Regarding family doctor visit:
- How many issues I can discuss with the Doctor in a single visit?
One major issue or two minor issues. For example: dizziness, headache, urine tract infection, chest or abdominal pain and psychiatric complaints are considered major issues since they require full pertinent history and specific physical exam.
Please note that each medical complaint requires different management and investigation unless they are related. That's why Dr. Barsoom cannot afford extra time for another issue for the duration of the visit.
It is in your best interest that at the beginning of the visit you disclose how many concerns and issues you have so that Dr. Barsoom can focus on the most important ones.
Most doctor's visit in Ontario are covered by OHIP. However, some are not for example: TWINRIX vaccine (for hepatitis A & B) is considered travel vaccine and even if prescribed by a physician rendering the injection service is not covered by OHIP, unless, you are considered a high risk. Travel visit, some lab work, sick notes, medical and insurance reports, fitness certificates, etc. are not covered.
It is in your interest and to save you time to disclose to the front desk staff the purpose of your visit.
- Is it necessary to provide health card at the time of visit? Can I just present a copy of the card or the card numbers? [Back to Top]
You will be asked to present your Health Card at each visit. You will be charged for a health service if you do not have a health card. The ministry requests that the provider reimburse you for the service if it was an OHIP insured service and you can later show that you were covered by OHIP at the time of the service.
This is a link to questions and answers regarding Ontario health card. Please refer to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website for additional information. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/ohip/ohipfaq_mn.aspx
- How much is the cost for a visit without a health card? [Back to Top]
We follow Ontario Medical association Guidelines. It varies according to the complexity of medical visit and the duration of the visit. Contact the clinic for more information.
A clerk in the clinic under the direction of Dr. Barsoom may contact you to advise you to make a follow up visit. Dr. Barsoom rarely discusses results over the phone with his patients for confidentiality and documentation reasons. We appreciate your understanding of that matter.
If the test results are normal you will not be contacted unless dictated otherwise.
A pharmacist has the ability to renew your prescription (except for narcotics and sleeping pills) up to a week, then you have to visit your doctor.
- Does Dr. Barsoom refill my prescription for narcotics while my family Doctor is away? [Back to Top]
Seldom Dr. Barsoom does that. Only in very exceptional circumstances. (Dr.Barsoom will ask for documentation proofing what you take and that you are not double doctoring. Also he may contact your pharmacist and primary doctor to discuss your situation.)
Unfortunately Travel advice and vaccination are not covered by OHIP. For example Hepatitis A vaccine is not covered. You will be asked to pay a fee for assessment, for the vaccine and for the act of injecting the vaccine. Even if you have a prescription for the vaccine by your family doctor or carry the vaccine itself with you, you still have to pay for the injection provision. We generally recommend that you seek advice from a dedicated travel clinic as they specialize in providing full travel assessment and consultation.
Regarding injectable dermal fillers and BOTOX® (OnabotulinumtoxinA) :
BOTOX® (OnabotulinumtoxinA) cosmetic injections are measured in units and usually priced in dollars per unit.
