What is telemedicine?

WHO defines telemedicine as: “The delivery of health care services, where distance is a critical factor, by all health care professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of health care providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities”.

How do you communicate with patients through telemedicine?

By using a portal named doxy.me. Please check their website for information for patients at doxy.me/en/patients

Is telemedicine through doxy.me secure?

As per doxy.me website: “All data is encrypted, your sessions are anonymous, and none of your information is stored. We adhere to HIPAA, PIPEDA, and GDPR data privacy requirements.”

Is electronic communication secure?

Because of the risks outlined below, I cannot guarantee the security and confidentiality of any electronic communications:

• Use of electronic communications to discuss sensitive information can increase the risk of such information being disclosed to third parties.
• Despite reasonable efforts to protect the privacy and security of electronic communication, it is not possible to completely secure the information.
• Employers and online services may have a legal right to inspect and keep electronic communications that pass through their system.
• Electronic communications can introduce malware into a computer system, and potentially damage or disrupt the computer, networks, and security settings.
• Electronic communications can be forwarded, intercepted, circulated, stored, or even changed without the knowledge or permission of the Physician or the patient.
• Even after the sender and recipient have deleted copies of electronic communications, back-up copies may exist on a computer system.
• Electronic communications may be disclosed in accordance with a duty to report or a court order. Videoconferencing using services such as Skype or FaceTime may be more open to interception than other forms of videoconferencing.

Can I renew my prescription through telemedicine?

Absolutely.

Can I renew my prescription through a phone call?

Yes. Because of the pandemic and as of March 2020, prescription renewal through phone call is allowed. However this exception may change in the future. Narcotic and benzodiazepine prescriptions will not be renewed early no matter what reason is given. Please notify us of any changes a specialist makes to your medications.

Can I request renewal of my prescription at the end of a visit for other reasons?

Medications which need renewal are usually given for chronic medical conditions. These types of conditions need periodic evaluation (often including lab work, etc) to ensure that the condition is properly controlled, and that there are no complications. The seemingly simple task of writing a prescription refill is only a small part of what I need to do to determine whether your condition is being well-controlled, what tests may be due, and whether a change of treatment is needed. This always takes up a whole visit and cannot be done at the tail end of a visit that you have booked for other reasons.

Can I bring the list of my medical concerns and requests?

Absolutely. I would like to see the list of your concerns to document, prioritize, and address them based on their priority. Regular appointments are allotted to address your primary concern. To accommodate all of our patients and to avoid getting too far behind, follow up appointments will be offered to you if your other concerns cannot be properly addressed within the allotted time.

Can I have a routine annual physical or check-up?

Routine annual physical examination or routine check-ups are not benefits under MSP. However, based on personal risk assessment, you may be eligible for periodic screening physical exams or investigations.

How can I get a referral to a specialist?

Specialty consultations or referrals are made when necessary. You may be offered a specialty service consult if after proper investigations and treatments, your medical condition requires to be assessed or managed by a specialty service. If you are already under the care of a specialty service and your specialist needs a referral because they should provide you with ongoing care, then you should ask your specialist to send a request for “no-charge referral” to my office.

Can I get a requisition for lab, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI?

Investigations, such as lab tests and imaging, are made when necessary. I follow the guidelines and standards of care for ordering investigations.

My naturopath practitioner asked me to do some tests. Can I get a requisition from you?

I respect all philosophies of care, but I follow Evidenced Based Medicine philosophy of care. If based on current evidenced based medicine guidelines and standards of care your medical condition requires investigations, I will order them.

Should I pay for a doctor's note?

Non-insured services not covered by BC Health will be charged directly to you. These include sick notes, certain form completions, missed appointments, certain procedures, and exams. These services and fee scales are available at the receptionist desk to view.

I just got a call from your office; should I be worried?

You might be called in if you are due for an important screening test/periodic review or if a report/result requires further discussion. However, “no news” does NOT necessarily mean “good news”. You should make a follow up appointment following a procedure, investigation, hospital admission, ER visit, or specialist consultation to discuss the results or reports and review the management plan.

Can I have two family doctors?

Double doctoring (it means visiting two or more family doctors) interferes with the continuity of care. In this case, you will be asked to leave the practice.

What is your policy for missed appointments?

Patients will be charged for late cancellations or missed appointments. Cancellation notices should be received at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time. If several appointments are missed without notification, you will be asked to leave the practice.