write down the exact date of your last refill on the calendar or check with your pharmacist to see if you have refills available.
- Bring ALL your medication to each appointment in order to ensure all prescriptions are reviewed and re-ordered if necessary.
8. What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you can no longer make your appointment, please call the clinic at 416-470-6690 as soon as possible so that we can offer your appointment spot to another patient. Failure to provide notice for cancellation will result in a missed appointment fee ranging from $30-$60.
9. What programs and services are available?
We offer a variety of programs and services to Bridgepoint Family Health Team patients. For more details on how to get involved please refer to our Program and Services page or talk to your Primary Care Provider.
10. How do I update or get a new Health Card?
If your health card needs to replaced because it has been lost, stolen or has expired please visit the Service Ontario website. They can direct you to the quickest way to have your card replaced.
