Look for Family Medical Clinics that are “taking new patients.” It is OK to look for a doctor before you have a problem. Sometimes a doctor will invite you to a “meet and greet” interview. This is a chance where you can meet the doctor to make sure that you are comfortable and he or she can ensure that they have the expertise to meet your needs. The following website will help you find where the clinics are in Lethbridge.
Find your Family Doctor and Patient Medical Home. Chinook Primary Care Network collaborates with physician clinics and Alberta Health Services to optimize delivery of accessible, patient-centered primary health care to Southwestern Alberta.
817 4 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB | |
403-388-6510 | |
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The advantage of having a family doctor is that he or she can get to know you and keep better track of your health needs. The doctor keeps records of your previous visits and can keep better track of medications, tests you have had and so on. Most family doctors are usually only available during the day 5 week days. They typically don’t have evening or weekend appointments. If your health concern is immediate but not critical, you can go to a Medical Walk-In Clinic (Walk – In means that you don’t require an appointment).
You will be required to book an appointment to see a family doctor. To make an appointment with a doctor, the receptionist will usually ask 3 questions:
This resource was developed to educate people about the process of visiting a doctor’s clinic, using visuals and plain language.
Source: Alberta Health Services & University of Lethbridge
If you have a medical concern that needs more expertise, a family doctor can refer you to a specialist. Your family doctor may refer you to a specialist, a doctor that is considered an expert in a specific area. The wait to see a specialist may be weeks, months or even as long as a year. Depending on the clinic they may or may not phone you to remind you of the appointment, so it is important to write it down. If you miss the appointment you may be required to go back to the bottom of the wait list.
In many countries around the world, people who are sick you just go to the Emergency Department of the hospital, and wait their turn until a doctor can see them. The doctor gives medication if it is required and the person leaves.
In Canada, the Emergency Department of the hospital is for people, who are very sick, or have had an accident and need immediate medical care. Patients that are presenting with the most serious symptoms are always seen first, not who arrived first. Waiting in Emergency can take many hours, and the wait will be longer if the issue is not serious.
Do you have a health concern for yourself or a child? Call Health Link by dialing 811 for quick and easy advice from a registered nurse 24/7. They will ask questions, assess symptoms and determine the best care for you.
Remember, in a medical emergency, always call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.
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If you require medication, then the doctor will write a prescription. The prescription contains information such as what the medicine is, how to take it, when to take it and other important instructions. If you are required to take the medicine for an extended period of time, the doctor may indicate how many “refills” you may have. This means that you can have the medication again without having to go back to the doctor.
If you or a member of your family has a problem with an addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling, addictions counselling can be provided by Alberta Health Services. The 24 Hour Help Line is 1-866-332-2322
1-866-332-2322 | |
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Get the right care when you need. You have many options to manage and maintain your health. Find translated resources in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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