Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics, Author at Bay College Lockwood Clinic

Do Walk-In Clinics Give Vaccines?

January 12, 2023June 13, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

Toronto’s Bay College Walk-In Clinic is now offering COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and rapid tests in addition to other common immunizations such as the flu shot and tetanus shot. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, BCML proudly provides convenient, affordable non-emergency and preventative care.

Here we will look at everything you need to know about scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine at BCML in Toronto.

How Do I Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment?

Bay College Walk-In Clinic offers two simple ways to make COVID vaccine appointments.

Call for Vaccine Appointments: 416-929-1900

Make an Appointment Online: Make an Appointment

Why Do I Need an Appointment for the COVID Vaccine?

Availability: Vaccines are subject to availability so an appointment ensures your vaccine will be ready when you arrive.

Wait Times: Making an appointment also ensures you will not have a long wait when you arrive for your vaccine.

Social Distancing: Additionally, scheduled appointments help us to minimize the number of people at the clinic at one time. While precautions are being taken and some restrictions may be relaxed, it is still advisable to keep crowds to a minimum and to practice safe social distancing.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Free?

Yes, both the vaccine and booster shots are free to anyone over the age of five.

Who Should Get the COVID-19 Booster?

Currently, it is recommended a fourth dose be administered to people over the age of 50. Additionally, persons of any age who are immunocompromised are also eligible for a fourth dose. This includes individuals who have had organ transplants, are being treated for cancer, or have any condition that suppresses or compromises their immune system.

Other more common conditions can also increase the risk of experiencing more severe COVID symptoms. These conditions include hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Anyone with these conditions is also advised to receive a fourth shot / second booster.

Note, those who initially received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine and then later received a dose of Pfizer or Moderna, are also eligible for a booster. This booster will be a third shot instead of a fourth.

When Can I Get a Fourth COVID-19 Shot?

It is recommended that a second booster, or fourth shot, be administered at least four months after your first booster shot. This fourth shot will either be Pfizer or Moderna, not Janssen.

What are the Symptoms After the Second Booster?

Symptoms will vary from person to person the same way they vary after each dose of vaccine or when the virus is contracted. Redness and soreness at the injection site is one of the most common symptoms. Additionally, some people experience fatigue, headache, chills, and fever. For most, these symptoms begin within a day and also fade within a day or two after the onset.

Is the Second Booster Effective Against New Variants?

With new variants developing it is unclear what level of protection existing vaccines will provide. However, receiving your recommended vaccines and boosters can help your body prepare for known variants.

Moreover, there is no evidence that a second booster is harmful or reduces immunity. Therefore, it remains a recommended measure for anyone who is eligible.

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Test?

BCML is now offering rapid testing for asymptomatic individuals. Whether you are concerned that you may have the virus without symptoms or you require a test for travel purposes, we make it easy to get tested and stay safe.

How to Make an Appointment for a COVID-19 Rapid Test

Rapid tests are by appointment only and can be scheduled through the same methods as the vaccine and boosters.

Call for Rapid Test Appointments: 416-929-1900

Make an Appointment Online: Make an Appointment

Note: Please, select the option “Rapid Test” in the dropdown menu as your reason for your visit.

How Much Does COVID-19 Testing Cost?

Unlike the vaccine and boosters, there is a $40 charge for the test. This helps cover the costs of the test and processing.

If you are concerned about the cost and/or you are unsure if you need a test, make sure to confirm your testing requirements before booking an appointment. Depending on the type of travel you are doing and where you are traveling to can affect when the test must be administered.

Additionally, you will need to look into the protocol in the event that you test positive. Due to these variations, it is important that you have the correct information before testing.

How Long Does it Take to Get the Results of the COVID-19 Rapid Test?

As the name implies, the results are quite rapid and should only take a few minutes. Though there is an increased chance of false results, frequent rapid testing has been shown to be more beneficial than infrequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

PCR testing is more accurate but can take up to three days for results. In many cases, this extra wait time can result in additional spread especially if the person does not have symptoms.

What Vaccines Can I Get from a Walk-In Clinic?

Along with the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters, you can also receive a range of other common vaccines at Bay College Walk-In Clinic. This includes the flu vaccine and DTaP vaccine for tetanus.

While many vaccines are available year round, some may be in shorter supply or have higher volume during certain times of the year. For example, the flu vaccine is more readily on hand in the fall and winter months.

Therefore, we ask you to make an appointment before coming in for any vaccine and calling ahead to ensure the vaccine you need is available.

Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine, Booster or Rapid Test

BCML is here to help get and keep you healthy. Along with scheduled vaccines, we also offer walk-in treatment for non-emergency conditions. Additionally, our clinic also provides diagnostic testing and imaging, dental care, physical therapy, and prescriptions at our on site pharmacy.

To schedule an appointment for your vaccine or to explore any of our other care services, call us at 416-929-1900 or Make an Appointment online.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for International Students in Canada?

January 12, 2023May 20, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

As an international student, you have likely read that health insurance is a requirement in Canada for both international students and university staff members. While this may seem daunting as a new student, there are health insurance programs across Canada which are designed to provide cost-effective care to international students and also for their spouses and dependents who travel to Canada.

You may also purchase overseas health insurance from your home country before traveling to Canada. Your university will require proof of this insurance before you are allowed to officially start classes.

Here we will look at various costs for international health insurance coverage across Canada. We will also cover some of what you can expect from your health insurance plan and how to begin your sign up process.

