Ardelt Medical Clinic

How do I renew my prescriptions so OHIP covers the cost?

• Call the office (519-741-1717) or book a prescription renewal appointment online. 

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​What if my prescription needs urgent renewal?​

• Withdrawal can occur if there is interruption to daily opioid pain medications or daily antidepressant/antianxiety treatments. 

• Speak with a receptionist directly to be provided with a last-minute in-person renewal appointment within 1-3 business days. The office reserves a limited number of these to mitigate prescription refill emergencies. 

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​How do I prepare for my in person prescription renewal appointment?

• Bring in all your pill bottles or blister packs for physician review

• Know which prescriptions are due for renewal ahead of time

• Prepare to address further medical concerns in a separate appointment.

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Why are these appointments only offered in person?

• In-person renewal appointments ensure safe, efficient care by allowing for:

  • Necessary physical exams or measurements to take place

  • Provision of lab requisitions (as applicable)

  • Accurate medication reconciliation via prescription bottle review - especially important for prescriptions from specialists

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​There are no last-minute appointment slots available in 1-3 business days. What happens next?

• The cost of the prescription renewal will be assumed by the clinic and your renewal will be processed without the need for in-person appointment. 

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​I have been offered an available last-minute appointment slot, but it doesn't work for me. What are my options? ​

• If you’re unable to take a last-minute appointment, you have a few options:

  • Wait for the next available OHIP-covered appointment.

  • Pay for a prescription renewal without an appointment.

  • Pay to have your pharmacy extend your prescription.

• It's important to plan ahead to ensure your medications are renewed on time. While we try to accommodate last-minute needs, the clinic cannot be responsible for lapses in medication due to the failure of poor patient planning.

• If you’re facing extenuating circumstances or financial hardship, please speak with reception. We’re here to listen and may consider policy exceptions on compassionate grounds.

 

​​My prescriptions were renewed by the doctor for many years without appointments or charges, why the change?

• For many years, Dr. Penhearow has kindly renewed prescriptions outside of appointments without charging for the time it takes to do so – even though this has always been an uninsured service.

• Due to increasing demands on family doctors, more complex patient needs, and ongoing underfunding of family medicine in Ontario, Dr. Penhearow can no longer offer this service free of charge.