COVID-19 Policies 

(adapted from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta guidelines)


Workplace

  • Arrangements like queuing and traffic flow to maximize physical distancing using visual cues like directional arrows and waiting spots

  • Removal of toys, magazines, brochures, remote controls and other shared items from waiting and exam rooms 

  • Unless necessary, asking patients to attend alone (i.e., not to bring family members, friends or caregivers) 

  • Limiting patients in the waiting area and set up seating so that public health orders can be adhered to both in terms of numbers of people and physical distance between them 

  • Adoption of alternative solutions to waiting in the office, such as asking patients to wait in their vehicles, if possible, and text or calling when appointments are ready 

  • Maintenance of physical distancing between all employees and physicians.  If not possible, personnel will wear a mask

  • All personnel will not work if they are showing any of the following signs or symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, and/or runny nose. 

  • All personnel will wear appropriate PPE while in patient care areas. 

  • All physicians will wear full PPE if seeing a patient with suspected COVID


Patient Care

  • All patients will be offered virtual appointments  

  • The decision to see a patient in person will be made after considering the risks and benefits to the patient

  • Screening of patients for possible COVID symptoms prior to attending the office 

  • All patients in the clinic will be required to practice hand hygiene and wear a mask


Cleaning of surfaces

  • Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of common areas, examination rooms, and high touch surfaces 

  • Cleaning of each examination room with approved cleaner after every patient

  • All staff will practice frequent hand hygiene using soap and water or a Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer 



COVID-19 Virtual Care

(from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta)


COVID-19 is placing stress on Canada's public health system. Our health service is starting to offer virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. We will:

  • check the cached data and temporary files in our system to ensure confidential information is not stored in these areas unless secured or encrypted;
  • ensure network access is limited to authorized users and/or devices and that data is encrypted during transmission;
  • use encryption to protect data from this exposure; and
  • manage additional security concerns if telemedicine is provided using a mobile device.


To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

  • use only a secure connection, either a landline or password-protected, preferably encrypted Wi-Fi (public hotspots are not protected and could compromise their privacy);
  • check for adequate bandwidth and screen resolution if using videoconferencing technology; and
  • find a quiet, private space to avoid interruptions and the potential for others to overhear.


For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

If you are concerned about using video or audio tools for virtual care, other arrangements can be made. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.

By providing your information, you consent to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video or audio communications (while following applicable privacy laws) in order to provide you with care. In particular, the
following means of electronic communication may be used (identify all that apply): email, videoconferencing (including Skype, Facetime, etc.), text messaging (including instant messaging), website/portal, other (specify).



No Show & Cancellation Policy


Our goal is to provide quality medical care in a timely manner. To successfully do this CWMC has to implement an appointment/cancellation policy. The policy enables us to better utilize available appointment times for more patients in need of medical care.

Please call our office promptly if you will be unable to attend an appointment. CWMC requires at least 24 hours notice for appointment cancellations.  Our receptionists will begin taking calls @ 9:00AM, and are closed between 12:00-1:15PM for lunch.

Appointments are in high demand, and your early cancellation allows another person the possibility to have access to timely medical care. Late cancellations (less than 24 Hours) will be considered as a “No Show”.

“No Show” / Late Cancellation Policy for Regular Appointments

A “No Show”/ Late cancellation is someone who misses an appointment without cancelling 24 hours in advance or someone who fails to present at the scheduled appointment time. These will be recorded in the patients chart as a “No Show”. The first time there is a “No Show”, the patient will be told about this policy. The second occurrence of someone failing to present at the scheduled time or cancel in a timely manner will result in a $30 charge for regular appointments.

“No Show” Policy for Longer Appointments

Patients who scheduled longer appointments (over 15 minutes) and fail to cancel within the 24 hour period or fail to come to the scheduled time will be charged $60, even without a previous similar violation. Longer appointments are typically for: Complete Checkups, extensive counselling, Prenatal visits, and Procedures, etc.

Calgary West

Medical Centre

Online Booking tips

We are excited to now offer online booking for our patients, as well as appointment reminders and secure messaging from your physician.


Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:


  •   I am a patient at the clinic, but it says I am not registered.  How can I book an appointment online? 

​​​   

      You will be asked for some information to start the booking process: Name, Date of birth,  Alberta Health Care Number and Contact details. 


      Please enter your Alberta Health Care number without any dashes or spaces.


      Our new computer system may not have transferred your cell phone number correctly.  We are working to fix this problem.  You will need to call          the clinic to make your appointment. 


      Please ask us to check over your contact information so you can use the online booking the next time you need to make an appointment.



  • I have made my request for an appointment.  How long until I hear back?

​​

​     We will try to respond to your request within a few hours.  Please note, requests made after 5pm or on the weekends will be answered the next             business day.  Don't worry - your requested appointment time is being held for you until the appointment is confirmed.



  • My doctor has sent me a secure message.  How can I read it?

     

     To view your message, you will need to enter your Alberta Health Care number (no dashes or spaces) and your date of birth. 

     The message will be available for 24 hours.



  • Why am I getting so many appointment reminders?


     The system is set up to send text and email reminders at the time of making your appointment and 24 hours prior to your appointment time.  You       can opt out of one or both methods of getting reminders. 



CWMC

Call Us:  (403) 246-7788