Question 1

My family member/friend needs a doctor. Can you take them on?

Accepted Answer

We really try to take care of entire families. Unfortunately, all of our practices are very full, and as you know, there is a shortage of family doctors in Victoria. Our patients will be the first to know if we get a new doctor! In the meantime, ask your family/friends to join the Health Connect Registry (https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry)for the next available family doctor in their area.

Question 2

How often should I see my doctor?

Accepted Answer

If you are healthy and take no medications, consider checking in with your doctor annually. With the exception of children, if you haven’t seen your doctor in three years, you’re at risk of us thinking you’ve moved and your medical chart could get archived. Ask your doctor when you should see them next at the end of each visit.

Question 3

Do I still need to wear a mask?

Accepted Answer

Although the provincial requirements for the use of face masks in all health care facilities have been lifted, we still ask that you wear a mask if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms including, but not limited to: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or a runny/stuffy nose.

Please be courteous of the newborn baby or immunocompromised patient who might be sitting next to you in the waiting room.

Question 4

Why do I need an appointment for prescription refills? Why can't I get refills for the year?

Accepted Answer

Your doctor has given you enough medication until they want to check in with you again - usually that is three months from your last appointment, but sometimes more frequently depending on your medication. Your doctor doesn’t want to just sign your prescriptions, they need to know how you’re doing on them and if they are working for you and your medical conditions.

Question 5

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Accepted Answer

TELEHEALTH: Please be in a quiet, secure place and ready for your doctor to call you at the time of your appointment. Let the doctor know if you have anyone else present in the room with you. If you need medications refilled, have your medication list ready. If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, please have your glucometer or blood pressure monitor ready to provide a reading. Please do not be driving or performing other tasks.

OFFICE: Please arrive at the time of your appointment and no more than 5 minutes early. If you are earlier than that, then please wait in your car.

Please note: your doctor tries their best to call around your appointment time, but sometimes urgent matters arise and your doctor will call you as soon as they can. To help us stay on time, please try to discuss one concern per appointment.

Question 6

What can I schedule with the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Our nurse can perform multiple procedures such as ear washes, immunizations, pap smears, suture removals, and wound care. She can also counsel on any cancer screenings you are due for, perform blood pressure checks, and memory testing.

Question 7

What services are not covered by MSP?

Accepted Answer

MSP does not provide coverage for the following:
 • Services that are deemed to be not medically required, such as cosmetic surgery
 • Preventive services and screening tests not supported by evidence of medical effectiveness (for example, routine annual "complete" physical examinations, whole body CT scans, prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests)
 • Doctor’s notes, medical letters, the filling out of administrative forms
 • Medical examinations, certificates or tests required for:
    • Driving a motor vehicle
    • Employment
    • Life insurance
    • School or university
    • Recreational and sporting activities
    • Immigration purposes

Please refer to our list of uninsured fees to find the most up to date fees recommended by the Doctors of BC.

Question 8

What do I do if I have an urgent medical issue?

Accepted Answer

Urgent medical issues:
 • Suspected infections (UTI, ear, chest, sinus, wounds)
 • Fever in children
 • Mental health crisis
 • Too high/low blood pressure
 • Blood sugar control
 • Allergic reactions

We reserve a certain number of same-day appointments daily with the next available physician, not necessarily your doctor. To request a same-day appointment, you must call right at 8:30AM, these cannot be booked in advance.

If you have an urgent medical question after-hours or on the weekend, you may call our office number and get the number to be connected to the After Hours Care Program. Since this program is new to BC, only patients with a family doctor in our office can call this line for urgent concerns.

Please note: Medication refills are not considered an urgent concern, please contact your pharmacy for an emergency supply and book the next available appointment with your doctor.

Question 9

How do I know if I have cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very few cancers can be screened for before you develop symptoms. Read about cancer screening in BC.(https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/find-cancer-early/screening-for-cancer)

We always try to set up reminders in our Electronic Medical Record on your behalf, but you are ultimately responsible for knowing when you are due for your cancer screenings. The best way to track this is to set a reminder on your phone!

If you have new symptoms such as unexpected weight gain/loss, changes in ability to eat, or changes to your bowel movements, schedule an in-person appointment with your doctor right away.

Question 10

Is there such a thing as a "clean bill of health"?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is NO - let's say, you’ve seen your doctor, they’ve done all your routine labs, a physical exam, and verbally told you “everything looks great and I don’t have to see you until next year.” And then 2 days later, you develop chest pains while working in the yard. What should you do? You should STILL go to the ER! Believe it or not, many people have died in this very scenario thinking they are “healthy.” Remember that new allergies, heart attacks, stroke, or cancer can happen at ANY time.

YOU know your body best and you only have one. Treat it well, get it checked, and don’t be afraid to see your doctor.