A physician, also referred to as a family physician (FP) or general physician or practitioner (GP), provides comprehensive, ongoing medical care to individuals and families, addressing a wide range of health concernsand coordinating specialized care when needed.
Tips & Links
A physician serves as your entry point to the healthcare system, possessing comprehensive knowledge of your condition, acting as a gatekeeper, and facilitating access to specialized services when needed.
Learn About
- The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC regulates the medical practice of physicians.
- Learn more of what to expect from your physician from the BC College of Physicians.
- If you do not have and are looking for a physician or nurse practitioner, learn how to register with Health Connect through Healthlink BC.
- Learn about urgent care or walk-in clinics for non-emergency concerns when you cannot see to your regular physician.
- Search the Walk-in Clinic Locator for clinical services in your area from Healthlink BC.
- Learn how to make your physician or healthcare visit more effective and productive from Healthlink BC.
- Be aware that a physician visit is usually scheduled for 10 minutes or to discuss one or two health issues and can be in person or virtually, by phone or using a computer screen and microphone, to address general health concerns.
- Know that your physician care is covered by your medical services plan (MSP) however, know that additional fees may be charged for certain services as outlines by the Government of BC.
Things You Can Do
- Prepare ahead for a health care visit. Take time to review your health concerns and record questions in your health profile notes, health calendar or on your phone. Choose 1-2 key concerns to discuss. Think about the reasons for a health care visit including assessing any changes in your health, ordering necessary tests, monitoring your medications along with any over the counter drugs and supplements, and potentially referring you to specialists or other health care services.
- Bring your health advocate with you to the appointment to take notes, remind you of your questions and concerns for the visit, and write down the answers and suggestions.
- Learn how to make your physician or healthcare visit more effective and productive from Healthlink BC.
- Review your complete medication list every year with your pharmacist, physician, or nurse practitioner, including all over the counter drugs, supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Remember, you are the only one that knows all the substances you are taking.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
- Ask questions of all your health care providers and seek clarification on anything you do not understand.
- Learn about ‘Patients as Partners’ from the Government of BC.
Add your Physician to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Save to digital and print files.