Question 1

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Accepted Answer

Nurse practitioners are the perfect combination of nursing care and compassion with the additional capabilities to provide comprehensive patient assessments and treatments.  Our scope of practice is similar to a family physician but we are trained focus on education and health promotion.

🩺 We are licensed and regulated by the College of  Nurses Ontario.
🩺 We have Masters level university education.
🩺 We can diagnose medical conditions.
🩺  We can provide medical treatment.
🩺  We can make specialist referrals.
🩺  We can prescribe medications (including controlled substances).
🩺  We can order tests like MRIs and Xrays.
🩺  We can help you navigate the healthcare system.
🩺  We can perform minor procedures (like skin biopsy and IUD inserts).

Please read more about how we can work within the healthcare system here:  https://npao.org/what-is-a-nurse-practitioner/

Question 2

Why aren't you covered by OHIP?

Accepted Answer

Nurse Practitioners have not been given a renumeration pathway by the provincial government.  We are unable to bill OHIP for our services, so much like physiotherapy, dentistry, optometry, and other allied health care providers we need to charge patients to be paid for our work.  Occasionally, you will find NPs working in a funded position within a healthcare team.

We  welcome you advocate for a fair payment structure for NPs by contacting your local MP.

Question 3

I already have a family doctor, can I use The Care Collective?

Accepted Answer

Many Doctors offices request that patients do not use other providers outside their facility or associated groups.  Using multiple providers can impact continuity of your care for patients and the ministry also fines physicians with rostered patients for outside use.

Since we are unable to bill OHIP, you can  access our services without any conflict with your physician's office.  We can even send them a note to keep them up to date if you request it.

Question 4

Will my benefit plan cover the cost of consultation?

Accepted Answer

Many health insurance plans cover Nurse Practitioner services,  including routine health exams.  Coverage  depends on your individual insurance provider and the specific terms of your plan.

Please note we are unable to direct bill insurance companies on behalf of patients.  Please let us know if your insurance company requires any further documentation to cover you, we are happy to help!

Question 5

Why don't you have a phone number?

Accepted Answer

We are a small clinic where clinicians manage their own admin, we are usually with patients, so answering a phone isn't possible.  We can connect with you through email or by using WhatsApp chat through our website.

Question 6

Can you work without physician supervision?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Nurse practitioners are independently licensed in Canada.  We are often found working within teams of healthcare practitioners, but can also work alone.  Like all health providers, we are expected to know our limitations and professional gaps in knowledge.  Like our physician colleagues, we can refer to specialists when we are unable to provide a necessary level of care.

Question 7

Why consider having a Comprehensive Health Assessment?

Accepted Answer

This is a great option for getting an overview of your overall health status.  Annual assessments allow providers to continually assess your risk for disease and intervene with preventative strategies.  This is an efficient way of dealing with multiple concerns and updating any testing necessary in one visit.

Question 8

Why do I need to make two profiles for the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Our booking system and our medical record system are different.  We wish there were a better solution!  We use Jane for booking and billing and all your appointment reminders and we use Medely to communicate your results and any sensitive information because it records the messages directly to your medical record which is privacy protected.

Question 9

How do you decide on pricing?

Accepted Answer

Our pricing is based on industry standards for healthcare providers.  We used a sample of other private primary care providers' pricing models to find something fair and accessible to most.

Question 10

Can you fill in paperwork?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We can provide sick notes, insurance notes, and fill out forms required for school, insurance or disability claims.  Please book a 20-minute consultation and bring any necessary forms with you.  Your provider will estimate the price to complete your paperwork; this will need to be agreed to by the patient before proceeding.  Please note that for disability paperwork, we may need to have multiple appointments to understand your health concerns before completing your claim.

Please note that your paperwork may require additional time or details that prevent us from completing your forms immediately.  Your provider will give you an expected timeline and directions for pick-up.  Alternatively, you can choose to have your forms mailed to you.

Question 11

Can you perform a Driver's Medical?

Accepted Answer

We can perform a Driver's Medical and complete the required Ontario Ministry of Transportation paperwork.

Please book a 40- minute episodic appointment.  Paper work cost for this exam is $70 on top of the consultation fee.  Total fee is $250.  
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Very occasionally, additional testing is required to ensure you are safe to drive.  There may be a delay in your paperwork while waiting for these results.  Any follow-up will be included in your appointment cost.

FAQs