YES! The South Ottawa Medical Centre is launching a new portal (CognisantMD Ocean platform) to enhance communications with patients virtually. This allows your family doctor to securely send messages and attachments, and invite you to complete forms and questionnaires online, without the risks of email. Of note - The emails you receive are outgoing only. Please do not reply to the email. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office in the usual manner.

Some of our doctors offer virtual appointments to provide you with flexible and convenient care options. However, not all of our doctors participate in virtual consultations. To verify if your doctor is available for a virtual appointment, please contact our reception team. They will assist you in determining the availability and scheduling of virtual consultations with your preferred healthcare provider.

When booking your appointment, please confirm the preferred phone number your family doctor should reach you at. 2 days prior to your appointment, you will receive an email from no-reply@cognisantmd.com to confirm the appointment and review the Virtual Care consent form. Please look out for that email. Expect a phone call at the scheduled time. While your family doctor strives to always be on time, please expect delays of up to 60 minutes. Please note that your family doctor may be calling you from a NO-CALLER ID or PRIVATE number. If you have privacy settings that block private numbers, your doctor may not be able to reach you – please check with your service provider.

When you have an in-person appointment scheduled at South-Ottawa-Medical, there are a few essential things you need to remember to ensure a smooth visit. Firstly, you will receive a confirmation email from no-reply@cognisantmd.com 2 days before your scheduled appointment. This email will confirm the details of your appointment, so please check your inbox for it. On the day of your appointment, please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in processes. It is crucial to bring a valid OHIP card with you to every visit. Your OHIP card is required for the appointment to be covered. If you do not present a valid OHIP card, the visit will be considered uninsured, and you will be billed directly for the services provided. Ensuring you have these details taken care of will facilitate a seamless experience at South-Ottawa-Medical.

No, wearing a mask is not mandatory when visiting South-Ottawa-Medical. However, we do require that you wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms or flu-like symptoms to protect the health and safety of other patients and our staff. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for everyone.

At South-Ottawa-Medical, we understand that a strong doctor-patient relationship is crucial for effective healthcare outcomes. However, we have a strict policy in place that does not allow for switching physicians within our clinic. If you are experiencing issues with your current doctor, we highly encourage you to discuss your concerns directly with them. Open communication can often resolve misunderstandings and improve your overall care experience. In cases where you feel that your care has been compromised or you have lost trust in your doctor, we advise contacting the appropriate health Care Connect for further assistance. Our goal is always to ensure you receive the best possible care and support.

No, it has to be your physician who completes your paperwork. Please be advised that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario allows up to 45 days for the completion of such documents. Additionally, the majority of these forms are uninsured and require time to complete, meaning you are responsible for any associated fees. For accurate information and timely processing, please ensure all paperwork is submitted directly to your physician at South-Ottawa-Medical and make sure your information is completed and that you signed the paperwork or forms.

At South-Ottawa-Medical, we require that appointments be canceled at least 24 hours in advance. This policy helps us manage our schedule effectively and allows other patients the opportunity to utilize the time slot. If you fail to cancel within this timeframe or do not show up for your appointment, you may be subject to a fee. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this policy to ensure smooth and efficient service for all our patients.

At South-Ottawa-Medical, we strive to see our patients on time. However, there are instances when the patient before you has urgent or pressing issues that need immediate attention. Just as you would appreciate it if your doctor took the time to thoroughly address your health concerns, we extend the same level of care and attention to all our patients. Additionally, like everyone else, our doctors may occasionally encounter personal situations such as illness or family emergencies that could impact their schedule. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we aim to provide the highest quality of care to each patient.

Yes, you can still receive medical care at South-Ottawa-Medical even if you do not have a valid health card. Patients presenting without a health card or with an invalid health card will be charged directly for the visit. Our priority is to ensure that everyone has access to the medical services they need. Therefore, please be prepared to settle the fees at the time of your visit. For more detailed information about the costs and available payment methods, kindly contact our administrative office prior to your appointment.