Cost Range for Health Insurance Cost for International Students

Exact costs and coverage will depend on the province you plan to live in and the plan type you choose. For example, the current rate for international students and university employees in Ontario is $63 per month, per person. This comes out to $756 yearly for each person covered under the plan. The Other provinces have costs closer to $50/month and up to $75/month. These rates are due to Ontario’s participation in the University Health Insurance Plan.

It is also important to note that some expenses will not be covered fully or could even require an additional supplemental insurance. For example, routine dental work is often not covered under most health insurance plans. Physical therapy, eye exams, and prescriptions are other common items that are not likely to be covered.

Types of Health Insurance Plans by Province

If you plan to study in Ontario, you will likely be covered under the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). This plan is specific to the province and provides similar coverage to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) which is for residents. All Ontario universities participate in this plan with the notable exception of the University of Windsor.

In other provinces you will be able to select an insurance plan from an insurance company like Greenshield or Sun Life. Insurance plan types for international students include:

International Travel Medical Insurance

International travel medical insurance is a type of insurance that is for anyone who is traveling abroad including international students. Along with medical coverage for both emergency and non-emergency services, this plan also offers advantages that are especially beneficial to travelers.

This includes things like international coverage, not just in Canada. Additionally, you may also get insurance for lost luggage and other travel assistance. You should purchase this type of insurance in your home country before leaving for Canada. Make sure to check what the plan covers and bring proof of your insurance with you as your university will require this.

International Student Health Insurance

This type of insurance is specifically designed to meet the primary needs of students who are attending school outside their home country. A variety of services are covered under this type of insurance including emergency services, medical evacuation, and treatment for sports injuries which is useful for student athletes.

These plans are often cheaper than other types because they are geared towards single, young, and healthy students. Students who fit these categories do not require extra coverage for dependents and are less likely to need medical attention than other groups.

International Major Medical

Major medical offers flexible coverage options and can help treat and manage pre-existing conditions along with new medical needs. It is a good option for long term coverage as it can be renewed every year whereas some province based plans may have limits on how long coverage can last.

Insurance for Dependents and Spouses

If you are traveling to Canada with a spouse or other dependents, you can add them to your health insurance policy. This is typically a simple process that will involve some key documentation like proof of when your spouse or dependents arrived in Canada.

What is Covered Under International Student Health Plans?

Coverage can vary greatly depending on which province you are studying in and the plan you choose. Generally, you can expect all emergency services to be covered including medically necessary hospital stays and prescriptions you use while in the hospital.

Supplemental Insurances

Prescriptions: Prescriptions are often not included in a standard health insurance plan. However, Canada strives to keep the costs of prescriptions down by negotiating with the companies making the medications so they are often still affordable without coverage.

Dental, Hearing and Vision: Non-emergency dental and vision services are not often covered in a standard health insurance plan. If you do require emergency medical treatment due to an injury or other damage such as developing an abscess in your tooth, this will typically be covered by your standard insurance but a regular checkup will not be. Supplemental insurance will cover the costs of things like eye exams and regular dental checkups.

Other Items: Other services that are likely to not be covered or limited are chiropractic services, cosmetic surgery, some elective surgeries, and physical therapy. If you are concerned about any of these areas, you may want to look into other supplemental plans.

What is Covered?

Coverage, like costs, will vary from province to province but you can generally expect that all emergency care will be covered. Other commonly covered items include diagnostic services, psychiatric treatment, paramedic services, some counseling services. It is important to remember that you may still owe a copay or will need to reach a certain level of out of pocket costs before insurance will cover the rest.

Get Help with Your International Student Health Insurance

Navigating the world of health insurance can be difficult but BCML is here to help. We provide a wide range of non-emergency medical services including routine dental work, diagnostics and testing, along with physical therapy, and x-rays.

Call our team of caring physicians at 416-929-1900 to schedule an appointment today.

How Do I Add My Spouse to UHIP?

January 12, 2023May 11, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

The University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) provides health insurance for international students and employees of most Ontario Universities. University of Windsor is the primary exception to this coverage. When you have UHIP you may also be able to access some covered health services outside the province and even outside the country but this is mostly limited to emergency medical care only.

Overall, UHIP is a beneficial program that allows international students and university employees to access health care at an affordable price. This is particularly important in Canada where you are required to have health insurance even if you do not qualify for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Here we will look at what UHIP is, what it covers, who is eligible, and everything else you need to know about your UHIP coverage.

What is UHIP?

UHIP offers an affordable alternative to other private health insurance plans in Ontario. Its coverage is similar to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) though there are differences in coverage. For example, OHIP provides prescription coverage for those under the age of 25 while UHIP does not. Additionally, there is a monthly fee for UHIP while OHIP is tax funded.

How is UHIP Funded?

UHIP is a non-profit program that is funded by monthly payments from members. Monthly payments can fluctuate and will differ depending on how many individuals are covered under your plan. For example, the lowest price will be for a single individual and this will go up if you have a partner or dependents covered under the plan.

Currently, you can expect to pay around $63 per month for each covered person. While this cost may rise at any time, one of the goals of the program is to keep monthly premiums at an affordable level.

Coverage for Spouses and Dependents Under UHIP

When you are studying or working at an Ontario university, your spouse or dependent children are also required to have coverage. UHIP makes this relatively easy and affordable to accomplish.

