Frequently Asked Questions
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General FAQs
What is a Family Health Team?
Family Health Teams (FHTs) are not for profit primary health care organizations made up of health care providers such as nurses, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and many others. These professionals work with physicians and other community providers to provide comprehensive primary care to patients, their families and their communities. Each Family Health Team offers programs and services that are designed to help meet local health and community needs.
For more information, visit the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario.
Is there a parking fee?
Yes. Health for All does not own/manage the parking lot, which is owned by Oak Valley Health Markham Stouffville Site. Parking fees are $4 per half hour. The pay station is located in the lobby on the first floor of the building and accepts debit, credit and cash.
Do I need to bring my Health Card to all visits?
Yes. This ensures that we verify that your OHIP version code is up to date in our system at each visit.
What do I do if the office is closed?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please visit your nearest Emergency Room. For non-urgent matters that cannot wait until the office is open, you may call Health Care Connect (formerly Telehealth Ontario) by dialing 8-1-1 to speak with a Registered Nurse 24 hours a day or chat online with a Registered Nurse. Visit the Health 811 website for more information.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are healthcare professionals with advanced education and training in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic medical conditions. They work independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages.
NPs have the authority to perform many of the same medical functions as Family Doctors, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications (including controlled substances), admitting, treating and discharging patients from hospital, performing medical procedures, and making referrals to specialists.
In addition, NPs are also trained to provide health promotion and disease prevention services, such as counseling patients on lifestyle modifications, and educating patients and their families on managing their health conditions. NPs are an important part of the healthcare team, providing high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered care to help improve the health outcomes of their patients.
Can I be seen even if my primary care provider is not available?
YES! We have primary care providers that have same-day appointment slots available for patients whose doctors are not available the same day. There are also Residents who may have open appointment slots available during the day.
If your doctor is a family medicine resident that has no available same day slots, you will need to call at 4:30pm for Urgent Care. All appointment notes will be sent to your family doctor.
Is Health For All a walk-in Clinic? Can I come without an appointment?
No. All appointments, including for the after-hours Urgent Care Clinic, are for our rostered patients only and must be booked in advance.
There are limited same-day spots that can be booked during the day with a Nurse Practitioner or family medicine resident if your Family Doctor is not available. Appointments can be booked online, or made by calling 905-472-2200 during office hours (8:30 am–12:00 pm and 1:00 pm–4:30 pm) and starting at 4:30 pm for evening Urgent Care Clinic. The phone lines are open at 9:00 am on Saturday morning to book a same day appointment.
Why are there family medicine residents at the clinic?
Health For All has partnered with the University of Toronto Department of Family Medicine & Oak Valley Health Markham Stouffville Site to have 20 family medicine residents per year in our clinic to complete their Family Medicine Residency.
Are you taking on new patients?
Unfortunately we are not accepting new patients at this time. The Government of Ontario’s Health Care Connect service can help you find a provider who is accepting new patients. Visit the Health Care Connect website or give them a call at 1-800-445-1822.
Why are you called the Health For All Family Health Team?
We have a strong interest in global and intercultural health.
Prescription FAQs
How long does it take to process my refill?
Your primary care provider will review your refill request once received from your pharmacy. Refills may take up to 7 days for completion, so please plan ahead and do not call our office until it has been 7 days after your initial request.
How can I refill my prescription?
In person: Go to your pharmacy, and request them to fax a prescription refill to our office at 905-472-5662.
By phone: Call your pharmacy and ask them to fax the prescription to our office at 905-472-5662.
Online/by app (if available): Request prescription online by downloading the app linked with your pharmacy.
Once our office has received your request, your primary care provider will review your prescription, and if appropriate, will sign off and send it back to your pharmacy for dispensing.
Do I have any refills on my prescription?
Check the label of your medication bottle. If the label shows a number next to the “refills” section, that’s how many times you can get more of your medicine without going back to see your primary care provider.