Updated December 7, 2022

COVID-19:

We remain OPEN for both virtual (telephone and video visits) and in-office visits. Please call or email to book an appointment with your doctor.

Masks are required when coming into the office

**Please note that masks with valves are NOT sufficient

Virtual Care Changes

Covid, Cough and Flu Care Clinics

Guidance on Symptoms of COVID-19 and Self-Isolation in the Community Setting

Resources

Virtual Visits

Virtual Care Changes

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Ministry of Health began to allow virtual healthcare (telephone, video). At Five Points Family Health we embraced virtual care as an opportunity to reduce the risks of this new disease for our patients.  

We have continually adapted our office policies based on recommendations from public health and the Ministry of Health. Now we face another shift. 

With increasing COVID-19 vaccination levels and recognizing the importance of a physical exam for a timely diagnosis, the Ministry of Health has made significant changes to the acceptable circumstances for virtual versus in-person healthcare.  As a result beginning December 1, 2022, appointments will be booked as follows:

1. The majority of appointments will return to in-person: any concern or issue related to a physical complaint (such as pain, rash, etc) requires an in-person assessment and examination

2. Virtual appointments will be preferentially booked as video appointments

3. Virtual appointments will ONLY be available for:

 a. review of results (provided no follow up examination is required)

 b. Mental health concerns 

c. prescription renewals - exceptions: requests for antibiotics require an in-person assessment; prescriptions requiring an examination (such as diabetic medications) require an in-person assessment. **note: new prescriptions will not be provided via virtual appointments

d. requests for referrals/completion of forms/notes *** provided a physical exam or assessment is not required to complete the request 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have not been seen in person within 2 years, you may be required to come in for an in-person appointment before a virtual appointment is available due to new Ministry requirements.

Should you have any questions about these changes, please speak with your physician at your next appointment. Thank you in advance for your patience and co-operation as we are faced with these new changes.

Covid, Cough and Flu Care Clinic (CCFCC)

With current levels of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, and the rise in emergency department visits and hospitalizations, particularly in children, the Ministry is supporting the development of CCFCCs. Prioritizing the community-based care of patients with febrile respiratory symptoms is crucial to keep patients safe and healthy, mitigate the strain on emergency departments and prevent hospitalizations. CCFCCs can assess patients with COVID-19 symptoms, and expanded influenza-like illnesses (ILI). The CCFCCs are intended to provide timely clinical services to support people with known or suspected infection with COVID-19 and/or expanded ILI symptoms while conserving needed capacity in Ontario’s emergency departments and hospitals.

The CCFCC will:

  • Provide appointments available within 24 hours

  • Provide assessment of patients presenting with COVID-19, ILI, cough, and cold symptoms

  • Provide after-hours coverage

  • Be available to the general public, including pediatric (age 2+) and adults

Guidance on Symptoms of COVID-19 and Self-Isolation in the Community Setting

**This information applies to the general public and not to Highest Risk settings including hospitals, Long-Term Care, retirement homes, and congregate living settings

With the large number of COVID-19 cases currently in Ontario, individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are presumed to have COVID-19 infection. Testing for COVID-19 is being prioritized to high risk groups only, according to government-set Eligibility Criteria

Symptoms include:

  • Fever and/or chills; OR

  • Cough; OR

  • Shortness of breath; OR

  • Decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR

  • Two or more of:

    • runny nose/nasal congestion

    • headache

    • extreme fatigue

    • sore throat

    • muscle aches/joint pain

    • gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting or diarrhea)

Symptomatic individuals who are ineligible for PCR testing are advised to self-isolate as soon as possible after symptom onset:

  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated (2 doses) or children <12 years: self-isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset AND until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration

  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and 12 year or older, or immunocompromised: self-isolate for at least 10 days from symptom onset AND until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever, whichever is longer in duration

  • All household members of the symptomatic individual, regardless of vaccination status, are required to self-isolate while the symptomatic individual is isolating due to the high rate of transmission within households.

A positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is highly indicative that the individual has COVID-19, and does not need a confirmation PCR test; a positive RAT should follow isolation guidance as above.

A single negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is NOT SUFFICIENT to rule out COVID-19. If two (2) consecutive RATs, separated by 24 to 48 hours, are both negative, the symptomatic individual is less likely to have COVID-19 infection, and the individual is advised to self-isolate until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). The household members may also discontinue self-isolation.

If you have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, or symptomatic:

  • If you live with the affected person: self-isolate for 5 days if you are fully vaccinated (2 doses), or under 12 years of age; or for 10 days if you are 12 year or older, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated; monitor for symptoms for 10 days

  • If you do not live with the affected person:

    • if you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated: self-isolate and monitor for 10 days

    • if you are fully vaccinated (2 doses): self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days, maintain masking and physical distancing; you should not visit any highest risk settings (hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes, congregate living settings) or individuals who may be at high risk for 10 days; report your exposure to your employer and follow any work restrictions

Resources

More information on COVID-19 can be found at:

Virtual Visits

COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada's public health system. Our clinic offers virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to book an in-person appointment, visit a hospital or other health care facility if necessary, for a physical examination.

We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

  • Understand that emails or calls you receive are not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room. 

  • Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer's or third party's computer/device), secure accounts, and a secure internet connection.  For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

You should also understand that electronic communication is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).

By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care.  In particular, the following means of electronic communication may be used: email, videoconferencing (provided by the Ontario Telemedicine Network [OTN]), website.