You can start the process of enrolling your spouse or dependents by visiting the UHIP office of your university and filling out an application form. You will also need passports for each of the dependents you are seeking coverage for to verify they have arrived in Canada.

Note: It is important that you enroll your dependents within 30 days of their arrival in Canada. While they can still enroll after this period, you will be charged a late fee which is currently $500. Failing to enroll on time can make this affordable program considerably more expensive.

What Does UHIP Cover?

UHIP covers a wide range of services including emergency, diagnostics and testing, routine doctor visits, many specialist services and more. Here are some of the most common services and service categories, however; this is not an exhaustive list. If you do not see the service you are looking for, contact the UHIP office at your university.

Hospital Services: Emergency and medically necessary hospital stays are generally covered. However, you will need pre-approval for non-emergency and elective surgeries. If your hospital stay and procedure are approved, your meals, lab work, and medications administered during your stay will all be covered. Prescriptions required after your hospital stay will not be covered.

Doctor Visits: Visits to a general practitioner or family doctor are covered and include annual checkups, prenatal care, treatment of illness and injury, and anesthesia in case of surgery.

Eye and Vision Care: Vision care is available for those under 19 and over 65 including annual checkups. If you are between 20 and 64 you may receive coverage for annual exams if you have certain conditions affecting vision including diabetes, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Diagnostic Services: Lab analysis, x-rays, and other diagnostics will be covered when ordered by a physician and/or performed as part of an approved hospital stay.

Ambulance Transportation: Similar to diagnostic services, ambulance transportation is covered when it has been deemed necessary by a physician.

Dental Surgery: Dental surgery that requires a hospital stay including corrective jaw surgery and bone grafting will be covered. This typically includes any dental procedures that are considered emergencies.

What Percentage Does UHIP Cover?

UHIP is intended to pay the full cost of all covered services. However, some physicians may have higher rates than the UHIP reimbursement maximum. In this case, you will be responsible for paying the difference. If you are concerned about this, consult with your doctor and contact your UHIP office at your school to check on coverage amounts.

What Does UHIP NOT Cover?

Private Hospital Room Accomodations: Private room accommodations are typically not covered. You may be able to get coverage with pre-approval so if this is important to you, reach out to UHIP at your university before asking for a private room.

Elective Surgeries: Some elective surgeries may be covered with pre-approval but this is not the norm. To avoid unexpected bills, make sure to seek approval from UHIP before proceeding.

Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is covered in some instances including for those over 65 and under 18. If you are between 19 and 64 you will be covered for physiotherapy only if it is administered as part of a hospital stay. Non-hospital physiotherapy for those 19 to 64 is not covered.

Dental Care: While some dental services including surgery are covered, regular checkups are not covered. However, patients with certain conditions such as a compromised immune system or who have mental or physical impairments may receive coverage with pre-approval.

Prescriptions: Prescriptions are not covered under UHIP unless administered as part of a hospital stay. However, the Canadian government works to keep the costs of prescriptions as low as possible so do not let this deter you from receiving necessary prescriptions.

UHIP Coverage Outside of Ontario

UHIP coverage in Canada but outside of Ontario is limited to emergency services. If you plan to travel outside of Canada, it is best to obtain traveler’s insurance since UHIP will not apply even in emergency situations.

Find a UHIP Doctor

UHIP is accepted throughout Canada but if you are new to the country it can be difficult to find medical professionals for all your needs. At Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic, we offer a range of non-emergency medical services including dental care, physiotherapy, and diagnostics. For fast and convenient care for your medical needs, contact us at 416-929-1900.

What Does UHIP Cover?

January 12, 2023April 25, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

Here we will look at what UHIP is, what it covers, who is eligible, and everything else you need to know about your UHIP coverage.

What is UHIP?

How is UHIP Funded?

Coverage for Spouses and Dependents Under UHIP

When you are studying or working at an Ontario university, your spouse or dependent children are also required to have coverage. UHIP makes this relatively easy and affordable to accomplish.

What Does UHIP Cover?

Doctor Visits: Visits to a general practitioner or family doctor are covered and include annual checkups, prenatal care, treatment of illness and injury, and anesthesia in case of surgery.

Diagnostic Services: Lab analysis, x-rays, and other diagnostics will be covered when ordered by a physician and/or performed as part of an approved hospital stay.

Ambulance Transportation: Similar to diagnostic services, ambulance transportation is covered when it has been deemed necessary by a physician.

What Percentage Does UHIP Cover?

What Does UHIP NOT Cover?

Elective Surgeries: Some elective surgeries may be covered with pre-approval but this is not the norm. To avoid unexpected bills, make sure to seek approval from UHIP before proceeding.

UHIP Coverage Outside of Ontario

Find a UHIP Doctor

How much is a doctor visit without OHIP?

January 12, 2023March 8, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan provides free medical care for Ontario citizens and long term residents. However, this leaves a gap in insurance coverage for anyone who is visiting the province, has not resided in Ontario for at least three months, or who only lives in Canada part-time. Additionally, some medical services are not covered under OHIP even for residents.

Here we will look at how much a doctor visit costs without OHIP and other key facts about who is eligible for OHIP and which services are covered. Regardless of your insurance status, you can also contact the BCML walk-in clinic at 416-925-6677.

Cost of a Doctor Visit Without OHIP

When determining the cost of a doctor’s visit without OHIP, several factors will affect the cost. One of the most important factors is simply where you are seeking treatment. There is no standardized cost for doctors’ visits in Ontario and specialists will typically be more costly than a general practitioner.

