Frequently Asked Questions
Family Practice Office Nurses FAQs
General FAQs
What is a Family Health Team?
"A Family Health Team is an approach to primary health care that brings together different health care providers to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for you - the patient."
For more information about what a family health team is, visit http://www.health.gov.on.ca
Where is the Barrie & Community Family Health Team located?
The Barrie & Community Family Health Team is located in many offices throughout Barrie and surrounding community.
BCFHT Main Administrative Office
190 Cundles Rd W. suite 103B
Phone: 705-797-2011
BCFHT Chronic Disease Prevention & Management Clinic
125 Bell Farm Road, suite 200
Phone: 705-797-2030
For the location of Family Physician offices and other healthcare provider's offices, please refer to "Contact Us"
How do I contact the Barrie & Community Family Health Team?
To contact the appropriate person within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team, please refer to "Contact Us"
General inquiries can be emailed to info@bcfht.ca
How do I know if my Family Physician is part of the Barrie & Community Family Health Team?
Click here for an alphabetical listing of Barrie & Community Family Health Team family physicians.
How do I find out about employment opportunities at the Barrie & Community Family Health Team?
If you are interested in joining the Barrie & Community Family Health Team, please click here to view current opportunities.
What is the difference between the Barrie & Community Family Health Team and the Barrie Community Health Centre?
The Barrie & Community Family Health Team is a distinct and separate organization from the Barrie Community Health Centre. Please visit www.bchc.ca to find out more about the Barrie Community Health Centre.
How much does it cost to participate in the programs and services offered by the Barrie & Community Family Health Team?
The programs and services offered by the Barrie & Community Family Health Team are covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
topWhat is an Electronic Medical Record?
Electronic Medical Record or EMR refers to a paperless, digital and computerized system of maintaining and managing patient health information. It is designed to increase efficiency and reduce errors. The Electronic Medical Record system allows Family Physicians and other health care providers to chart patient health information using a computer. Functions such as ordering of medical tests, treatments, medications, and clinical guidelines used for the patient's care are accessible to health care providers.
Electronic medical records systems allow health care providers to make safer, faster and more knowledgeable decisions about your health care.
Is my health information secure in an Electronic Medical Record?
Yes. Your Health Record is stored on a specialized computer system that uses "state-of-the-art" military grade encryption, identical systems used by banks and other financial institutions.
How do I find a Family Physician?
For patients who do not have a Family Physician, you can register with a service provided by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care called "Health Care Connect" by calling 1-800-445-1822 or visiting www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect
For other options and information available about health care services provided in the area, call 1-866-330-6206 or visit www.ontario.ca/healthcareoptions
I have an appointment at RVH - is there parking and a fee?
Yes, there is a parking fee for patients and visitors. Please ensure you have the correct change or token prior to leaving the building as there is no parking attendant. Please click the link below to find out what the current fee is:
http://www.rvh.on.ca/Home.aspx?PageID=147&mid=_ctl0_MainMenu__ctl1-menuItem013-subMenu-menuItem009
How do I renew or replace my health card?
For local health card renewal or replacement, go in person to the ServiceOntario at 34 Simcoe Street, Suite 102, in Barrie from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Locally, you may call ServiceOntario at 705-726-0326 for general information.
- For specific questions, you may call the ServiceOntario InfoLine at 1-800-664-8988.
- For address change only and other services, you may call the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care @ 1-800-268-1154; TTY at 1-800-387-5559 or visit www.health.gov.on.ca
I am unable to see my Family Physician - where can I get medical attention?
topWhat is the Telephone Health Advisory Service?
The Telephone Health Advisory Service (THAS) is an after-hours telephone health advice and triage service for enrolled/registered patients of a Family Health Team (FHT) in Ontario.
Based on the information you provide the nurse will provide health care advice or advise you to see your doctor or nurse practitioner within a few days. In addition, for enrolled/registered patients, THAS nurses will have access to the FHTs' on-call physicians and when appropriate will call the physician to discuss your symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of action. With your permission, your doctor will receive a written summary of your call the next day, so that your doctor is informed of the nature of the problem and the advice you received.
You can call the Telephone Health Advisory Service:
- Mondays through Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Weekends from Friday 5:00 p.m. to Mondays 9:00 a.m., and
- 24 hours a day on recognized holidays
1-866-553-7205; TTY: 1-866-250-3379
For further information, you may also visit the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care www.health.gov.on
A call to Telephone Health Advisory does not replace 911 - that's always the first number you should call in emergency situations.
What is Telehealth Ontario?
