Start with your own circumstances

Distance, appointment times and transport can affect access to care. Ask what can be managed virtually and what needs an in-person visit.

Work through the practical details

Write down what you need, who provides it and what the full cost or time commitment could be. Include appointments, travel, prescriptions and any follow-up. Ask for information in writing if it helps you compare options. It is reasonable to pause and clarify something before making a decision, especially when different organisations are involved in your care.

Keep the right contacts available

Know how to reach your usual clinician and dispensing pharmacist, and how to access local care if you are away. Bring an up-to-date medicine list to appointments. Check which questions can be answered online and which need an in-person assessment. A convenient service should still explain its limits and what happens if your needs change.

Bring your questions to your care team

Use this guide to prepare for a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. Share your current medicines and any relevant health changes. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek timely medical care rather than waiting for an online response. If you are preparing for an appointment, take the questions that feel most relevant to you. Ask which next step is appropriate, when to review progress and how to get help if your circumstances change.

References & further reading

These resources provide background information. Product indications and instructions vary by country and by medicine; check the Canadian product monograph with your clinician or pharmacist.