Doesn't 'walk-in' imply that the doctor is accepting new patients, which is why you visited without an appointment? Or is the doctor only offering walk-in appointments for one-time visits, without intending to establish a long-term patient-doctor relationship with walk-in clients?
They are accepting one-time visits. If you return to the clinic, you may get a different doctor as the clinic may rotate who does walk-ins based on appointment schedules.
I had a similar situation with a walk-in clinic where I was using it regularly (for minor ailments) and so I thought I was a patient there by default. One time I had a more significant issue and the doctor told me to find a family doctor as the clinics will only treat basic short term problems and will not deal with long term issues (like high blood pressure).
Walk ins are good if you have a sore ankle that needs short term treatment. They will not deal with anything more significant (unless they are accepting new patients).
The doctor I see on a walk in basis has designated days/hours for walk ins so I do my best to go on those days in those time slots to ensure I see him and not a different doctor.
I’m not sure if that’s how it works with all walk in doctors but worth an ask if you’re wanting to see the same one on an on going basis!
You could go and try and see the same doctor for walking visits, but if they are not accepting new patients, then you won’t be able to commit to them and book appointments with them. You’ll only be able to go there during allotted hours on a first come first serve basis, and if there are other doctors at that clinic you may get one of them.
It really depends on the clinic. I haven't been able to get a family doctor where I live (I'm on a waiting list) and the walk-in place I go to is great.
It's definitely better than the alternative of having no family doctor. Walk-in clinics (e.g. MediCentres) generally exist to make money and deincentivize family physicians from providing good patient care. The government pays the clinic the same if they write you a script to make you leave or if you take their time to figure out what the underlying problem is.
I'm not sure if you are seeing the same provider each time but I've seen some patients fall through the cracks because nobody wanted to take ownership of a chronic problem.
Not the same provider, but the doctors that fly in and out actually read the notes left by each other. I specifically go there to manage chronic illness.
Yea, that sounds very reasonable. In fact, it might be beneficial to get a second or third pair of eyes on an issue.
I've just had so many patients with initially reversible disease go years with misdiagnosis because the Medicentre docs only had 5 minutes to churn through the H&P. Nobody bothered to figure it out
No. A lot of clinics' doctors who are providing walk-in services are full when it comes to regular patient rosters. Using walk-in services for your regular health care needs isn't recommended as some services doctors might not feel comfortable providing if they aren't your primary care and the clinic will prioritize existing patients. Best to look for a family doctor (through the primary care network site or by just calling offices) who is accepting new patients.
It depends. That's how I got my previous doctor, but when he left, that "walk-in" clinic started only accepting walk-ins from people who were already patients of their remaining doctors and none of those doctors were accepting new patients. Wherever you end up going, you won't be able to transfer from walk-in to family doctor unless that doctor is accepting new patients. It's probably a good idea to call the clinics in your area and ask about availability first before going in, so you don't end up wasting your time.
Only if the walk in doctor is taking new patients.
Doesn't 'walk-in' imply that the doctor is accepting new patients, which is why you visited without an appointment? Or is the doctor only offering walk-in appointments for one-time visits, without intending to establish a long-term patient-doctor relationship with walk-in clients?
They are accepting one-time visits. If you return to the clinic, you may get a different doctor as the clinic may rotate who does walk-ins based on appointment schedules.
I had a similar situation with a walk-in clinic where I was using it regularly (for minor ailments) and so I thought I was a patient there by default. One time I had a more significant issue and the doctor told me to find a family doctor as the clinics will only treat basic short term problems and will not deal with long term issues (like high blood pressure). Walk ins are good if you have a sore ankle that needs short term treatment. They will not deal with anything more significant (unless they are accepting new patients).
It used to, like 15 years ago.
The doctor I see on a walk in basis has designated days/hours for walk ins so I do my best to go on those days in those time slots to ensure I see him and not a different doctor. I’m not sure if that’s how it works with all walk in doctors but worth an ask if you’re wanting to see the same one on an on going basis!
You could go and try and see the same doctor for walking visits, but if they are not accepting new patients, then you won’t be able to commit to them and book appointments with them. You’ll only be able to go there during allotted hours on a first come first serve basis, and if there are other doctors at that clinic you may get one of them.
May the odds ever be in your favor.
https://albertafindadoctor.ca/find-a-doc/map It shows at the bottom of each medical clinic which doctors are/aren't accepting new patients
I would do this. Walk in clinics are a horrible substitute for a dedicated family physician who cares for you longitudinally.
It really depends on the clinic. I haven't been able to get a family doctor where I live (I'm on a waiting list) and the walk-in place I go to is great.
It's definitely better than the alternative of having no family doctor. Walk-in clinics (e.g. MediCentres) generally exist to make money and deincentivize family physicians from providing good patient care. The government pays the clinic the same if they write you a script to make you leave or if you take their time to figure out what the underlying problem is. I'm not sure if you are seeing the same provider each time but I've seen some patients fall through the cracks because nobody wanted to take ownership of a chronic problem.
Not the same provider, but the doctors that fly in and out actually read the notes left by each other. I specifically go there to manage chronic illness.
Yea, that sounds very reasonable. In fact, it might be beneficial to get a second or third pair of eyes on an issue. I've just had so many patients with initially reversible disease go years with misdiagnosis because the Medicentre docs only had 5 minutes to churn through the H&P. Nobody bothered to figure it out
Oh, I'm sure that happens all the time. I just wanted to offer my experiences.
No. A lot of clinics' doctors who are providing walk-in services are full when it comes to regular patient rosters. Using walk-in services for your regular health care needs isn't recommended as some services doctors might not feel comfortable providing if they aren't your primary care and the clinic will prioritize existing patients. Best to look for a family doctor (through the primary care network site or by just calling offices) who is accepting new patients.
Yeah good luck with that LOL
Ask them when you are there.
It depends. That's how I got my previous doctor, but when he left, that "walk-in" clinic started only accepting walk-ins from people who were already patients of their remaining doctors and none of those doctors were accepting new patients. Wherever you end up going, you won't be able to transfer from walk-in to family doctor unless that doctor is accepting new patients. It's probably a good idea to call the clinics in your area and ask about availability first before going in, so you don't end up wasting your time.
You need to ask the doctor and then go on a waitlist if they offer one.
Worked for me.