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a Registered Nurse. That means quick, easy access to a qualified health professional, who can assess your symptoms and help you decide your best first step. We can help you decide whether to care for yourself, make an appointment with your doctor, go to a clinic, contact a community service or go to a hospital emergency room.
Free Access to a Registered Nurse
- 24 Hours a day, 7 days a Week.
1-866-797-0000; TTY: 1-866-797-0007
For further information, you may also visit the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care www.health.gov.on
A call to Telehealth Ontario does not replace 911 - that's always the first number you should call in emergency situations.
topI am travelling outside of Canada - what vaccines/immunizations do I need?
For travel information on understanding travel health risks; taking preventative measures before, during and after your travel, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada www.publichealth.gc.ca or the Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov
For travel advice and travel immunization and vaccines, you should make an appointment with your family doctor's office. If you do not have a family doctor, you can visit a local travel clinic.
Please note that travel advice and travel immunization and vaccines are not services covered by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care.There is a fee for this service.
I have a blood work requisition - where is the nearest lab and hours of operations?
Gamma-Dynacare:
For Gamma-Dynacare locations & hours of operation, contact Customer Service at 1-800-565-5721 or visit www.gammadynacare.com
Lifelabs:
For LifeLabs locations & hours of operation, contact the Customer Care Centre at 1-877-849-3637 or visit www.lifelabs.com
Royal Victoria Hospital, Outpatient Lab:
For lab hours or general information, please call the main number at 705-728-9802 or visit www.rvh.on.ca
I have an x-ray requisition - where can I go?
Radiology or Diagnostic Imaging Locations
Royal Victoria Hospital, Diagnostic Imaging Department
Other Radiology or Diagnostic Imaging Locations in Surrounding Areas
I need my x-ray film for an appointment - how do I obtain this?
First you need to confirm where you had the x-ray. If you are unable to confirm this, you can contact your family physician's office to confirm. Please provide at least 48 hours for the request. The film/CD must be picked up by the patient; otherwise you must provide a written consent to have film/CD released to a third party.
For Georgian Radiology, please call the Radiology location directly and request the film (please see Georgian Radiology Consultants Listing)
For Royal Victoria Hospital, Diagnostic Imaging, contact the department at 705-739-5610 and choose the option, "Film Release" and proceed to request your film or CD.
Please note that the above process applies to obtaining x-ray film or CD including CT scan, MRI, & ultrasound.
What immunizations does my child need?
For information regarding your child's immunization requirements, please click on the link below:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/immun/pdf/schedule.pdf
What routine immunizations do I need as an adult?
For information regarding adult immunization, please click the link below:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/immun/pdf/schedule.pdf
Diabetes FAQs
What is a Diabetes Educator?
A Diabetes Educator is a health care professional who has advanced knowledge and expertise regarding diabetes management. A Diabetes Educator can assist individuals living with this chronic condition to gain better control of their disease by providing a balanced approach to diabetes management through education and support.
How long do I have to wait to see a Diabetes Educator?
Wait times will vary depending on urgency and the reason for referral.
What can I expect for my appointment and what should I bring?
You will be seen by one of our Diabetes Educators. The Diabetes Educator will:
- Take your weight and blood pressure
- Discuss your initial questions about diabetes
- Complete a health history
- Review your diabetes medications and discuss your blood glucose monitoring
- Review and explain your recent diabetes blood work results
- Collect a diet history
- You will receive information about your chronic condition, appropriate use of your medications, learn more about healthy nutrition, and gain confidence in your ability to manage your diabetes
During your visit, you may also see our Registered Dietitian or Pharmacist.
Please bring all of you medications in their containers, plus your glucometer and log book (if you have one). If your appointment has been made to initiate insulin therapy, please have your prescription filled, bring one insulin pen/cartridge with you to the appointment and store the remaining insulin in your fridge.
How long will my appointment be?
Your appointment time will vary, depending on the reason for your visit. If you have concerns, please ask our Administrative Assistant for this information when scheduling your visit.
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the Administrative Assistant. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Appointment Information
Where will my appointment take place?
You will be informed of the location where you will be seen at the time of your appointment booking.
topLung Health FAQs
What is a Diabetes Educator?
A Lung Health Educator is a health care professional with additional certifications in respiratory health and a specialized interest in the management of asthma and COPD.
How long do I have to wait to see a Lung Health Educator?
Once your referral is received, we will do our best to accommodate you within 2-4 weeks.
What can I expect for my appointment and what should I bring?
