I found the quality of this walk-in clinic varied depending on the doctor you got, and the system…read morehas become quite complicated now that you have to book online. This is a barrier to people who do not have computers or do not have the technological skills.
My first and second experiences were positive; however, this last one has been distressing and made me feel demeaned. Since recently moving to the city, I am in between family doctors, and needed an ADP form filled out for the new hearing aids. I did not notice the hearing test was not attached to the form, so the doctor said I would have to get documentation from a specialist showing I need a hearing aid (I have had progressive hearing loss in both ears requiring hearing aids for many years, which is now affecting speech recognition). Before the doctor came in, the nurse asked if there was anything else I wanted checked out while I was there, so I said yes, as there was another recurring symptom that was of some concern. The doctor's manner of questioning was impatient and almost accusatory, and she flat out asked why I don't have a family doctor, which made me feel guilty and ashamed, and I did not have confidence in the accuracy of her diagnosis, although she did provide a referral for a physiotherapist, which was helpful.
As it happened, the audiology clinic was in the same plaza, and I dropped in to give her an update. She offered to fax both the form and supporting documentation to the doctor; however, I received a call from the clinic from the receptionist, which was very difficult to understand because English wasn't her first language. She ended the call with the instruction to book online to come in to see a doctor to go over the report; they would not fax the form back to the audiology clinic. I tried, but had difficulty with booking, especially since it says you cannot book an appointment online for completion of forms, yet when you call, it says to book online. So another receptionist called this afternoon and offered to book an appointment for me at 5.45 p.m., and she said that I could register with a new family doctor there, that they had four new ones. I arranged for transportation and arrived at the site, only to find that the clinic was closed. I'm seriously thinking about paying the $500 (which is peanuts compaired to the cost of the hearing aids) just to avoid this stress.
I will no longer have anything to do with this clinic because it is poorly administered, is a barrier to seniors and others with disabilities to the point of being oppositionally defiant; and getting a professional, skilled doctor here is hit and miss.
