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Quebec patients: Visit this page for FAQs (frequently asked questions) and the RAMQ exemption application form.

Access to Health Services:

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Can I register with a family physician at UOHS? Yes - If you are a student or employee of the University of Ottawa or Saint-Paul University, you can register with a doctor at UOHS. Register your name, health card number, current and permanent address, etc. online (registration form), by phone at 613-564-3950, or in person at our clinic at 100 Marie Curie, then request an appointment to see one of our doctors.

I am a student or employee of the University of Ottawa or Saint Paul University. Can members of my family also register with UOHS? Yes. As long as you are a student or employee already registered with UOHS, as well as spouses and minor children living at the same address, you can register and then book an appointment with UOHS.  Visit one of our clinics or contact us by phone at 613-564-3950 for more information.

I am an Ontario Student. If I roster with a family physician here, do I have to give up my family physician back home? No - If you are covered under OHIP, you will be rostered to a physician here on campus who will ensure continuity of care for you throughout your time at school. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care recognizes that you will be in the Ottawa area for the majority of the year, and most of your health care needs will be attended to by your family physician here at UOHS. When you return home for the holidays or during the summer, you can still book appointments with your physician back home.

After you have completed the forms required to roster with a doctor at UOHS, you will be able to book appointments with your UOHS physician or a member of his or her health team.  You will also have access to specialized programs such as dietitian consults and the Healthy Lifestyles program funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.  

If you choose not to roster with a doctor at UOHS, you will not be able to book appointments to see a physician, but you will continue to have access to our providers and services available through the walk-in clinic. Please note: Similar to other walk-in clinics, there is usually a waiting time to see the physician or nurse at the UOHS walk-in clinic, wait times can be longer at certain times such as at the start of each semester, during exam periods, or at peak hours during the week

I’m an out-of-province student. Do I have to pay for healthcare? No - You have a provincial health card which covers your basic healthcare needs. Once you have registered with UOHS, you can request an appointment online, by phone or in person to see one of our doctors.  Remember to bring your provincial health card and your student card or employee card with you to each appointment or walk-in visit at UOHS.

I’m an international student. Do I have to pay for healthcare? No - You are covered under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which covers your basic healthcare needs.  Contact the University of Ottawa International Office for questions about your insurance plan.  Once you have registered with UOHS, you can request an appointment online, by phone or in person to see one of our doctors.  Remember to bring your UHIP card (or proof of insurance letter from the International Office) and your student or employee card any time you come to the clinic for an appointment or walk-in visit.

Are there fees or costs not covered by my provincial health card or UHIP? For a list of services not covered by your basic health plan (provincial health card or UHIP), consult the UOHS Fees page.  You can also contact UOHS by phone at 613-564-3950 or in person at any of our locations if you have any questions or concerns.  We accept debit, Visa or Mastercard. 

For questions about your plan (i.e. prescription coverage, injections, eye care, dental care, physiotherapy, etc.), contact one of the groups listed below or visit their websites for more information. 

Students should note that you may also be covered under your parent's health insurance plan.  Compare the coverage you receive under your student plan with that of your parent's plan before deciding to opt out of coverage provided by your student federation. You may also choose to keep both insurance plans to maximize your coverage.  International students may choose to pay a higher premium to pay for health care costs (i.e hospital stays, medication) not covered by UHIP. It's important to know what your health insurance plan covers.

Visit Greenshield (Website) for specific information about your health plan benefits or speak to representatives from the following groups for more information:

  • Undergraduate Students: SFUO - Student Federation of the University of Ottawa
    613-562-5966, www.sfuo.ca  
  • Graduate Students: GSAED - Graduate Students' Association
    613-563-5935, www.gsaed.ca
  • International and Exchange Students: International Office of the University of Ottawa
    613-562-5847, www.international.uottawa.ca

Can I book an appointment with a dentist? The University of Ottawa Health Services does not provide dental care but there is a private dentist's office located on the 2nd floor at 100 Marie Curie. Contact the dental office directly if you have questions or to book an appointment. 

Contact information: Dental Associates, 100 Marie Curie (room 204), Ottawa K1N 1A2, (613) 569-1234

How do I cancel or change an appointment? An appointment can be cancelled or changed by calling our main number at 613-564-3950 and speaking to a call centre agent.  You may also cancel an appointment online by filling out our Online Appointment Cancellation Form. 

Do I need to book an appointment and are there associated fees to renew my prescription or request a referral? As of May 2013, patients will be charged a fee for prescription renewals and referral requests without a visit to the physician’s office, i.e. requests that are faxed, mailed or called in. University of Ottawa and Saint-Paul University students, as well as patients who have been granted financial exemption by UOHS, are exempt from paying this fee. Vist our Fees page for more information.