Additionally, there is a different cost for uninsured Canadian residents from other provinces versus an uninsured person who resides outside the country. That being said, you can expect a walk-in clinic visit to cost an average of $100CDN. This may be higher or lower but this is an average estimate of what most patients are likely to be charged.

Who is Not Covered by OHIP?

OHIP, most notably, does not cover non-residents. However, there are several factors that may also leave you uninsured. Here are some of the most common reasons you might not be covered and what you can do to become or remain eligible.

Part-Time Residents: In order to be considered for OHIP you must maintain Ontario as your primary residence. This means residing in the province for at least 153 days out of the year.
Mobile Worker/Student Status: A workaround for those who will not physically be in Ontario for 153 days is to fulfill the requirements for a mobile worker or student. This includes living in the province for at least two years prior to moving and providing proof that Ontario is still your primary residence. For a complete list of requirements, consult the Ontario Ministry of Health website.
3-Month Residency: In most cases, you must make Ontario your primary residence for at least three months before being eligible for OHIP. You must also plan to physically reside in Ontario for 153 out of the first 183 days after becoming eligible. Additional details and requirements can also be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health Website.
Exemptions: There are several exemptions to the 3-month rule and the 153/183 day rule. Mobile workers and students do not need to meet the requirement of living in the province for 153 out of 183 of their first days. Additionally, children under 16 years of age who have been adopted by Ontario citizens will not be subject to the 3 months rule and will receive coverage upon living in the province.

Visitors: Visitors, travelers, and tourists will not have coverage under OHIP. Instead, Canadian residents from other provinces should receive coverage from their own province’s health plan or from Canadian Medicare, which is the national health plan.

What is Not Covered by OHIP?

While OHIP provides coverage for a wide range of services, there are items that are not covered even for those who are eligible for the program. When considering the cost of a doctor’s visit in Ontario, these potential additional costs should also be considered.

Doctor’s Notes: If you need a doctor’s note for work, school, jury duty, or other reason, this will not be covered. For basic notes like the ones needed to verify illness or injury to a child’s school, the cost is around $20 but can range up to $80 for a jury duty note.
Prescription Drugs: Generally, prescription drugs are only covered when administered during a hospital stay. Additionally, those over 65 will also have their prescriptions covered.
Eye and Dental Care: With the exception of those who are on financial assistance, dental care is not covered. Eye care is also typically not covered.
Other Treatments: A variety of other treatments may also not be covered. These include physical therapy and chiropractic sessions.
Medical Supplies: One of the more surprising costs that OHIP does not cover includes some medical supplies such as crutches, casts, and splints.
Mental Health Services: The rules regarding mental health coverage under OHIP can be difficult to navigate. While psychiatry, medicine based therapy, is typically covered, talk therapy may not be. Before committing to any kind of mental health therapy it is best to check if it is covered under OHIP.

Options for Coverage without OHIP

Your options for coverage without OHIP will depend on your individual situation. For those who are visiting from outside Canada, some form of traveler’s insurance is best. What will be available is dependent on your home country but is a good investment no matter the circumstances when traveling.

For those who need coverage for the three months before they are eligible for OHIP, you can choose lower cost care options such as a walk-in clinic or community health center. However, a private healthcare plan will provide the best coverage during this time. Private insurance will even help with costs that would not typically be covered by OHIP for eligible residents. Due to this, private insurance may be worth the cost if you find you continue to have many out of pocket expenses even with OHIP.

Find Treatment without Insurance in Toronto

If you are not covered by OHIP in Toronto, it can be difficult to find the treatment you need. At BCML, we understand the unique needs of all of our patients, both insured and uninsured. We will work with you to create a plan that works for your health, your schedule, and budget.

We offer everything from standard physicals and blood work to dental care and more advanced diagnostics. To schedule an appointment and learn more about what BCML can do to help you manage your health goals, call us at 416-925-6677.

10 Important Eye Care Tips

January 12, 2023February 24, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

With many Canadians spending the majority of their waking hours looking at a screen, our eyes go through a lot of strain. This is especially true if you have a job that requires you to be on a computer for a large portion of your day. However, eye care is important for everyone. Even those with outdoor jobs must consider the effect of sunlight and the elements on their eyes.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce strain and keep your eyes healthy. Here we will look at eye care tips to improve and maintain eye health.

Manage Diabetes: Take steps to avoid developing diabetes or, if you already have diabetes, work to manage your condition with diet, exercise, and medication. Diabetes affects your organs and total health, including your eyes. This common disease can cause a condition known as diabetic retinopathy which is damage to the blood vessels of the eyes. Early signs of this can include any kind of changes to vision including blurry vision and seeing dark spots or floaters.

Get Regular Exercise: Ideally, you should strive for at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise each day or around 150 minutes each week. Exercise can help you control or prevent diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all of which can negatively impact eye health. If you are new to exercise, walking at a moderate pace can be adequate for maintaining weight and getting the vision benefits.

Wear Sunglasses: While sunscreen is a common outdoor protection, many people underestimate the importance of protecting your eyes as well. Look for sunglasses that block out UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Look Away from Your Screen: While fully stepping away from your computer on a regular basis is good for your health, it is not always possible. Instead, strive to give your eyes a 20 second break for every 20 minutes you are looking at a screen.

