Prescription Renewal Policy
Important information for patients and visitors
Prescription Review During Appointments
Prescriptions are typically reviewed during scheduled appointments. Prior to each visit, we kindly request that you check the remaining renewals for your prescriptions. Our physicians strive to ensure an adequate number of refills until your next evaluation. If you anticipate needing a prescription renewal before your next appointment, please proactively contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.
Prescription Renewal Process
If you are running low on a prescribed medication without any available renewals, it is because your physician would like to assess the health risks, benefits, and effectiveness of the medication before continuing its use. In such cases, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment with your family physician before your medications run out. However, if you run out of medication without having made an appointment, our Walk-in Clinic can provide a ONE TIME SHORT SUPPLY renewal at the request of your pharmacy. Please allow up to 48 hours for the prescription to be sent to the pharmacy. Please note that only existing/current prescriptions are eligible for this telephone/fax renewal.
New Medications and Dose Changes
Any new medications or dose adjustments necessitate an appointment with your physician. This ensures that your medical condition is appropriately assessed and monitored.
Prescription Categories Requiring Appointments
It’s important to note that prescriptions for narcotics, controlled medications, sedatives, and antibiotics are NEVER renewed through telephone/fax. These prescriptions require an in-person appointment with your physician.
Prescription Renewal Service and Charges
Prescription renewal without an appointment is considered a service not covered by OHIP and may be subject to a charge as outlined in our Uninsured Services list: VMC Uninsured Services as at Jan 1, 2023. Telephone/fax renewals require your physician’s time to review your medical chart and determine the appropriateness of medication renewal, as well as time to transmit the prescription to the pharmacy.
Cooperation and Understanding
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding of our prescription renewal policy. By adhering to these guidelines, we can ensure that your medications are managed safely and effectively, providing you with the highest standard of care at Eastview Medical Centre.