Patient policies

At NovaMed Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing safe, respectful, and high-quality healthcare. These policies help maintain a positive environment for patients, families, and our healthcare team.

1. Respectful behaviour policy

We expect all patients and visitors to treat our physicians, staff, and other patients with respect. NovaMed Medical Clinic has a zero-tolerance policy for:

• Verbal or physical abuse
• Threatening or aggressive behaviour
• Discrimination or harassment of any kind

Violations may result in a formal warning, review of the physician-patient relationship, termination of care, and/or restriction from the clinic premises. In situations involving safety concerns, appropriate authorities may be contacted.

2. AI-assisted documentation policy

NovaMed Medical Clinic uses a secure, Health Canada compliant AI documentation assistant to support clinical note preparation. The technology:

• Helps improve documentation efficiency
• Does not make medical decisions
• Does not replace physician assessment or clinical judgment

All clinical notes are reviewed and finalized by the treating physician. Patient information remains confidential and is handled according to Canadian privacy requirements. Read the full notice.

3. Test results and referral follow-up

Patients are responsible for following up on investigations and referrals.

• If you have not received communication regarding test results or next steps within 14 days of completing a test ordered by NovaMed, please contact the clinic.
• If you have not heard from the clinic, specialist, or testing facility within 60 days of a referral, please contact us for an update.

Please ensure your contact information is current.

4. ADHD assessment and stimulant medication policy

NovaMed Medical Clinic follows evidence-based ADHD care practices.

• New ADHD diagnoses must be completed by a registered psychiatrist or qualified specialist.
• Ongoing ADHD medication management may be provided by our primary care team in collaboration with specialist recommendations.
• Patients prescribed stimulant medications are required to complete an ADHD Informed Consent and Treatment Agreement and attend appropriate follow-up appointments.

5. Walk-in clinic policy

Please note:

• Restricted medications. Restricted medications, including opioids and stimulants, are not prescribed through walk-in appointments.
• WorkSafeBC. WorkSafeBC assessments are not provided through walk-in visits.
• Sick notes. Sick notes are generally limited to 1 to 2 weeks, based on clinical assessment.
• ICBC cases. Follow-up for ICBC cases initially assessed elsewhere is not provided through walk-in appointments.

6. Electronic communication policy

NovaMed Medical Clinic uses secure electronic platforms, including Cortico, for appointment booking and communication. Patients are required to review and acknowledge the Electronic Communication Policy, which explains privacy, security, and limitations of electronic communication. Read the full policy.

7. Patient information and trust policy

Safe medical care depends on accurate and complete health information. Patients are responsible for providing accurate details regarding their:

• Medical history
• Medications and allergies
• Relevant physical and mental health information

Failure to provide important information that affects safe care may result in a review of the ongoing physician-patient relationship.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, respectful, and efficient healthcare environment at NovaMed Medical Clinic.