Do this by simply looking away from the screen and focusing on a point in the distance for 20 seconds. You can also reduce the negative impact of screen time on your eyes by using a filter or protective covering to block blue light.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is typically associated with lung damage but it can affect your other organs and total health as well including your eyes. Smoking increases your risk of a variety of diseases and conditions including vision loss. One of the primary ways smoking can affect your eyes is by raising your blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is linked to developing glaucoma which increases pressure on the optic nerve.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish can help to care for your vision. Strive to also eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables while avoiding excessive sodium and sugar. While various nutrients are good for the eyes, the real benefit of a healthy diet is that it can help you to control high blood pressure and avoid weight gain. Both of these factors can impact your vision and other organs.

Update Eyewear Prescriptions: If you wear glasses, make sure to keep up with regular appointments. While eye exams are important for everyone, those with glasses must be extra vigilant in ensuring they have the correct eyewear. Wearing outdated prescription glasses or contact lenses can put unnecessary strain on your eyes while also making it more difficult to see.

Also, keep in mind that a simple vision test administered by an optometrist is not the same as a full eye exam. With an exam, the doctor will both visually examine your eye and conduct other tests as needed.

Practice Eye Safety: Along with wearing sunglasses outside, you should also protect eyes when playing sports or performing any kind of work where your eyes may be at risk. For example, those who work in construction or operate certain machinery should always wear safety goggles. Whether you are new and inexperienced or if you are a seasoned pro, protective eyewear is key.

Similarly, you should also be safe when it comes to hygiene around your eyes. Contact lenses should always be kept clean and replaced when necessary. Wearing old or dirty lenses can easily lead to infection, eye damage, and vision issues.

Manage Other Risks: Each person will have different risk factors when it comes to any health concern. Knowing your own can help you to manage them and avoid worse issues. For some, risk factors can include obesity, advanced age, genetics, and other diseases like diabetes. Eating healthfully and exercising can help to reduce the risk of many of these other factors.

Get Regular Eye Exams: Though there are many things you can do in your everyday life for your eye health, this does not take the place of regular eye exams. Eye exams will not only give you insight into the state of your vision but can also reveal signs of other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even some cancers,

Fortunately, eye exams are not needed that frequently in order to be effective and generally take a half hour or less for most patients. For those under 40 without vision issues, every five years is recommended. After 40, you should schedule an eye exam every other year. Those 55 and older should go once a year.

Find an Eye Exam Doctor in Toronto

Finding a new doctor can be an intimidating experience. At BCML we offer comprehensive eye care solutions from doctors and medical professionals right in the heart of Toronto. We strive to make caring for your vision and total health both easy and effective with our vision services along with dental care, heart health care, and physical therapy.

Whether you need a routine eye exam, prescription lenses, or advanced eye care, BCML is here for you. To schedule your eye exam, please contact us at 416-925-6677

How Do I Choose A Family Doctor?

January 12, 2023February 15, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

Choosing a family doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health. A family doctor is a primary care physician who can treat patients of all ages and is your first point of contact for all your healthcare needs. As such, when you match with the right doctor they will help you on your health journey for many years to come.

However, it is possible to get a doctor who does not suit your needs. Whether it is a simple matter of location or a more complicated issue of personality, having the wrong primary care physician can often lead to patients avoiding the doctor altogether.

Here we will look at how you can make an informed decision about choosing the right family doctor for you. Will also define what a family doctor does and why it is important to have one.

What is a Family Doctor?

As the name implies, a family doctor has the knowledge and experience to treat the whole family from infants up to older adults. While other doctors will specialize in a particular discipline, family doctors have experience in a broad range of areas.

This wealth of medical knowledge makes this type of primary care physician ideal for caring for everything from the common cold to infections and injuries. They can also order blood tests, refer you to mental health professionals, and prescribe drugs and treatments for most health concerns.

However, while a family doctor can provide care and insight into most common health concerns, they will not be able to treat or diagnose more complex or rare issues. When your primary care physician cannot treat or diagnose you they will refer you to a specialist.

Why Should You Have a Family Doctor?

There are many reasons to have a family doctor but most importantly is that you will have an established relationship with a doctor when a health issue arises. Those who do not have a primary care physician when they are sick often find themselves scrambling to find a doctor or going to urgent care.

This established relationship is not only convenient, it can get you better care. A doctor who has treated you before will have a better idea of your medical history and the treatments that are more likely to work for you.

Additionally, a family doctor will also be able to recommend you to specialists as needed. A referral is often necessary and even when it is not, having a recommendation from a trusted doctor is advantageous compared to finding a specialist on your own. They are also integral to helping you manage chronic illnesses.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Family Doctor

Location

When searching for a primary care physician, it is always best to choose one that is located within a reasonable distance from your home or work. While it might initially seem acceptable to widen the search to find a physician who is the best fit, you must consider how likely you are to travel that far for regular appointments. This factor is particularly important if you need more frequent appointments to manage chronic conditions.

Who Will Be Treated

Are you searching for a primary care physician just for yourself or one who can treat your whole family? One of the best advantages of a family doctor is that many will see patients from young children all the way up to senior adults. This can be especially advantageous if you have children as you may be able to schedule appointments for yourself and children at the same time when necessary.

If you plan to take multiple family members to the same doctor, look for one who specifically treats patients of all ages. While all family doctors will have training to see a wide age range of patients, some may have additional specialization in child or elder care.

Patient Ratings

Patient ratings are often a good place to start when deciding if a doctor is right for you. Do a simple internet search for your potential doctor and look for reviews, potential complaints against them, and any other information you can find.

