CLINIC POLICIES
Registration Policy
Vancouver Family Practice Centre works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health as a Primary Health Care Organization.
To be eligible for registration a patient must:
- be enrolled in MSP;
- live in the catchment area (Lower Mainland); and
- have a PHN.
As a participant in this form of primary health care, the Ministry of Health conducts quarterly reviews of our Patient Register.
If you visit another family doctor either in-person or by telehealth clinics, the Ministry will notify us of their intent to deregister you from our practice.
If you move outside of the Lower Mainland, this will trigger a deregistration by the ministry as you must live in our catchment area to be registered to our practice.
We receive monthly notifications from the ministry regarding deregistrations.
Deregistration will result in being dismissed from our practice.
Should this happen, you will receive a letter with details of how to transfer your care should this happen. If you think this has been done in error we are always happy to work with you to sort it out.
In order to ensure our patients have access to care and prevent registered patients from having to visit walk-in clinics, we offer a limited number of urgent same day appointments as well as a doctor on call for after hours care. We always prefer that you see us first whenever possible. If you are travelling outside the lower mainland, there is no concern about seeking medical help there.
Late Cancellation, Arrival or No Show
We require at least 24 hours notice for any cancellation.
When will you be charged a fee?
If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice
If you miss your appointment. This includes arriving after the end time of your scheduled appointment.
If you arrive late for your appointment and cannot be seen, you may be charged a fee. If there is less than 5 minutes left of your appointment time we are not likely to be able to accommodate you.
Cancellation/Late Arrival/No Show Fee: $97.20
Patient Code of Conduct
We want to keep our clinic safe, respectful, and welcoming for everyone. Please follow these rules when you visit us.
Be Respectful
- Be kind and polite to all staff, doctors, and other patients.
- Do not yell, argue, or act in a way that makes others feel unsafe.
- Staff will decide what behaviour is okay and what is not.
No Violence or Harassment
- We do not allow rude language, threats, or any kind of abuse.
- This includes touching people without permission or flirting.
- If you act in this way, you may be asked to leave and the police may be called.
- Never bring weapons or dangerous items into the clinic.
Follow health rules
- Wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and keep your distance.
- If you are sick with something that can spread (like COVID or the flu), please call before so we can give special instructions.
- Only bring those with you to your appointment who are necessary.
Respect Privacy
- Do not record videos, audio, or take photos of staff or other patients.
Be On Time
- Check in at the front desk when you arrive.
- If you are late, we may need to reschedule you.
- If you need to cancel, let us know as early as possible.
- Missing appointments may lead to fees or fewer options to book in the future.
Prescription Renewal Policy
Due to the upcoming changes to our funding model, we are changing the way we address prescription refill requests.
As of JULY 13, 2026: Please call the clinic to book a telehealth or in person visit for medication renewals. At the time of your visit, you and your physician can decide on a mutually agreed upon interval until the next medication check-in.
Our physicians will usually write prescriptions to last until it is time for a check in either by phone/video or in person. If there are no further repeats on your prescription that means the physician would like to speak with you to see if any adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan.
Even for medications that you have taken for a long time, such as blood pressure or thyroid pills, regular check-ins are needed to monitor lab test results, to ensure that the medications are having the desired effect and not causing side effects or interacting with other medication.
Sometimes people require a medication renewal at a time when they cannot schedule an appointment. Your pharmacist may be able to give you an emergency refill to last until you can be seen by your doctor if you have been on the same medication for 3 months and the prescription was written in the last 24 months. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/find-care/pharmacy-services-bc.