Lockview Medical Clinic

What are my rights as a patient?

Patients have the right to:

1. be treated with respect

2. expect confidentiality be maintained, unless their doctor explains why it has to be broken

3. expect their doctor not to take physical, emotional, sexual or financial advantage of them

4. refuse an examination or treatment or withdraw consent without obligation or harassment

5. be kept informed, if possible, of major delays in obtaining consultations or treatments

6. know if there are colleagues with whom their doctor will discuss their case

7. receive appropriate referrals

8. request a second opinion

9. be listened to carefully and supportively regarding their concerns

10. have another person present during examination

What are my responsibilities as a patient?

Patients are expected to:

1. respect the privacy of other patients, doctors and staff

2. ask the doctor for further information if they do not understand

3. let their doctor know if they feel uncomfortable during an examination or treatment

4. cooperate and follow recommended treatment as long as they agree, and inform their doctor when they don’t

5. notify their doctor or staff if they are unable to keep an appointment

6. allow their doctor to have a staff member present during an examination

Are doctors required to return patient's phone calls?

There are no rules that require doctors to communicate with patients over the telephone. Busy schedules often prevent physicians from phoning patients back. In some cases, doctor may prefer to discuss a medical situation with a patient in person rather than on the phone. Time spent on the phone with patients is a “non-insured service”, so some doctors may charge patients a nominal fee for this. Patients should be informed of this fee before the conversation.

Why do I have to pay for some things when I visit the doctor?

Most of the services provided by Nova Scotia doctors are insured by Nova Scotia Medical Services Insurance (MSI). When doctors provide these services, they submit a claim to MSI and are paid in return. However, certain services and materials are not insured by MSI. Doctors are entitled to charge patients a reasonable fee for these services. Each doctor decides whether to charge for a non-insured service and sets the fee. Common non-insured services in Nova Scotia include: Completion of forms, undertaking medicals and examinations required for a driver’s licence or other licence; certain medical supplies, missed appointments and transfer of medical records.

Does a doctor have the right to stop seeing me as a patient?

Doctors have the right to stop seeing patients. However, they are expected to be sure that patients can get medical care somewhere else, and they are expected to tell patients in writing why they have decided to stop seeing them. Doctors most often stop seeing patients who:

• Continue to miss appointments without telling the doctor or the doctor’s office well in advance

• Continue to ignore the advice or treatment on which the patient and doctor have agreed

• Say rude, insulting, or threatening things to the doctor, patients, or staff

• Are violent with the doctor or with patients or staff

• Cause trouble in the doctor’s office

• Insist on being given prescriptions for drugs that the doctor does not think are needed

Can a doctor renew a prescription over the phone?

Doctors are not required to renew prescriptions over the phone. However, in situations where the patient is known to the doctor, or where the doctor has a good knowledge of the patient’s health, the prescription may be renewed over the phone. This decision is up to the doctor. Telephone prescription renewals are a non-insured service for which doctors are entitled to charge patients.

Can a doctor charge me to see or to get a copy of my medical record?

Doctors are permitted to charge a reasonable fee to cover the following costs involved in allowing patients to view or get a copy of their medical record:

1. staff time needed to prepare the record

2. staff time to supervise the patient’s inspection of the medical record

3. the doctor’s time to review or explain the record if requested

4. copying and mailing charges

Can a doctor charge me for completing legal or insurance forms?

Yes. The completion of many forms is a non-insured service for which doctors are permitted to charge patients a fee.

Can a doctor charge me for a missed appointment?

Yes. Doctors are permitted to bill patients for missing appointments when patients have not given sufficient notice. Doctors are expected to inform patients about their policy on missed appointments. 

Who is eligible to receive publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccine?

Immunization against influenza is publicly funded and advised for all Nova Scotians ≥ 6 months of age, but is strongly recommended for people at high risk of influenza-related complications and for those people who live with or care for them. The vaccine will be free of charge. As in previous years, NS Dept of Health and Wellness (DHW) does not fund the costs of administration or supplies.

Which groups are considered high risk for influenza-related complications?

The following groups are considered high risk :

• Persons with morbid obesity (BMI ≥40)

• Aboriginal peoples

• Adults and children with the following chronic health conditions:

1. cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma);

2. diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;

3. cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);

4. renal disease;

5. anemia or hemoglobinopathy;

6. conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration; and

7. children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid.

8. People of any age who are residents of long term care and other chronic care facilities.

9. People ≥65 years of age.

10. Healthy children 6 to 23 months of age.

11. Healthy pregnant women (the risk of influenza-related hospitalization increases with length of gestation, i.e. it is higher in the third than in the second trimester)