When your doctor has ordered spirometery, the Respiratory Educator will take an assessment of your breathing history by asking you questions. You will then be asked to do a breathing test. The nurse will show you how to blow into the spirometer before you begin. It is important that you put as much effort into the test as you possibly can, otherwise the results will not be accurate. You will then be asked to blow three or more times into the spirometer. You may then be asked to take an inhaler that will open up your airways and then repeat the spirometery in fifteen minutes. If you become tired or lightheaded during the test, be sure to ask to take a few minutes to quietly catch your breath before you try again. Some people find this test makes them want to cough. If this happens, clear your chest then try again. After you have completed the test you may see a special respiratory doctor or you may be asked to follow up with your family doctor. You may also be asked to make a follow up appointment with the RE so that you can learn more about your condition. The Respiratory Educator will also discuss ways to help you live with and self-manage your chronic illness.
Please Bring:
- All medication including inhalers
- Aerochamber/spacer
- Don't forget: Don't take your Ventolin/rescue inhaler four hours before appointment. Hold all other inhalers
How long will my appointment be?
Your appointment time will depend on the reason you were referred. Generally, you will be scheduled for a 30 minute or a 60 minute session.
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the Administrative Assistant. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Where will my appointment take place?
You will be informed of the location where you will be seen at the time of your appointment booking.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic or long-term condition of the lungs that can make breathing hard to do. If you have asthma, your airways (breathing passages) are extra sensitive. When you are around certain things or triggers, your extra-sensitive airways can become irritated, red, and swollen, and it becomes harder to breathe. Asthma is caused by many things and can't be cured, but it can be managed. With proper treatment, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. If you suspect you have asthma or your asthma is not properly controlled (few symptoms...), you should speak with your Family Physician.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder largely caused by smoking. People with COPD generally experience shortness of breath, especially during exercise, and have excessive sputum production and cough. Although there is no cure for COPD, this condition is manageable. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, patients with COPD should expect to experience less shortness of breath, better exercise tolerance, fewer hospitalizations, and improved quality of life. If you suspect you may have COPD, you should speak with your family doctor.
topSmoking Cessation FAQs
I want to quit smoking - what support is available?
The Smoking Cessation program offers:
- An interdisciplinary team approach to supporting patients in smoking cessation
- Partnerships with community agencies to further support patient care needs
- Patient education and self-management resources
What you can expect for support when you visit your practitioner:
- Ongoing assessment of your smoking status
- Ongoing support to assist with preparing to quit smoking
- Support with developing a comprehensive personal quit plan when you are ready
- Ongoing support once you quit to prevent relapse
- Available support with a dietitian to discuss healthy eating options
- Available support with a pharmacist to discuss medication options
Dietitian FAQs
What is a Dietitian?
Dietitians are University trained, health professionals who are regulated by Provincial College standards, much like Physicians or Pharmacists. The Dietitian is a member of your Family Health Team and is knowledgeable about many different diseases and conditions for all ages. Dietitians spend a lot of time keeping up with the latest research and nutrition news to give you the timely and accurate information you need and can understand.
How long do I have to wait to see a Dietitian?
Appointment wait times vary based on the volume of referrals being received. You will be contacted with an appointment date and time once we have an opening. Please be patient, your referral has been received by our administrative staff. If your referral is urgent and you haven't heard from us within 1 week of your Family Physician sending the referral, please contact the Administrative Staff at 705-797-2011 ext. 221
What can I expect for my appointment and what should I bring?
The Dietitian will work with you to develop a healthier lifestyle plan that includes your eating habits. If you have an existing medical condition, the Dietitian will work with you to come up with a specialized plan that fits into your lifestyle.
You will need to bring a completed 3-day food and fluid record, in addition if you are taking any vitamins or mineral supplements, please ensure you know the dosage and brand name of them. If in doubt, bring the bottles with you.
How long will my appointment be?
Please allow 1 hour for your initial Dietitian assessment, which will go over your lifestyle information and your 3-day food record. Follow-up appointments are 15-30 minutes in length depending on individual needs.
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the Administrative Assistant. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Where will my appointment take place?
You will be informed of the location where you will be seen at the time of your appointment booking.
Family Practice Office Nurses FAQs
What is a Family Practice Office Nurse?
Family Practice Office Nurses work with Family Physicians, Dietitians, Pharmacists, Diabetic Educators, Mental Health Counsellors and Nurse Practitioners to provide primary care that promotes health and wellness, prevents disease and treats illness. Family practice office nurses are the gateway to coordinated care. They use their knowledge, skill and judgment to provide patients with appropriate care at the right time.