However, keep in mind that not all patient reviews will be relevant to your needs. For example, a patient may give a doctor a negative review because they moved their practice to a location further away. While this was not a good experience for that patient, this current location could be right for you. Therefore, make sure you read the reason for negative and positive reviews as opposed to only looking at an overall score.

Is the Doctor a Good Fit for You

While ratings from other patients are a helpful starting point, they cannot tell you how you will personally get along with a new doctor. When possible, you should seek to have a consultation with a new doctor and avoid committing to any doctor you may not feel comfortable with.

One very basic way of choosing who might be best for you, is to consider the doctor’s gender and age. While all family doctors will have the same broad medical knowledge, some may be a better fit for you if they are the same gender or similar in age. Oftentimes, patients find it is easier discussing private matters with a doctor who is the same gender and who is, therefore, more likely to have similar, personal experiences.

Find a Family Doctor in Toronto

Ready to find the right primary care physician for you? BCML is here to help. Our clinic offers experienced and compassionate primary care physicians along with dental care, physiotherapy, pharmacy, diagnostics and more. Conveniently located in the heart of Toronto, BCML’s wide range of medical services makes it easy to stay on top of all your healthcare needs. Walk-in services are also available. To learn more or to book an appointment, contact us at 416-929-1900.

Difference Between Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics?

January 28, 2022January 25, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

At the most basic level “walk-in” medical care is care you can receive without a prior appointment. Technically, this can describe a variety of medical facilities including retail clinics, urgent care facilities, community health centers, and emergency rooms. However, while both urgent care and walk-in clinics qualify under this definition, there are distinct differences between the two.

Overall, an urgent care facility has greater capabilities than a walk-in clinic while neither is as robust as an emergency room. Here we will look at the services typically offered at urgent care vs. walk-in clinics and when to visit each.

What is a Walk-In Clinic?

The term “walk-in clinic” refers to medical facilities that do not require an appointment and can provide care for many non life-threatening health concerns. However, walk-in clinic is sometimes used to refer to what is also known as a “retail clinic.”

While most non retail clinics are free standing facilities or part of larger medical complexes, a retail clinic is most often located inside a pharmacy. Originally intended to provide basic medical care in underserved communities, retail clinics can provide immunizations, prescription refills, and screening for common health concerns like high blood pressure. Some may also be able to diagnose and treat common illnesses like strep throat.

In contrast, a free standing walk-in clinic will provide everything a retail clinic does with the addition of services like blood testing, x-rays and treatment for a wider range of injuries and illnesses.

What is Urgent Care?

Urgent care has many of the same services as a walk-in clinic but has an emphasis on treatment for non life threatening, but urgent matters. This would include treatment for minor wounds, sprains, simple breaks, and burns. An urgent care will also have greater diagnostic capabilities than a retail clinic including blood testing, x-rays, and urinalysis. Additionally, urgent care will usually have a doctor on staff while a retail clinic will have a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.

When to Go to Urgent Care Vs a Walk-In Clinic

While urgent care and walk-in clinics have similarities, each is better for different situations. Things to consider before choosing include the severity of your injury, hours of operation, and if an emergency room or your primary care physician may be a better choice.

Immunizations: For vaccines and other routine shots, a walk-in clinic is likely to be your best option. However, your primary care physician is also a good choice if you can get an appointment.

Physical: A physical and other basic health screenings can be performed at a walk-in clinic like Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic. If you need specific testing, however; it is best to call ahead to ensure the clinic offers that service since walk-in clinics can vary greatly. At BCML we offer a full range of diagnostic services to help with regular check-ups and diagnosis of specific ailments.

Minor Infections or Illness: For health concerns such as strep throat, urinary tract infection, low grade fever, or small rash, a walk-in clinic is typically best. However, if any of these issues is severe, an urgent care may be a better choice. Similarly, for a high fever that will not break in 3 days or less it is likely time for an emergency room visit..

Bone Breaks: While an urgent care and some walk-in clinics can handle simple sprains and some fractures, this is usually a matter for the emergency room.

Major Accidents: Car accidents, burns, head injuries, chest pains, signs of stroke and any other potentially life-threatening condition should be treated at an emergency room. Urgent care may be able to help with some of these conditions but they are more likely to direct you to an emergency room so it is better to go there first.

Other Considerations

Hours of Operation: One major determining factor is when you need treatment. Generally, a retail walk-in clinic will be open the same hours as the pharmacy it is located in. An urgent care, on the other hand, will typically have extended hours into the later evening and on the weekend. However, even with extended hours, an urgent care may not be 24/7. If you need care in the middle of the night or during the weekend, an hospital emergency room may be the only option.

Where You Will Receive the Fastest Care: While an emergency room is the most likely to have the tools for just about any injury, it can pose the issue of extreme wait times. Also, patients with the most severe issues will be seen first. Therefore, while you should always seek emergency attention when it is needed, try to utilize a walk-in clinic or urgent care whenever possible.

Should You Wait to See Your Primary Care Doctor: When your health concerns are not urgent or an emergency, a visit to your doctor may be more beneficial. Your physician will have your medical history on file and be better able to assess your overall health. If possible, call your doctor to describe your symptoms and see what their recommendation is.

