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What could a Canadian minor do about a doctor's appointment?

I am a Canadian (Therefore, I have free medicare), and I am confused about the system. I am also a minor, 16. I want to set up a doctor’s appointment, something routine, I’m very concerned about my health, and though my parents are perfectly fine people, I do not want them to know about my concerns. Is there any law, or code that prevents me from taking care of this issue myself?

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Answer #1

No, doctors appointments are confidential, so your parents will neither be informed you are going, or told what goes on in the appointment. Just phone or go into your doctors and book an appointment. It may be best to supply them with a mobile phone number for you though, rather than you home phone number, in case they have to conatct you for any reason. That is the only way your parents would really be able to find out you had been.

If you are really concerned about your health though, it may be best for you to confide in someone other than your doctor. It does not need to be your parents, but it is always good to be able to talk to someone as it is a big burden carrying around health worries by yourself and you may feel less stressed being able to talk about it. Obviosuly that is your choice, I am just letting you know through personal experience that sometimes it is good to confide in people if you are having medical issues.

Good lcuk and I hope all turns out to be fine.

Answer #2

Alright, so I’ve tried to do some research on this. While it is true that doctors appointments are confidential, this usually does not apply to minors.

As for Canada law, it’s a little tricky. There’s no black and white answer to this question. It depends on what you go in for (there is a mandatory reporting of some STDs, mandatory means by law the doctor MUST report). If the doctor feels like there is abuse or need for intervention, they are also mandated reporters. Parents generally have rights to access their children’s medical records. Your best bet would be to call up the place and ask them. Some places may not even set up appointments with minors without parental consent.

You can read up on this some more over here

www.ucs.mun.ca/~alatus/ISD2/Pediatrics1-CareofMinors.ppt

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