To help ensure that your experience is positive, the West Carleton Family Health Team offers the following tips to help you prepare for your medical appointment.
Appointment Arrival and Check-in It is important that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so that we have time to gather important health information or complete necessary forms or procedures prior to your appointment. In the winter months, please bring indoor shoes with you to help keep our facilities clean and ensure you do not need to walk around the office in your socks.
Missed Appointment Policy We understand that appointments sometimes need to be changed, so we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment. Patients more than 15 minutes late will be considered a missed appointment, and applicable administration fees will apply. Please read our complete Missed Appointment Policy.
Review of Symptoms Be prepared to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider. Write down all of the issues you would like to cover during your visit. Begin with the most bothersome issue. This will allow your provider to get a clear picture of your major concerns.
What is your main symptom/concern?
How long have you had it?
How often and when does it occur?
What makes it better or worse (e.g., activity, medication, stress)?
Is it associated with other symptoms?
Have other people in your family experienced similar health problems?
Has this problem been addressed by another physician or medical center?
What to Bring to your Appointment
You must bring your valid OHIP card (swipe your card at the kiosk for accelerated check-in)
All prescription and over-the-counter medication in original bottles (including supplements/vitamins) or a list of your medications, including the name and dose of each one
Adults and children should bring their complete immunization record
Completed health questionnaires (if asked by your provider prior to the appointment)
A list of any questions or concerns you would like to cover during your visit (see above)
Types of Appointments We categorize appointments into three types: Acute-appointments are those that you make when you are not feeling well. Examples would include: respiratory infection, abdominal pain, or any new symptoms that you are experiencing. Follow-up appointments are for chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis. Preventive visits include comprehensive physical exams that will allow for immunizations and referral for screening such as a mammogram, colonoscopy or bone densitometry. It is also a good time to discuss general health questions and concerns.
Upon booking you will need to tell the receptionist the reason for your visit so they can book the appointment appropriately.
Same Day Appointments We keep some appointments open for patients who need to be seen that day. If you feel your symptoms need to be addressed urgently, please call us as early as possible so that we can schedule a time to see you.
