Appointment Length
Appointments are scheduled for 15 minutes. If you need more time, please call us in advance to arrange this with Melissa — longer appointments cannot be booked through Pomelo. If you have multiple concerns, we’ll prioritize the most urgent and schedule a follow-up for anything we’re unable to address in one visit.
Test Results
Your doctor reviews all test results. If a result is abnormal and requires follow-up, we’ll contact you to discuss next steps. For normal results, we do not typically call. You can view your results anytime through YourHealthNS, or discuss them at your next scheduled appointment.
Referrals
Your doctor will refer you to a specialist when necessary. In some cases, initial investigations — such as bloodwork or imaging — are needed first. These assessments help provide a complete picture and can often expedite specialist care.
Forms
Your doctor can complete medical forms for you. Please bring them to the office as soon as you receive them and ensure all patient sections are filled in beforehand (name, health card number, address, signed consent, etc.). Most forms take 1–4 weeks to process depending on complexity. Form completion is typically a non-insured service and a fee applies.
Medical Education
Our clinic may include medical students or residents as part of our team. They are fully supervised and may bring fresh perspectives to your care. You always have the option to decline being seen by a trainee.
Antibiotic Use
We follow evidence-based guidelines for prescribing antibiotics. While antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections, they don’t work against viral infections like the common cold. Your doctor will advise you on appropriate treatment and what to expect for recovery.
Patient Privacy
Your privacy is a priority. Our team follows strict confidentiality protocols and receives regular training on the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA). In our collaborative practice, members of your care team beyond your primary provider may access your chart when needed to ensure comprehensive care — for example, a family practice nurse following up on a test result at your doctor’s request. All information is handled with care and respect for your privacy.
Medical Office Assistants and Confidentiality
When booking, our staff may ask about the reason for your visit. This helps us assess urgency and prepare for your appointment. All team members are trained to maintain strict confidentiality. If you prefer not to share specific details, you can simply let us know it’s a personal matter.