Your doctor will prescribe enough medication at your appointment to last until your next follow-up, which could include bloodwork or other tests. For prescription renewals, you will need to book an appointment. If you prefer, your pharmacy can request renewals on your behalf, but please note that this is not covered by OHIP and will incur a fee. Be sure to ask about upcoming refills at each appointment or book a visit when you have more than 30 days of medication left to avoid any gaps in care.
Privacy Policy
Medication Renewal
01
Zero Tolerance Policy
At Waterdown Village Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all patients and staff. Any words or actions that threaten or demean others will not be tolerated, and decisive action will be taken to protect everyone.
02
Disruptive Behaviour
We consider inappropriate words, actions, or inactions as disruptive behaviour. These include:
Inappropriate Actions/Inactions:
- Violence (physical attacks or threats of harm)
- Intimidation
- Damaging property or breaking things
- Unwelcomed physical contact
- Failing to observe clinic policies and contracts
- Refusing to leave the property
Inappropriate Words (in person, by phone, or any means of communication):
- Abusive language and yelling
- Disrespectful or demeaning comments
- Remarks, jokes, or innuendos that degrade, ridicule, or offend
- Discriminatory remarks
- Threats or threatening behaviour
- Bullying
- Sexual harassment
Immediate action will be taken if any of these behaviours occur. This could include ending phone conversations, asking individuals to leave, calling the police, and/or dismissing the individual from our practice.
03
Missed Appointments & Late Arrivals
We require 24 hours’ notice (1 business day) to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Cancelling with less notice may incur a missed appointment fee ranging from $50 to $100.
Our doctors strive to run on time. Late arrivals can disrupt clinic flow. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for registration, getting to the exam room, and any required measurements (e.g., blood pressure). If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may be asked to rebook and/or charged a missed appointment fee.
04
Appointment Length & Number of Issues
Appointments typically last 15 minutes, allowing you and your doctor to address 1-2 small issues (e.g., rash, UTI) or 1 larger issue (e.g., diabetes, mental health, joint pain) in detail. If you have multiple concerns, please speak to reception about booking a longer appointment or multiple appointments. This ensures you have enough time with your physician to thoroughly address each concern. Your medical concerns are important and will be given the attention they deserve.
05
Email & Text Communication
Our clinic utilizes a secure to stay in touch with you. It allows your doctor to send information about test results, treatment plans, and imaging or bloodwork requisitions. Email or texting may also be used to gather additional information about your concerns through questionnaires, either before or after your visit. You may be asked to sign a disclaimer acknowledging the limitations of email communication before consenting to receive confidential emails or texts.
06
Specialist Referrals
Once you’re referred to a specialist, their office should contact you directly with appointment details or the estimated wait-list time. You should expect to hear from them within 2-3 weeks. If you haven’t been contacted within 3 weeks, please call their office to check on the status of your referral. If you have any concerns or cannot reach them, feel free to call us for assistance.
07
Use of AI technology in documentation
At Waterdown Village Medical Centre, we are committed to leveraging advanced technologies to enhance patient care and streamline clinical operations. Our use of AI scribe technology in documenting patient encounters aims to improve accuracy, efficiency, and overall patient experience. We will need your consent to proceed using this amazing technology.
08
How does it work?
Heidi is a helpful tool that allows your clinician to focus entirely on you during your visit while still allowing them to accurately capture medical information, ensuring a comprehensive and precise record of your care.
09
Do I have to give consent?
Your consent is crucial. All clinicians are encouraged to obtain consent before using Heidi. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
Who has access to my medical information?
Only your clinician! Heidi is compliant with PIPEDA as well as all relevant
provincial privacy legislation across Canada and our information management systems are ISO27001 accredited for data security. Your data protection is our top priority
Where is my data stored?
We prioritise data sovereignty by ensuring all our data is locally hosted within Canada. This practice enhances data security while also ensuring compliance with Canadian data protection regulations.
How is my data used?
Our approach to data collection is threefold:
- Be Transparent: We clearly explain how we use your data in our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
- Limit Collection: We only collect data that is essential for providing you our services or enhancing Heidi’s effectiveness.
- Ensure Security: We restrict the disclosure, retention, and use of your data, ensuring it is safeguarded.
Our commitment ensures that every piece of information collected has a clear purpose, either to deliver the product you love or to improve Heidi’s performance and accuracy
Do you store recordings of my appointment?
Conversations are transcribedn simultaneously while they happen, meaning no recordings are ever stored. Notes that a clinician saves from the appointment will be added to your Electronic Health Record in your clinician’s Practice Management System, as standard.
