Most appointments are 15-minutes in length. If you come with a list of multiple issues, physicians may not be able to address all of your medical concerns in one appointment and will prioritize what they consider to be the most time-sensitive. Another appointment will need to be booked to discuss the remaining concerns.

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Ocean by CognisantMD: Electronic Patient Messages and Reminders

 

We are using electronic messages and reminders using a platform called Ocean by CognisantMD. Patient messages allow us to securely send reminders, messages and attachments (eg. requisitions, notes, results, etc.) to you as well as invite you to complete forms and questionnaires online at home before your appointment. 

 

Email appointment reminders are offered as a courtesy to our patients, it is your responsibility to manage your appointment once you are given one.

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To send you messages and reminders, we will need your email address on file and your consent to communicate with you electronically. Please ask the receptionist how to sign up for this helpful tool. Once signed up, to ensure that these emails go to your inbox, do not flag them as spam. 

 

Note that you will not receive an email appointment reminder for any appointment scheduled less than 48 hours ahead of time or if the appointment is with a nurse only (eg. injections, Paps, suture removal, etc.)

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Ocean: Online Appointment Booking

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In an effort to reduce overall call volumes and minimize the administrative time spent on simply booking appointments, beginning in January 2023 we are setting up all providers with online appointment booking via Ocean. It’s simple, click the “Book Online” button at the top of our website to view appointment availability and to book your next appointment.

 

Please choose from the categories available to ensure the appointment is booked for the appropriate amount of time. If you don’t see a category for the type of appointment you need, please call us so the appointment can be booked appropriately.

 

We strongly encourage anyone with access to the internet to use this easy-to-use and helpful tool. It will help minimize unpredictable and sometimes very long call wait times, which can be frustrating for you.

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Masks and Screening

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For the health, safety, and comfort of all other patients and staff, you must wear a mask while inside the Tay River Health Centre. Please bring a mask with you, they are not supplied by the clinic. 

 

Additionally, when you arrive at the clinic’s reception desk, you will be required to complete a health screening. If you’re experiencing any new symptoms which cause you to fail the screening, you will be offered a phone appointment so that the doctor can do an assessment.

 

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Missed Appointments and Late Arrivals

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When you make an appointment at the clinic, time is put aside for you. Missed appointments without a 24-hour notice will be charged directly to you. The appointment card we offer you when the appointment is booked in-office serves as your reminder. Additionally, we offer the option of receiving appointment reminders via email using a secure messaging platform called Ocean by CognisantMD. Please make sure to take note of the appointment when scheduling it by telephone.

 

Please note that if you do not check-in by the time of your appointment, we may not be able to see you as planned and you will be offered to reschedule your appointment.

 

Repeat and frequent no-shows and/or cancellations without enough notice may result in  termination of the patient-physician relationship and exclusion from the clinic.

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Waiting is a Nuisance

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No one likes to wait, we understand. Our physicians have multiple demands on their time including unforeseen emergencies and patients requiring extra time. When it is your turn, you will be given the same care and attention. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

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Services Insured by Health Insurance

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Services covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan will only be offered if a valid health card is presented at each visit. The Ontario government requires us to provide this information for each of your visits. Patients already registered, who do not have a valid health card, will be required to pay for services rendered and claim the expenses directly from their health insurance plan.

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Non-insured Services and Procedures

 

You will be charged out-of-pocket for some services and procedures that are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. A list of the non-insured services and corresponding fees may be found below.

 

Fees for Non-Insured Services and Procedures

 

These fees are subject to change without notice. Physicians reserve the right not to charge for certain items based on individual circumstances.

 

Currently, we accept payments by cash or cheque only. We are unfortunately unable to accept debit or credit card payments at this time although we do have an ATM in the building for your convenience.