Most appointments now VIRTUAL!
UPDATE ON CORONAVIRUS COVID-19
UPDATE on COVID-19
COVID Alert is Canada’s free exposure notification app. DOWNLOAD it today! www.canada.ca
COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. Together, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities.
ONTARIO COVID INFORMATION
Including TEST LOCATIONS and daily SCREEN BEFORE SCHOOL: https://covid-19.ontario.ca
VIRTUAL CARE
During the COVID pandemic our office has transitioned to virtual care for most patient encounters, using phone and video visits. We are continuing to offer virtual care at this time, to minimize the number of patients passing through the clinic and enhance physical distancing.
IN-PERSON CARE
Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases an in-person appointment may be needed, if requiring a physical assessment or procedure (eg. prenatal and well baby visits).
For in-person visits, precautions are in place to optimize patient and staff safety. Clinic staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment, distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place, and volume of patients in minimized (eg. only one parent per well baby visit). In addition to our clinic procedures, we require all patients to wear masks, for the protection of other patients and staff.
More information on masks:
www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/masks
URGENT CARE
We will continue to offer same-day urgent care appointments and our urgent care clinic, but they may be done by virtual care or in-person based on the problem. Our front staff will triage concerns and we will do our best to assess patients appropriately.
BOOKING & CANCELLING APPOINTMENTS
Online cancelling through the Health Myself portal is available but booking can be done only by phone at this time (613-695-6900). We will waive any missed appointment or no-show fees.
Most virtual visits take place by phone. If there is a visual component that the physician needs to see (eg. rash), you may be asked to email a photograph of it, or a virtual video visit will be organized through doxy.me.
PRESCRIPTION REFILLS
If you are running out of medication, it is best to request that your pharmacy fax us a medication refill request.
COVID TESTING
Keep up to date with COVID recommendations by regularly consulting the Ottawa Public Health website at www.ottawapublichealth.ca.
It is important that if you have respiratory symptoms (fever, cough) you do not show up at the clinic unannounced, as you may have COVID-19. Again, if you have symptoms or concerns consult the Ottawa public health website.
*** COVID-19 ONLINE SELF-ASSESSMENT ***
This is a rapidly changing situation, we are working extremely hard to adapt daily and implement the best practices to keep our patients and our staff safe.
We are in this with you.
The Doctors and Staff at Rideau-Rockcliffe Family Medicine
Information for Patients re: Virtual Care
COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada’s public health system. Our clinic is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. Some of these technologies are provided by the Province. Others have been provided by vendors like Google, or Apple to help make discussions with your care provider as easy as possible during these difficult times. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to visit a hospital or other health care facility if necessary, for a physical examination.
We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:
• Understand that this method of communication is not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.
• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device) and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal computer or tablet is more secure than at a library, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.
You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).
By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used: videoconferencing through Doxy.me or similar online tool.
Our Team
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Contact Us
595 Montreal Road, Suite 400
Ottawa, ON K1K 4L2
Tel: 613-695-6900
Fax: 613-695-6464