What support can a Family Practice Office Nurse provide patients?
Family Practice Office Nurses:
- Collaborate with a variety of health care professional within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team and community to deliver programs and services
- Provide patient education and health promotion initiatives that support patient self-management
- Perform a variety of clinical functions which may include taking vital signs, giving a variety of injections, ear syringing, suture removal, wound care management, and preparing patients for appointments with physicians
- Support components of prenatal, annual physicals and child examinations
- Direct patients to the appropriate care provider at the right time
- Respond to telephone inquiries regarding treatment plans and test results
- Link patients with appropriate community resources
Mental Health FAQs
What is a Mental Health Counsellor?
A Mental Health Counsellor is a qualified professional who will help you to address a wide range of concerns such as depression, relationship issues, parenting problems and emotional distress. They will assist you in facing the problem and handling it effectively.
How long do I have to wait to see a Mental Health Counsellor?
Our wait times vary and all referrals are assessed based on urgency.
What can I expect for my appointment and what should I bring?
The initial appointment is a 30 minutes assessment. It provides an opportunity for you to talk about your concerns and determine the best course for treatment. Subsequent counselling sessions are generally 50-60 minutes in length. You do not need to bring anything to your appointment.
The initial appointment is a 30 minutes, subsequent counselling sessions are generally 50-60 minutes in length.
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the program's Booking Clerk. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Where will my appointment take place?
You wil be informed of the location where you will be seen at the time of your appointment booking.
How old does a patient have to be to see a Mental Health Counsellor?
The services are available to patients of all ages.
topNurse Practitioner FAQs
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse with an advanced university education who provides personalized, quality health care to patients. Nurse Practitioners are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (www.cno.org). Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners work in community settings like family health teams, nurse practitioner lead clinics, community health centres, public health units, nursing homes and nursing stations. They manage common illnesses and provide preventative care and education for healthy living. Health services are provided to individuals, families and communities. Nurse practitioners work in partnership with Family Physicians, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Dietitians and Mental Health Counsellors to keep you and your family healthy and well.
How long do I have to wait to see a Nurse Practitioner?
Wait times vary and are assessed based on urgency.
How long will my appointment be?
Appointment times will vary depending on the nature of the visit.
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the Administrative Support Staff at your Family Physicians office. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Where will my appointment take place?
Appointments will take place in your Family Physicians Office.
topPharmacist FAQs
What is a Clinical Pharmacist?
Your clinical pharmacist will focus on how effective your medications are working for you. You will continue to obtain prescription services from your retail pharmacist at your chosen pharmacy. The pharmacist in your Family Physician's office will not provide dispensing services.
Studies have shown that when Doctors and Pharmacists work closely together, patients benefit more from their medication.
How long do I have to wait to see a Pharmacist?
Once your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner has completed a referral, you will receive a call within 2 days. You will be seen the next time the pharmacist has dedicated time set for your family physician. This is usually within 2-4 weeks
What can I expect for my appointment and what should I bring?
- All of your prescription medications, herbals, supplements & vitamins. If your have your medications in a blister pack or dossette, you may bring this
- Glucometers for testing blood sugars, and blood pressure machines
- Written medications list from the "Medscheck" program or RVH
How long will my appointment be?
Your appointment will take 30 to 60 min. Follow up appointments will take 15-45min. These will be arranged by your pharmacist at your initial appointment if it is required
Who do I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Appointments are booked by the Administrative Assistant. Please click the link below and you will be directed to the appointment contact information.
Where will my appointment take place?
You will be informed of the location where you will be seen at the time of your appointment booking.
Does the BCFHT have medical directives that allows other health professionals besides a physician to prescribe out- patient prescriptions?
Yes, BCFHT has a number of medical directives which allow health professionals to prescribe as directed by a specified physician. As such, any prescriptions completed pursuant to a medical directive must:
- Specifically identify the medical directive
- Identify the individual responsible for implementing the directive (name and signature)
- Contain the name of the prescribing physician
- Contain contact information to clarify any questions
- As desired, a copy of the medical directive may be forwarded to further demonstrate the integrity of the order
How can a Pharmacist find out more about the medical directives which allow prescribing?
If required, copies of the medical directive are available by:
- Contacting the person who wrote it (directive implementer)
Cannot resolve the issue or reach them?
- Contact the physician (directive authorizer)
Question regarding medical directives, the process and/or our database?
- Contact Shelley Cameron at 705-797-2011 ext 204 or Kim Vickers at 705-797-2030 ext 203