Other health services

Physicians

In Alberta, physicians are either family doctors or specialists. Family doctors treat most medical problems. Specialists treat special types of health problems. To see a specialist, you usually have to be referred by a family doctor.

You may be able to find a family doctor who speaks your first language. There are several ways to find a doctor:

• Talk to other members of your community, neighbours and counsellors at immigrant-serving agencies.
   
• Use the physician directory in the Find a Physician section of the College of Physicians and Surgeons website. You can search by physician's name, languages spoken, location, qualifications or interests.
   
• Phone Health Link and ask for the names of physicians who are accepting new patients in your area.
   
• Use the physician directories on your health region's website. To find your health region's website, see the Health Regions/Map section of the Alberta Health and Wellness website.
   
• Look under Physicians and Surgeons in the yellow pages of the telephone book.

Before visiting a doctor, call the doctor's office to make an appointment. Someone at the office will arrange a day and time for you to see the doctor. Take your Alberta Personal Health Card to your appointment to ensure that the doctor sends the bill to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. You are responsible for paying the cost of services which are not covered by AHCIP.

During your visit, you will be expected to answer the doctor's questions and describe any health problems you have. If the doctor does not speak your first language, you may want to take an interpreter along. Most doctors will do a physical examination before prescribing medications or treatment.

Many people find it helpful to return to the same doctor whenever they need medical help. This way, the doctor becomes familiar with their health history and needs.

If you suffer a life-threatening injury or health problem such as a heart attack or stroke, go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital to obtain immediate medical assistance (see the Hospitals section). If you cannot get to the hospital on your own, call your community's emergency telephone number (911 in most parts of the province) and ask for an ambulance (see the Emergency Medical Services section).

Some cities have walk-in clinics where you do not have to make an appointment to see a doctor. If you have a health problem that should be cared for as soon as possible, but is not life-threatening, you can go to the nearest walk-in clinic instead of going to a hospital emergency department.

Walk-in clinics are usually open later than other clinics but are not open 24 hours a day. Telephone numbers and addresses for medical clinics are listed under Clinics in the yellow pages of your telephone book and on the myTELUS phone book website.

If a doctor prescribes medication for you, take the prescription to a drugstore or another store that has a pharmacy. Pharmacists prepare medications and explain when and how to take them.

Prescribed medications must be taken only by the person for whom they were prescribed.

If you do not have private insurance coverage, you will be expected to pay for medication yourself.

Eye doctors

If you have a medical problem with your eyes, make an appointment with a family physician. If necessary, your family physician will refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

If you need vision testing or help deciding if you need eyeglasses, make an appointment with an optometrist. To find an optometrist near you, see the Find an Optometrist section of the Alberta College of Optometrists website or look under Optometrists in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan does not pay for routine eye examinations or eyeglasses except for a limited number of examinations each year for children under 19 years of age and senior citizens (people 65 years of age and older).

Dentists

There are several ways to find a dentist:

• Talk to friends or counsellors at immigrant-serving agencies.
   
• Use the Dentist Locator section of the Alberta Dental Association and College website.
   
• Look under Dentists in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan does not pay for routine dental care except for limited coverage provided to residents and their eligible dependants who receive Income Support.

Unless you work for an organization that has an employee dental care insurance plan, you probably will be required to pay all of your dental costs. For more information, contact Health Link.

Mental health services

Moving to a new country is an emotional experience: exciting but often confusing and sometimes frightening. Even after you have found a place to live and work, it will take time to get used to your new life in Canada.

The best way to adjust is to get involved in your community. Talk to people even if you make mistakes when speaking English. Ask questions. As you learn more about your new home, you will feel more in control.

If someone you know is having problems adjusting to life in Alberta, there are many ways to get help:

• Call the Alberta Mental Health Board Help Line toll-free at 1-877-303-2642. You can talk to a mental health professional at any time of the day or night. You do not have to give your name.
   
• Call Health Link to talk to a registered nurse. This also is a 24-hour service that is free and confidential.
   
• Check your phone book for the numbers of distress line services in your area. They are usually listed near the front of the white pages.
   
• Talk to a family doctor or public health nurse. Health professionals will not discuss your case with others without your permission.
   
• Ask a counsellor at an immigrant-serving agency for a referral.

Addiction services

If gambling or alcohol, tobacco or other drug use is causing problems for you, a family member or friend, contact your family doctor or the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC). Their counselling services are confidential and free of charge.

For more information, see the AADAC website or call the AADAC Help Line toll-free at 1-866-332-2322.

Date Updated: Mar 20, 2009
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