Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t find the answer to your question in the list below, please contact us.
What is same-day booking, and do all primary care providers in the clinic follow this practice?
For each primary care provider’s working day, some appointment slots are pre-booked by patients, while others are held open until that morning. This means that if you phone in the morning on a day your provider is working, you may be able to book a same-day appointment.
Are you a walk-in clinic?
No, you must be a patient of our clinic to see a practitioner here. Our doctors are currently not accepting new patients. If you are a patient at The Medical Clinic Associates, you can make an appointment by calling 604-485-6261 or booking an appointment on-line.
What are the policies regarding my test results? (X-Ray, Bloodwork, etc.)
Your provider will usually call you to follow up on abnormal results.
You can also access test results or health records online by visiting the following websites:
Are you open on weekends?
We are not open on weekends.
Is there a laboratory in your facilities?
No, the laboratory is located at the qathet General Hospital.
Phone: 604-485-3211 ext. 4305
Appointments Available: Monday to Friday from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Drop-ins: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Can I renew my prescription over the phone?
If it is safe to do so and it is inconvenient for you to book an in-person appointment for prescription renewals, the doctor may be able to renew your prescription over the phone. You will need to book a phone appointment to discuss your prescription renewal.
Your local pharmacist may also be able to support you with some renewals or minor ailments.
How can I get my form signed by my doctor?
If you need a form completed or signed, please book an appointment and give it to our staff at least 1 day before your appointment.
A reasonable fee will be charged for all forms and letters.
Do you support any teaching programs?
Yes, our clinic is a teaching site for the UBC Family Practice Residency program. We frequently have residents on site, who are in their final year of training before becoming fully licensed family doctors. Patients who are unable to be seen by their own primary care provider can choose to be seen by our Family Practice Resident, if available.
What services do you provide?
We are a full-service family practice clinic. Some of these services include:
- Physical examinations
- Pre-natal and post-natal care
- Specialist referrals
- IUD insertions
- Chronic disease management
- WCB
- Drivers’, marine, and firefighters’ medicals
- Minor treatments and surgeries
- Uninsured services
What happens if I miss or must cancel my appointment?
In a busy practice, missed appointments due to last minute cancellations and ‘no shows’ are very disruptive. You may be charged $50 for a missed visit or short-notice cancellation. Please notify the office as soon as possible should you need to change/cancel an appointment, as another patient will be grateful to have it. You can cancel or reschedule by either calling the office at 604-485-6261, or via MyHealthAccess online.
I have an appointment tomorrow, but my child is sick. Can I bring them with me to be seen at the same time?
No. This will cause the doctor to run behind schedule. However, you may forfeit your appointment and give it to your child, and rebook your appointment for a later date.
What should I do if I have more than one medical problem or illness?
Doctors will deal with one medically necessary problem or illness per visit. Please do not expect the doctors to deal with several unrelated medical concerns at one visit. Please tell them at the start of your appointment what your concerns are so that the doctor can deal with the most important one at the visit. If you wish to discuss another concern not related to the main problem, please book another appointment.
I just found out I’m pregnant. What should I do?
Routine pregnancy care in qathet is provided by midwives and family doctors (FP-OB). An obstetrician (OBGYN) provides additional and high-risk support when needed.
You can refer yourself or be referred by your primary care provider.
What do I do if I don’t have medical insurance?
Our medical practice provides care to our patients, including diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of medical conditions covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of British Columbia. There are many services that the Ministry of Health considers non-essential and are therefore ‘uninsured.’ Although the Ministry of Health does not pay for these valuable services, we are pleased to provide these services to our patients. Uninsured services that are provided in addition to an insured medical service may be billed directly to patients.
Uninsured services are billed at set rates according to the value of the service, which depends on the time, effort and expertise required to complete the requested service. Please be aware that your doctor assumes the responsibility and legal liability for all statements made on any document signed for you, no matter how trivial the document may appear (e.g. sick notes).
Our staff can give you an estimate of the cost involved for most uninsured services. Please refer to the partial list of fees for forms and uninsured services here. We will be happy to issue a receipt to you for insurance or tax purposes.