What is a Family Health Team?
Family Health Teams are patient centered and you will have access to a number of primary health care services from a variety of team members, including your family doctor.
Family Health Teams (FHT) are primary health care organizations that include a team of health care providers (e.g., nurse practitioners, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists and chiropodists and other professionals) that works collaboratively with affiliated/associated physicians and other community providers to ensure that people receive the care they need in their communities. Each team has programs and services designed based on local health and community needs.
For example:
- Your family doctor will continue to see you during regular office hours.
- You will have access to other health care professionals within the Family Health Team, such as a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered practical nurse and social worker.
- If you see another health care provider at the Family Health Team for treatment, your own doctor will receive documentation about the appointment so that he or she will always be up-to-date about your medical condition.
What is Patient Rostering?
It’s a process by which patients register with a family practice, family physician, or multidisciplinary team.
Is the Powassan & Area Family Health Team (PAAFHT) a walk-in clinic? Can I come in without an appointment?
No. Our clinics are not walk-in clinics. Similar to any family practice, patients are required to make an appointment with their physician or any other member of our interdisciplinary health care team. All patients must be enrolled with one of our physicians.
Are there after hours clinics?
Yes. After hours clinics on weekday evenings are available by appointment only and for enrolled patients only. You can make an appointment with your physician on the evening they are working, or with another provider (nurse practitioner, nurse or social worker) on the evenings that they are working.
Will I always see my family physician at my appointments?
Not necessarily. Sometimes you may see another member of our interdisciplinary team such as a nurse practitioner or registered practical nurse.
What do I need to know about Health Cards?
Please bring your health card and give it to the receptionist when you arrive. If you have changed your address or your telephone number, please notify the receptionist as the version code on your card might have changed. Check the expiry date on your card and arrange for a new one before it expires. You must notify the OHIP office if your card is lost, stolen, if you have a change of address or if your card expired.
Is the Family Health Team the same thing as a Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic?
No, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics are not affiliated with Family Health Teams; although Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics do provide quality health care for many people in our region. And while nurse practitioners are important members of our team; all patients of the Family Health Team are enrolled to one of our physicians.
How do I sign up for one of your programs?
Most of our programs are screening programs and if you meet the criteria (for example if you are diabetic or have high blood pressure) you will be part of the program. If we have any concerns you will be contacted for follow-up.