Clinic Policies & Procedures
Please see below for an outline of our office policies and procedures.
Appointment Booking & Management
We strive to make appointment scheduling as convenient and efficient as possible for our patients. Here’s how our system works:
Booking Appointments
When booking an appointment please provide a brief description of your health concern to help us prepare for your visit. Ensure your contact information is up to date, and if you are a new patient, arrive a few minutes early to complete necessary paperwork.
Cancellations and No-Show Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer your slot to another patient who may be in need of care. Failure to cancel within this timeframe will result in a no-show fee. This policy is in place to respect the time of our healthcare providers and other patients.
Late Arrival Policy
We recommend arriving a few minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you arrive late, we may not be able to see you immediately, and in some cases, it might be necessary to reschedule your appointment. We make every effort to accommodate late arrivals, but this can lead to delays for other patients. Our goal is to provide timely care to all our patients, and adhering to scheduled times helps us achieve this.
Patient Responsibilities
In the journey to optimal health, the role of the patient is crucial. We view our patients as active partners in their healthcare.
Active Engagement in Health
We encourage you to actively participate in your healthcare journey. This involves understanding your health conditions, following the treatment plans prescribed, and making informed lifestyle choices. Knowledge and understanding of your health are powerful tools in achieving the best outcomes.
Following Up on Health Matters
It is vital for you to follow up on lab results, investigations, and prescriptions. We suggest scheduling your next appointment at the end of each visit to avoid delays. If you’re unsure about when to follow up, please consult with your physician for guidance.
Responsibility in Health Management
As a patient, you play a key role in managing your health. This includes attending scheduled appointments, adhering to your treatment plans, and communicating any changes in your health. Your involvement and communication are essential for effective care and treatment.
Engagement in Consent and Decision-Making
We emphasize the importance of being informed and providing consent for different aspects of care, including participation in research or sharing health data with third parties. Our team will guide you through these processes, ensuring that you are fully informed and that your consent is obtained in accordance with legal and ethical guidelines.
Prescription Policy
Our prescription policy is designed to ensure the safe and effective use of medications for all our patients.
Prescription Renewal Process
To renew a prescription, a reassessment with a physician is required. This practice is crucial for monitoring your health and the effectiveness of the medication. We do this to ensure that the prescribed medication continues to be the safest and best option for your condition.
Policy Against Fax Prescription Refills
We do not accept requests for prescription refills via fax. This policy is in place to avoid errors and to ensure that each patient’s medication needs are accurately assessed and managed.
Controlled Substance Agreement
For prescriptions involving controlled substances such as opioids or benzodiazepines, we adhere to stringent prescribing guidelines. These medications are prescribed only under specific circumstances, and a treatment agreement may be required. This approach ensures safe and responsible medication management, in line with best practices and regulatory requirements.
After-Hours Care Policy
Our after-hours care policy ensures that patients have access to necessary medical care even outside of regular clinic hours.
Access to After-Hours Care
The after-hours care line ((236) 477-1753) is for patients to address urgent medical issues that cannot wait until the next business day.
Intended Use
The after-hours care line is specifically for urgent matters. It is not intended for routine inquiries, prescription renewals, or minor health issues. We encourage patients to use this service judiciously, ensuring that those with urgent needs can receive prompt attention.
Guidance on Usage
After Hours Care is for advice and management of urgent issues such as:
- A fever above 38˚C
- Rashes, sores, wounds, minor burns or insect bites
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
- Pain while peeing or blood in feces
- Chest or sinus congestion, cough, or sore throat
- Ear pain or new hearing issues.
Telemedicine & In-Person Visits
The practice embraces the versatility of telemedicine while recognizing the irreplaceable value of in-person visits.
Telemedicine Services
Our telemedicine services offer convenience and flexibility, ideal for consultations that don’t require a physical examination. This includes follow-up visits, medication management, and certain types of consultations. Booking is simple through Medeo, our online system, and all you need is a reliable internet connection and a private space.
In-Person Visits
While telemedicine provides ease, some health concerns necessitate an in-person assessment. This ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Our policy requires patients to attend in-person when requested by our healthcare team.
Shared Decision-Making & Team Approach
We firmly believes in a shared decision-making approach, where patients are integral to the healthcare process.
Collaborative Care Philosophy
We emphasize the importance of patients actively participating in their healthcare decisions. Our approach is based on the belief that informed patients can make choices that best align with their values and lifestyle. We encourage you to engage in your care, ask questions, and express your preferences. Understanding the risks and benefits of different treatment options is key to making informed decisions. We respect your choices and work together to develop a plan that suits your health needs.
Team-Based Approach
Our healthcare team, consisting of diverse professionals, collaborates to provide comprehensive care. This team approach ensures all aspects of your health are considered in the care plan.
Patient Involvement
Engagement in Consent Processes: Patients are involved in all aspects of consent, particularly for treatments and procedures. We ensure that you have all the necessary information to understand the implications of your healthcare decisions, reinforcing our commitment to patient-centered care.
Non-Insured Services
We are committed to transparency regarding services that fall outside MSP coverage. Prices are subject to change.
Identifying Non-Insured Services
A comprehensive list of non-insured services is available upon request, including medical forms, letters, and certain procedures. This clarity helps patients understand which services may require additional fees.
Scheduling Non-Insured Services
We ask that you advise us at the time of booking if the reason for your appointment is to have a form completed by your physician. Please provide your form to our staff at the time of booking your appointment. You may share your form through Medeo Patient Messaging, or by leaving a copy at our reception desk.
Payment Policies
Payment for any non-insured services is due at the time of your appointment. Sitka Health Centre is committed to providing compassionate care, and understanding the financial challenges some patients may encounter. Patients experiencing financial difficulties may notify the office staff or their physician in order to establish a flexible payment plan. This may include extended payment terms or reduced fees.
Advanced Consent for Non-Insured Services
We ensure that patients are informed in advance about any services that are not covered by MSP and require out-of-pocket payments. Consent for these services is obtained prior to the delivery, respecting patient autonomy and choice.
Privacy, Confidentiality and Website Policies
We take privacy and confidentiality of patient information very seriously.
Commitment to Privacy
We adhere to stringent privacy regulations, ensuring the protection of your personal health information. Our staff is trained in privacy protocols, and we employ robust security measures to safeguard your data.
Information Access and Sharing
Patient information is accessed only by authorized personnel for healthcare purposes. We disclose health information only when patient consent is obtained or as legally required.