To ensure we can book adequate time for your appointment, we may ask you at the time of booking what concern/reason you are seeking to address. This helps your doctor better address your health needs.
Make sure to let us know in advance if you have any paperwork that needs completing, as this may require more time. Some forms are not covered by MSP and will require payment.
We do our best to reserve appointments to accommodate concerns that should be seen urgently. When appropriate, call us first before going to the Emergency room. Urgent visit requests will be evaluated and may be given a same-day or same-week visit.
Average office visits are 10-15 minutes long. Due to this time limit, we might not be able to address all your concerns in one visit. We will manage the most urgent ones first and then schedule a follow-up appointment to address the remaining issues.
We try our best to limit waiting room times as much as possible, but because medical practices are unpredictable, there is a chance that you may have to wait to see the doctor.
Appointments can be made in person, by phone or through our online booking system.
We send out email and text reminders the day before any scheduled appointments if you provide us with your email address and/or cell phone number
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we ask that you give us 24 hours’ notice so we have time to schedule another patient needing to see the doctor. A $45 no-show fee may apply for all missed appointments.
If you are more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, you are likely to be rescheduled as we try to stay on time and avoid unnecessary delays for patients.
Parking is increasingly difficult to find in Nelson, and we urge all patients to plan for additional time for parking.
Administrative burdens on physicians are high. At the end of each visit, Physicians need to complete records, write referrals to specialists, and complete/ send laboratory and imaging requisitions. Physicians also review charts, update your medical records, coordinate with other healthcare professionals, do medication reconciliations, review and act on results and reports. This behind-the-scenes work takes time and is an essential part of providing safe, thorough, and ongoing care.
Prescriptions
Our doctors do require appointments for all prescription refills. Be sure to make an appointment at least 3-4 weeks before you run out.
We do not often give repeat scripts for an extended period of time, like 12 months. It is important that we review you periodically to look for any side-effects, the need for change of dosage, etc. Patients with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and thyroid problems will be seen every 3 to 4 months for review.
This office follows evidence-based guidelines for all prescriptions, including antibiotics, narcotics and medications for stress related conditions. Therefore we reserve the right to refuse prescriptions if not deemed medically indicated.
Refills for certain medications will only be completed with an IN-PERSON/IN-OFFICE appointement.
Physicals
A routine yearly “checkup” physical is not covered by MSP. If you still feel that you would like a physical, you can still pay for it privately.