Virtual Doctor Appointments: Virtual appointments have some obvious limitations but they can be a convenient way to consult with your doctor quickly. In a virtual meeting, your doctor may be able to provide advice for at-home care of a variety of illnesses and injuries. They may also be able to diagnose some visible health concerns such as rashes.

Urgent Care & Walk-In Clinics Downtown Toronto

Both urgent care and walk-in clinics can treat and diagnose a wide variety of health concerns while allowing you to skip long wait times for an appointment with your doctor, or the emergency room.

If you need the services of a walk-in clinic in Toronto, Bay College Medical & Lockwood Diagnostic is here to help. Along with care for illness and injury, we also offer dental care, physiotherapy, cardiology, blood testing, hearing tests, and eye exams. For help with your total health, call BCML today at 416-929-1900.

Should I Go to the Hospital or Walk-In Clinic?

January 17, 2022January 14, 2022 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

When you’re in pain or injured, you want quality care as quickly as possible. While the hospital may seem like an obvious choice, many times a walk-in clinic can provide the same care but much faster.

As a general rule, many non life threatening injuries can be treated more quickly at a walk-in clinic or an urgent care versus a hospital. Here we will look more closely at when to go to the hospital versus when to go to a walk-in clinic. Need medical help now? Contact the BCML Toronto walk-in clinic at 416-929-1900.

Is Walk-In Care Different from Urgent Care?

To understand why one option might be better than another, it is good to start by knowing the difference between walk-in care, urgent care, emergency room care, and visiting your primary care physician.

First, aside from a primary care physician, all of these offer medical attention without appointment. However, an urgent care or walk-in facility may require an appointment for certain items such as vaccination shots or because of current covid precautions. Additionally, there are three types of walk-in clinic options to be aware of.

Retail Clinic Vs. Full Service Walk-In Clinic

The term “walk-in clinic” can be confusing as it can sometimes refer to an urgent care facility but it can also be used for a retail clinic or a full service clinic. Here are some important differences to be aware of.

Retail Clinic: A retail clinic is one that is typically located inside of a pharmacy drug store. Here, you can get vaccinations, flu shots, diagnosis of common viruses/infections like strep throat, preventative testing for high blood pressure, and treatment for minor injuries like small rashes or burns.

Full Service Walk-In Clinic: A walk-in clinic that is not located in a pharmacy offers a more robust range of services including blood testing, more extensive diagnostic testing, and treatment for more severe but not life-threatening injuries. At BCML walk-in clinic, we offer primary care doctor visits, optometry services, dental care and much more.

Community Center Walk-In Care: Depending on where you live, you may also have a community health center nearby. Services offered at these facilities can vary but they often provide similar services to a retail walk-in clinic along with STD testing, pregnancy tests, and sometimes prescription birth control.

Urgent Care: Urgent care facilities will typically have at least one doctor on staff at a time along with nurses and physician’s assistants.

What Urgent Care Can Treat: An urgent care can treat and diagnose a wide range of injuries and illnesses including sprains, common colds, minor burns, lesions, rashes, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, etc.

What Urgent Care Cannot Treat: While urgent care has many capabilities, it cannot treat emergency situations. This includes chest pain, major bone breaks, major burns, hemorrhaging, and anything that is immediately life threatening. An urgent care is not guaranteed to have the necessary equipment to treat these emergency situations so it is not the best choice when you are experiencing these situations.

Hospital Emergency Room: An emergency room will have doctors, nurses, surgeons and often some specialists on staff along with the most comprehensive diagnostic equipment.

What an Emergency Room Can Treat: There is very little that an emergency room cannot treat, but that does not mean it is the best option every time.

What an Emergency Room Cannot Treat: While an emergency room can treat nearly any injury, it is likely to be a very slow option unless you have an obviously life-threatening issue. If your injuries are significant enough, you will be prioritized in an ER, however; keep in mind there are likely to be many people waiting. An ER is also not the place to seek help with chronic illnesses you would normally see your primary care physician for.

Should I Wait to Get Medical Care?

Depending on when you require medical attention, a hospital may be your only option. This is because walk-in clinics and urgent care facilities do keep business hours while an emergency room is open 24/7.

However, since the majority of what a walk-in clinic and urgent care treats will be non-emergency situations, this should not be an issue. Generally, if you have injuries or an illness that could be treated at a walk-in clinic or urgent care, it is likely ok to wait until a clinic opens.

For example, a sprained wrist or ankle can be soothed at home with ice packs, over the counter pain relievers and rest. If the pain persists for several days or you cannot put weight on the injury without severe pain, it may need further medical evaluation by your primary care physician or at an urgent care.

When Should You Go to the Hospital?

While there are many reasons an emergency room visit may not be necessary, it is still better to be cautious. Generally, if you feel that you are in need of emergency care, you should go to the ER or call 911.

Some situations when an ER visit is definitely needed include: when you have been in a serious car accident or fall, if you have severe chest pain, have broken a bone, have a head injury, are vomiting blood, drug overdose, seizures, and major burns. A fever is typically not a reason for an ER visit, however; if the fever is above 39.4C and includes a severe headache and/or rash, you will need to go to the hospital.

When Should You Go to a Walk-In Clinic: Along with services like blood and urine testing, a walk-in clinic is a better option when you have symptoms such as a sore throat, minor cuts or sprains. At a full-service walk-in clinic like BCML, you can also get help with managing chronic conditions, dental care, and regular check-ups.