Please book an appointment with your provider when you are running low on medication. When your provider prescribes a medication for you, they give you enough medication to last until they would like to see you again to review how you are doing with the medication, what your response has been, whether you are having side effects or not, and whether there is anything else that should be done to manage the problem.

Please note that you may be required to book an appointment if you have not seen your doctor in a while or if this is a medication that you do not normally receive.

Narcotic prescription refills require a doctor's appointment and cannot be obtained at the Walk-in Clinic.

What is the difference between a regular appointment and an appointment for an annual physical? A regular appointment is for the purpose of addressing a specific health concern.  An annual physical appointment involves a complete review of your current health status including a review of your health history and a physical exam. The physical exam typically includes an update on your medical history, height, weight, blood pressure, a full physical examination and a review of immunization status, medications and preventive care measures.

Why am I given an appointment with a nurse practitioner? Can’t I be given an appointment with a “real doctor”?
Our model of care involves teams of family physicians and nurse practitioners. In our Shared Care model, physicians remain the primary care providers for their patients and share the care of their patients with the nurse practitioner on their team. The Shared Care Model allows greater and faster access to care for patients. If your family physician is unavailable (physician is away, is not working that day, or is fully booked), you will be scheduled with the team's nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner consults with your family physician as required and communicates details of care provided to you with your physician.

Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are specialists in primary health care and provide accessible, comprehensive and effective care to clients of all ages. Their expanded scope of practice allows them to diagnose and manage disorders and chronic diseases, prescribe medications, order diagnostics and other tests, and refer you to a specialist if needed.

What do I need to know about immunizations as a new student? Are there specific requirements for my clinical placement? All students should ensure that their immunizations are up-to-date.  Bring your immunization record with you to university.  If you are new to Canada or have been out of the country for longer than 12 months, you must also have documentation of a recent TB skin test performed by a Canadian physician.

Some University of Ottawa faculties (i.e. Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Human Kinetics, etc.) have specific requirements for clinical placements. It is a student's responsibility to obtain these testsN/Aimmunizations prior to your placement. If you require tests or immunizations, plan ahead and get your results before the start of your placement. Attend one of our special TB screening clinics in February and March or visit UOHS anytime to update all your immunizations.

You can book an appointment or visit our walk-in clinic anytime to update all your immunizations.  Visit our website for more information on immunizations and TB Tests. 

Where and when can I get the flu vaccine? We strongly encourage you to get your flu shot. Flu shots help you, your family and your friends stay healthy. Free flu clinics are held at UOHS and other campus locations starting in October. Visit our website this fall for flu clinic dates and locations.

How can I ensure continuity of care when seeing a new doctor at UOHS? If you require ongoing treatment or follow-up care for a medical condition while at university we recommend that you register for a family doctor at UOHS. Having a consistent healthcare provider can facilitate continuity and coordination of care. Ask your current physician for a brief medical summary of your patient record, as well as copies of current medications, test results andN/Aor treatment recommendations. Bring this summary with you to your first doctor's appointment at UOHS.

Where can I get health products, resources, and information on different health topics while at university? If you are looking for information and tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling schoolwork, your social life, and your job, visit the staff at the Health Promotion Resource Centre at UCU 203 or attend any number of free events such as cooking classes, yoga, and health info sessions taking place across campus and in residence. 

Where can I find information about clinics organized by Health Services, and events organized by Health Promotions teams? UOHS organizes clinics throughout the year (flu shots, immunizations, etc.).  The Health Promotion department and Peer Ed teams also organize a number of fun and informative health events alone or in partnership with campus and community partners.  Visit our website's News and Events page, search for our events on uoCal, or follow us Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date on all the latest news, events, contests, and demos taking place throughout the year. 

How do I get in touch with a specific physician or other health care professional at UOHS? Call the clinic's main number at 613-564-3950 and ask the call centre agent to leave a message for the physician or allied health professional.  Unless your call is an emergency, your call will not be transferred since providers are with other patients during working hours. Your call should be returned within 48hrs.

Why do I have to wait to get through to a call centre agent? We have scheduled our call centre agents so we have the largest number of staff available at peak times.  Despite this, call volume fluctuates and can still be very high resulting in calls being put on hold.  If you are unable to stay on the line please leave us a message.  A call centre agent will get back to you the same day.  Please note that our call centre is also open from 5-8 pm on weekdays and if calling to book or cancel an appointment, you may now do so online (Website). 

How do I get recent test results? Our providers promptly review the results of tests.  Patients whose test results are clinically significant will be contacted for follow-up.  It can take up to 4 weeks before the report of a test result reaches the clinic.  If you have not heard from us by then and would like to review your test result please call us at 613-564-3950 and ask to speak with a nurse. Please note that we do not give test results over the phone. 

How do I contact someone at UOHS if I have concern or a question? Call our main number at 613-564-3950 – we will direct your question to the most appropriate person. You can also complete a patient feedback form.