Starting November 6, 2023

Referrals are required for all new Pap and Contraception appointments.

You will only be required to get a referral once - repeat visits on the same topic will not require another referral. (Even years later!)

Required Referrals - Why?

Serving More Patients

Since the universal contraception program started in BC, our clinic is seeing unprecedented demand. Moving to a referral-only basis will allow us to optimize the time our providers spend with patients and maintain an excellent standard of care.

Retaining Qualified Providers

Reproductive health services are historically underfunded. With valid referrals, our providers can bill consultation fee codes which pay better than general fee codes. This helps us retain qualified staff and cover the expensive equipment needs of the clinic, which are costs bared by the providers themselves.

Care Coordination

If you have a family doctor, it is important that we keep them up to date and include them in your circle of care. A referral will allow them to stay informed on an ongoing basis.

New Referral Rules

A new specialist referral process was implemented on July 1st, 2023 in BC.

Prior to July 1st, 2023, patients were often asked to obtain re-referrals every 6 or 12 months in order for physicians to continue billing consultation fee codes. This is no longer necessary.

Under the new rules, a single referral after July 1st, 2023, now allows physicians to provide ongoing care for a specific issue for as long as is needed.

Due to the updates, we are requiring all patients obtain a one-time referral for contraception and / or for cervical cancer screening (pap tests).

 FAQs

  • While pharmacists can counsel, prescribe, and dispense contraceptive devices and implants, the province does not recognize pharmacists as valid referring providers.

    We will require you to seek a valid referral from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner in order to insert your long acting reversible contraceptive.

  • The Medical Services Plan does not recognize a Naturopath as a provider who can make a referral for publicly-funded specialist care. You will need to seek out a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner prior to coming to our clinic.

  • The changes only take effect after your next valid referral, so we still do require one more referral.

    Future appointments for the same reason will not require additional referrals.

  • Yes – the rules around referrals require a new referral that is for a specific reason. We require separate referrals for cervical cancer screening (pap tests) and contraception care.

  • We do require referrals for billing to Medaive/Blue Cross to ensure that Blue Cross will recognize our services and pay our invoices.

    Please contact your on-base medical facility for information about being referred to our clinic for specialized care.

  • No, we do not require you to get a referral for emergency contraception. Please call for an urgent appointment.

Where can I get a referral?

If you have a primary care provider, then please seek a referral from them.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, we understand that it can be quite a challenge.

We don’t endorse any of these options, but here are some places to consider:

Telehealth Options:

In-Person Options:

If you are unable to get a referral:

We respect your right to go elsewhere to get the care you are looking for.

Here are a few options for you to consider that don’t require a referral: