FAQS

FAQS

Does your clinic accept new patients?

YES. We accept new patients for all of our providers.

Does your clinic accept electronic methods of payment?

YES. Our clinic accepts VISA, MasterCard and Debit Cards.

Does your clinic have an age requirement for patients?

YES. Our providers do not see any patients under the age of 10.

Does your clinic charge for parking?

NO. There is free on-site public parking.

What do I do if I have a medical emergency?

Please visit your nearest Hospital emergency room or call 9-1-1 immediately.

Does your clinic take Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) patients?

YES. We are an approved provider with WSIB.

Does your clinic take motor vehicle accident (MVA) patients?

YES. We are an approved provider with all motor vehicle insurance companies.

Does your clinic have a no-show or cancellation policy?

YES. We allow our patients to cancel and reschedule appointments once booked. Any patient that fails to show or cancels/reschedules an appointment without 24 hours' notice will be considered a no-show and will be charged $50.00 for the first infraction, $65 for the second infraction and $100 for all Aesthetic Medicine procedures. If our office is closed, a message left on our voicemail with 24 hours’ notice is sufficient to avoid the no-show fee.

Does your clinic accommodate me if I am late for my appointment?

We will attempt to make any and all accommodations if the schedule permits, however if this is not possible, your visit may be delayed, shortened or cancelled. If delayed, you will be seen after scheduled patients. If shortened, you will be responsible for the full cost of the originally scheduled appointment (only the actual length of your appointment can be billed to your insurance, the balance being the responsibility of the patient directly). If cancelled, you will be subject to the no-show or cancellation policy above.

Do I need a referral/prescription for custom orthotics?

Most extended health insurance companies require a referral or prescription from a Family Doctor. For uninsured patients, no referral or prescription is required.

Do I need a referral/prescription for a TENS machine?

Most extended health insurance companies require a referral or prescription from a Family Doctor. For uninsured patients, no referral or prescription is required.

Do I need a referral/prescription for compression stockings?

Most extended health insurance companies require a referral or prescription from a Family Doctor. For uninsured patients, no referral or prescription is required.

Do I need a referral/prescription for a brace?

Most extended health insurance companies require a referral or prescription from a Family Doctor. For uninsured patients, no referral or prescription is required.

Does your clinic recommend vaccination?

YES. Immunization is widely recognized as one of the greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century. Vaccines prevent diseases, save lives and reduce health care costs. Immunization programs are an important foundation of Ontario's health system and are strictly followed in our practice. Further information can be found at Public Health Ontario and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Does your clinic recommend specific vaccines for travel?

YES. Our recommendations strictly adhere to the recommendations made by the Government of Canada for travel.

*Does your clinic prescribe or dispense medical marijuana?*

NO. Our clinic does not prescribe or dispense medical marijuana.

How long does it take to get my test results?

Routine testing and imaging results are typically received within 10 business days. Our clinic will notify you once the results are in as necessary.

Does your clinic provide test results over the phone?

NO. Upon receiving your results, you will be called to book a follow-up appointment to discuss your results. You will be notified over the phone if it is an urgent matter.

Does your clinic notify me of specialist or hospital referrals/investigations?

Some specialist's offices will contact you to set up an appointment and others send us your appointment confirmation. In the latter case, we will contact you to inform you of your specialist's appointment details.

How long does it take to get a specialists appointment confirmation?

Wait times are often long to hear back from specialists offices. It is not uncommon for your appointment to be many months in the future. Should you not hear from us or the specialist regarding your specialist appointment within two months, please contact our clinic about the status of your referral.

Does your clinic fax prescriptions?

NO. Prescriptions are made in clinic only to determine if medications need to be adjusted, added or discontinued.

What is the difference between acute and chronic pain?

Pain is considered chronic if it lasts more than 3 to 6 months. Acute pain usually is due to a specific cause (like a broken leg or a sprained joint). When the cause is removed or healed, the pain goes away. With chronic pain the original cause of pain may have resolved, but pain continues.

Does your clinic offer direct billing to my insurance company?

YES. We offer direct billing to most major insurance companies, WSIB and motor vehicle accident insurance companies.

Does your clinic offer a discount if I am uninsured or if I pay in cash?

NO. Our fee schedule is set according to the guidelines outlined by the regulatory colleges and associations of our providers.

Does your clinic allow me to use my friend or relative's extended health insurance policy?

NO. Only named policy members (i.e spouse or children registered with the insurer) with Government issued identification can used extended health care insurance when they are not the primary policy holder.

Does your clinic require me to present my Health Card for each appointment to see the Family Doctor?

YES. Your photo health card must be presented at each appointment.

Does your clinic accept the old red and white Health Card to see the Family Doctor?

YES. Provided the card is not damaged, can be swiped electronically and that you present other Government issued identification to verify your identity.

Does your clinic accept an expired Health Card?

NO. You must provide a valid health card.

Does your clinic offer a discount if I am a senior citizen?

NO. Our fee schedule is set according to the guidelines outlined by the regulatory colleges and associations of our providers.

Does your clinic give work absence notes if I am sick or injured?

YES. If your sickness or injury can be substantiated, an absence note can be provided at a cost of $25.

Is Chiropractic covered by my insurance?

YES. Chiropractic is covered by all extended health care insurance companies, WSIB and Motor Vehicle insurance companies. The amount or extent of coverage is specific to your insurance policy.

Do I need a referral/prescription to see a Chiropractor?

NO. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every province in Canada. You can contact them directly.

What is a Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation?

A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an evidence-based technique that can help to relieve pain and restore optimal function of the spine and/or extremity joints. It is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand. When a joint is adjusted, pressure is released. This release in pressure can help restore joint motion and decrease pain of the affected joint.

Does it hurt to get a Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation?

An adjustment or joint manipulation rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild to moderate transient soreness/aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually resolves within 12-48 hours.

Does a Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation make a popping sound?

An adjustment or manipulation may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs normally when you hear a pop or crack in your knuckles or knees. The noise is caused by the change of pressure in a fluid filled joint, which results in gas being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.

Does your Chiropractor subscribe to the 'subluxation complex'?

NO. Our Chiropractor is an evidenced based and evidence informed Doctor.

How many times should I see my Chiropractor?

For an acute condition patients are typically seen 4-8 times and for conditions with chronic pain, patients should be seen at the frequency recommended by your Chiropractor. For wellness/maintenance care, patients are seen on an as needed basis.

Is Registered Massage Therapy covered by my insurance?

YES. Registered Massage Therapy is covered by all extended health care insurance companies, WSIB and Motor Vehicle insurance companies in Ontario. The amount or extent of coverage is specific to your insurance policy.

Do I need a referral/prescription to see a Registered Massage Therapist?

Registered Massage therapists can be contacted directly, however a FEW insurance policies require a referral from a family doctor for reimbursement. Please contact your insurer to determine if your policy requires a referral from your family doctor. For uninsured patients, no referral or prescription is required.

How many times should I see my Registered Massage Therapist?

For an acute condition patients are typically seen 4-8 times and for conditions with chronic pain, patients should be seen at the frequency recommended by your Registered Massage Therapist. For wellness/maintenance care, patients are seen on an as needed basis.

Does Massage Therapy help treat or reduce the appearance of cellulite?

NO. Massage Therapy does not treat or reduce the appearance of cellulite.

How many times should I see my Family Doctor?

Healthy patients should be seen 1-2 times per year and patients with chronic disease should be seen more frequently at the recommendation of your Family Doctor.

How long do I have to wait for a physical with my Family Doctor?

Our clinic will book you with your Family Doctor for a Periodic Health Visit which now, takes the place of an annual physical. As mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, and from a preventative health point of view, these periodic health visits are not required on a annual basis. The timing of such is based on age and gender and should be discussed with your Physician. If you have any current medical concerns, please book an appointment to review with your Physician and do not wait until your periodic health visit.

Does your clinic charge any fees not covered by OHIP?

YES. OHIP does not reimburse the Family Doctor for travel consultations, specific vaccinations, specific wart removal, skin tag removal, physical exams requested by a third party, paperwork or documentation, patient requested referrals (i.e. Chiro, Massage, Orthotics, Acupuncture, Braces, Physio) or patient requested pregnancy tests. These fees are outlined in our Fee Schedule.

Does your clinic accept patients for Family Medicine who do not have OHIP?

YES. Patients from outside the province or outside the country can be seen by our Family Doctor. There is no provision for direct billing out of province and out of country residents. The patients must directly pay for fees as outlined in our Fee Schedule.

*Does your clinic prescribe or dispense narcotics?*

NO. Our clinic does not prescribe or dispense narcotics

Are Aesthetic and Cosmetic procedures covered by OHIP or other Insurance?

NO. Any voluntary cosmetic/aesthetic procedure(s) is not covered by OHIP or any third party extended health insurer. All procedures are billed directly to the patient.

Am I a candidate for botox?

Botox is intended for adults in good health, both males and females, ages 18-65. Patients 65 or older can also receive botox but need to be evaluated thoroughly due to a higher incidence of chronic medical illness in this age group. To determine candidacy for botox, a consultation with your physician is necessary. Most patients are candidates.

How long does botox take to work?

By the two-week mark, most patients are able to see the effects of the procedure.

How long does botox last

Botox can last from 3-4 months, but it is not permanent and results may vary from patient to patient. If you are adherent with the treatment schedule, you may not only be able to prolong the interval between treatments, you may require less botox with each subsequent procedure.

Is the botox procedure painful?

Small amounts of the neurotoxin are administered via a tiny needle. For context, this is the same gauge of needle that is used by diabetics use to inject insulin. Most patients describe the sensation as a small pinch or sting.

How do I know if I need botox or dermal fillers?

Some patients may need one versus the other, while others require both. A consultation with your physician is necessary to discuss your anticipated results and level of augmentation to determine if one or both of these procedures may be required.

Is botox expensive?

The amount of drug a patient may need depends on many factors, including the patient’s anatomy, age, sex, and history of previous treatments. Botox is charged on a per unit basis.

Will I still be able to show facial expression?

Yes. When administered by a trained and experienced physician, you can still express yourself through facial movements and expressions.

Can pregnant or lactating females receive botox?

No. It is expressly contraindicated in pregnant and/or lactating females.

Am I a candidate for dermal filler?

Dermal filler is intended for both, healthy men and women, greater than 18 years old. Patients 65 or older can also receive dermal filler but need to be evaluated thoroughly due to a higher incidence of chronic medical illness in this age group. To determine candidacy for dermal filler, a consultation with your physician is necessary. Most patients are candidates.

How long does dermal filler last?

Dermal filler can last from 6-9 months, but are not permanent and results may vary from patient to patient. If you are adherent with the treatment schedule, you may not only be able to prolong the interval between treatments, you may require less filler with each subsequent procedure.

Are dermal fillers safe?

Fillers are safe so long as they are administered by trained/licensed health care professionals.

Is the dermal filler procedure painful?

Fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in our body, and some lidocaine to provide a numbing effect during injection. Numbing cream can be utilized as well to help minimize the discomfort experienced by the patient..

Is dermal filler expensive?

Dermal filler comes in pre-filled syringes. Patients are charged per syringe used. If there is filler left over, it will be disposed of in accordance with Health Canada rules and regulations, as such, were are not permitted to reuse left over filler under any circumstance.

How long before I see the results of the dermal filler?

Patients will notice a difference immediately. As time passes, the filler absorbs water and provides an even fuller appearance.

How long do dermal fillers last?

Results vary from patient to patient, but generally speaking, results can last anywhere from 6-9 months.

Do men get botox or fillers?

Yes we are seeing an increase in number of males patients using these products, hence the term “Brotox”.

Who should administer Botox/Fillers?

Only trained physicians and licensed health care professionals with training should be administering these products.

What can I expect during my consultation?

During your consultation, the physician will discuss your medical history and more to determine your candidacy for botox/fillers. They will educate you on the risks, benefits and alternatives of treatment, as well as, discuss your treatment goals, determine a treatment plan and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Are there any side effects?

Botox and/or dermal fillers should only be administered by a certified physician and licensed injector. Increased risk of complications are likely when the treatment is provided by an untrained professional. Common side effects are those of any injections, which include, but are not limited to, injection site pain, redness, bruising, bleeding and infection. Dermal fillers are associated with a higher degree of swelling and bruising, which can easily be covered up with make-up.

Can I return to work immediately after treatment?

Yes

Can I receive treatment if I say no to pictures?

No. Pictures are a pre-requisite for treatment.

A special occasion is coming up, when should I get my botox and/or fillers treatment?

We recommend against treatment close to your special occasion as time for swelling and bruising subsides differently in every patient. Usually a few weeks prior to your social gathering is sufficient.