FAQs

Due to fluctuating patient demand, there are days and times of the year when walk-in is busier than usual and may close early. It means we have reached the maximum number of patients that the walk-in physician can see before the clinic closes. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and strongly urge patients to visit the clinic within 2 hours of the posted closing time to increase the chance of being seen that day.

Due to fluctuating patient demand, we are unable to reliably deliver approximate wait times to walk-in patients. Please take this into consideration when visiting the walk-in clinic between or before other commitments. Patients will be seen on a first-come first-serve basis, although need for immediate medical attention will be taken into consideration.

In no circumstance can we provide medical results over the phone. Only doctors are authorized to read and provide the results of any medical tests performed. We will make every effort to contact you if your test results are abnormal to inform you to book a follow up appointment. You must book a follow up appointment with your doctor in order to go over the results in detail.

No. Doctor’s Notes are not covered by OHIP or by UHIP, nor are they covered by the CUSA Health & Dental Plan or the GSA’s Health Benefits. As well, most private insurance providers do not cover this expense. Doctor’s notes are a chargeable service and are $15.

No, you cannot come to HCS and ask a doctor for a Doctor’s Note for a past illness. You must see a doctor when you are presently ill in order for them to make an appropriate diagnosis. It is then up to the doctor’s discretion to possibly provide you with a note relaying that illness to your work, professor etc.

Yes. When you arrive at HCS for your appointment please check-in with one of the Patient Service Coordinators. They will collect your Health Card information and let the doctor/counsellor know that you have arrived.

Our doctors see patients on a very strict time limit. In order for everyone to be seen in a timely manner, it is important to arrive on time for your scheduled appointment. You have 24 hours prior to your appointment to cancel online or by phone. If you cancel within 24 hours you will be charged a fee, as it is difficult to find another client to take that spot on short notice. The doctors/counsellors have to be compensated for their time. For more information please see Cancellation Policy.

Due to fluctuating patient demand, same-day appointments (or, receiving an appointment time on the same day you request one) might not be possible. Please allow 10 days notice to schedule an appointment with a doctor. This also applies to appointments needed for prescription renewal. Prescription renewal cannot be made through a walk-in appointment, so please ensure you book in advance of running out of your prescription.

You must bring your Provincial Health Card (ie. OHIP) or your International Health Card (ie. UHIP), and your student card to each and every visit to HCS.

HCS’ Accounts office can accept payment in the method of debit, credit or cheque. If you would prefer, any outstanding dues can also be applied to your student account where you can pay this off on Carleton Central (where you pay your tuition). We do not accept payment in the form of cash.

HCS does not deliver the Health Plans provided by CUSA or the GSA. You must go to your respective student association in order to receive more information about coverage. Services provided by HCS are covered by the Student Health Fee included in your tuition, this is located on your statement of account where you pay your tuition.

No. You cannot donate blood at HCS as we are not a registered blood donation clinic. Please call 1.888.2.donate or visit the Canadian Blood Services website for more information on where and when you can donate.

If you are a current Carleton student, then you have access to HCS’ counselling services. Your Student Health Fee covers these services. For more information please see Counselling Services.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete an intake questionnaire.

Your counsellor will talk with you to

• Ensure you are safe.
• Listen and learn about what is most troubling for you right now.
• Provide you with one tip or skill to begin to help with your problem.
• Introduce you to interactive online tools.
• Offer recommendations for next steps, including campus or community referrals.

Yes, of course. However, this will depend on the availability of appointments. If your visit is urgent you may have to see the counsellor that is available at the time.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” formula when it comes to counselling.  For some students one appointment may be enough to get them back on track, while for others we may suggest ongoing counselling or other campus or community resources.