Conclusion

If you have a sudden injury, illness, or pain it can be frightening. Fortunately, there are several options for you to seek care. While an emergency room can provide help, your wait times are likely to be significant. Instead, opt for a walk-in clinic any time you have non life threatening concerns.

Not sure where to get help? BCML is here to assist in managing your total health including eye exams, blood testing, treatment for common colds and infections, minor sprains and burns, physiotherapy, and dental care. To book an appointment or talk to a member of our healthcare team, call us at 416-929-1900.

Difference between X-ray and Ultrasound

December 14, 2021December 13, 2021 by Bay College Medical and Lockwood Diagnostics

Advancements in medical technology have made it possible to see inside the body with painless, noninvasive measures. These include x-rays and ultrasounds along with MRIs and CT scans. Each of these works in different ways and has different applications.

However, one thing remains consistent across each of these types of diagnostic imaging: they are safer, easier, and more comfortable than invasive measures. Therefore, even though it can be daunting when your doctor says you need one of these types of imaging, rest assured they will often be far simpler than patients expect.

Here we will look at the differences between x-rays and ultrasounds and the best uses for each.

Main Difference Between X-Ray and Ultrasound

Though there are many differences between how an ultrasound and x-ray works and how they are performed, the main difference a patient should understand is what each is used for. Ultrasound is used primarily for diagnostic imaging of soft tissue while x-rays are primarily used to see bone and some dense tissue areas.

For example, if you have a broken bone, an x-ray will be used. However, if you have a sprain or injury to the muscle, an ultrasound will be ordered. For injuries impacting both bones and soft tissue, your doctor may order both.

What is an X-Ray and How Does it Work?

An x-ray is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses electromagnetic waves to get a picture of what is on the inside of your body. Specifically, it uses radiation to see through the layers of skin and other tissue in order to produce an image of your bones. This is possible because each part of your body absorbs x-ray energy at different rates.

So, while an x-ray may be able to pass through your skin, your bones are too dense. Therefore, the bones will show up white on an x-ray image while lungs, heart, and other organs will be dark. With this method, your doctor will be able to see breaks, fractures, and other abnormalities in your bones. Similarly, foreign objects will often be visible on an x-ray, making it an important tool for locating and removing metal and other materials that may become lodged in the body.

Are X-Rays Safe?

X-rays do expose you to radiation, however; the amount is typically quite small. For example, a chest x-ray exposes a patient to around the same amount of radiation you would naturally receive from the environment over a week and a half. Though the idea of radiation can be alarming, it is important to remember that radiation is already part of our environment. Moreover, the findings available from an x-ray can save you from surgery, make a surgery more effective, and help to catch health problems early.

What are X-Rays Used For?

X-rays, as mentioned above, are most often used to view bone fractures and breaks. However, they are also used for imaging for the following:

Detecting certain cancers
Locating bone tumors
Dental imaging
Swallowing difficulty (dysphagia)
Lung problems
Certain heart conditions
Imaging to assist surgeons in certain procedures

What is an Ultrasound and How Does it Work?

An ultrasound, also called sonography, uses soundwaves to produce an image of your internal organs and other soft tissues. These sound waves are produced by a device called a transducer. This device sends out soundwaves and can also sense the sounds echoed back. Through these echoes, an image is formed of the area being observed.

Most often, a transducer is placed on the skin in order to produce an image of the tissues underneath. However, for certain conditions and issues and to produce the highest quality images, probes may be put on the inside of the body as well.

What is the Gel in Ultrasounds For?

If you have ever had an ultrasound or seen one performed, you have likely seen the technician spread a kind of gel on the skin before beginning the procedure. This gel creates a better seal between your skin and the ultrasound device, preventing any air pockets. This is necessary since ultrasound waves may be impeded by air.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?’

3D ultrasound imaging was first invented in the 1980s and became increasingly sophisticated. By the 90s it had become fairly common and was frequently used to assess pregnancy health. In the decades since its inception, there have been no risks detected.

Why Would You Need an Ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are used for a wide range of reasons, including both diagnostic reasons and therapeutic. It is most commonly used to check the health of a developing fetus since it does not pose a radiation concern like an x-ray does. These are some other common uses for ultrasounds:

Detect thyroid issues
Examine tumors
Assess inflammation of the joints
Assist in a prostate exam
Check blood flow through the veins
Detect gallbladder disease

Note, while ultrasounds are useful they do have significant limitations. Along with not being a good tool for producing images of bones, it also cannot take images of areas filled with air, such as the lungs. Just as a gel is needed to prevent air from forming between the skin and the transducer, the air in the lungs will block soundwaves.

CT Scans and MRIs

CT scans and MRIs are the other common diagnostic imaging tools. With an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) a magnetic field along with radio frequencies are used to produce a full body image. Your doctor may order this for a number of reasons as it is one of the best ways to get a total body scan of your internal organs and skeletal structure.

MRIs are commonly used to diagnose and assess issues with joints, the brain, heart, and blood vessels.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) takes a series of x-ray images to produce an image of everything from soft tissues to skeletal structure and even blood vessels.

CT scans are commonly used to diagnose and assess issues with bone fractures, tumors, and internal bleeding.

Both CT Scans and MRIs are less common than ultrasounds and x-rays. Both produce a more complete image of internal structures, but this may not be necessary in all situations. This is why your doctor will not order one unless necessary.

Where Can I Get Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging is an important part of diagnosing and treating various conditions. At BCML we offer each of these imaging services for your health and convenience. To schedule your appointment, call our caring team at 416-929-1900.