Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

121Clinicians is a British Columbia–based virtual medical clinic connecting patients across the province with licensed Canadian family physicians. We provide comprehensive primary care via secure telephone and encrypted video consultations for everyday medical concerns, prescription refills, lab test orders, and specialist referrals when clinically necessary.

Yes. If you are an international traveler, tourist, out-of-province visitor (e.g., from Ontario or Alberta), international student, or a resident awaiting your MSP waiting period, you can book under our Private / Self-Pay stream.

Private consultations are billed at transparent, flat rates displayed prior to booking. Payment is processed securely online before your appointment.

Our physicians manage a wide variety of non-emergency medical issues, including:

Cough, cold, sore throat, sinus congestion, and flu symptoms

Urgent and routine prescription renewals

Chronic condition management (hypertension, asthma, type 2 diabetes, cholesterol)

Minor infections (such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections)

Skin irritations, rashes, and mild allergic reactions

Mental health consultations (anxiety, stress, depressive symptoms, sleep issues)

Lab and imaging requisitions

Referrals to medical specialists

• Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness/numbness (call 911 immediately)
• Severe head trauma, major fractures, or deep lacerations
• Active abdominal pain requiring palpation
• Prescriptions for controlled pharmaceuticals (such as narcotics, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulant medications for ADHD)

Virtual appointments are not suitable for medical emergencies or conditions requiring hands-on physical exams, including:

• Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weakness/numbness (call 911 immediately)
• Severe head trauma, major fractures, or deep lacerations
• Active abdominal pain requiring palpation
• Prescriptions for controlled pharmaceuticals (such as narcotics, opioids, benzodiazepines, or stimulant medications for ADHD)

Yes. If you are a resident of British Columbia with a valid, active 10-digit Personal Health Number (PHN) on your BC Services Card or CareCard, your virtual appointment is 100% covered by MSP. There are no out-of-pocket clinic fees for insured medical services.

During your consultation, simply provide the name, street address, or intersection of your preferred pharmacy in British Columbia. Your physician will electronically transmit the prescription directly to that pharmacy for pickup or delivery.

Our physicians are licensed to practice in British Columbia; prescriptions can generally only be dispensed by licensed pharmacies within the province of BC.

No. Our virtual physicians do not prescribe or refill controlled substances, including narcotics/opioids, tranquilizers/sedatives, or stimulant medications (such as Adderall, Vyvanse, or Concerta).

If your physician determines that blood work, urine tests, or swabs are indicated, an official provincial lab requisition form will be sent securely to your patient email or portal. You can take this form (printed or on your phone) to any public or private diagnostic collection centre in British Columbia, such as LifeLabs or hospital outpatient laboratories.

Yes. We issue standard requisitions for outpatient imaging facilities throughout BC for routine X-rays, mammograms, and diagnostic ultrasounds.

If your condition requires an in-person assessment by a medical specialist (such as an orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, or cardiologist), our doctors will prepare a clinical referral and submit it to the appropriate regional specialist or clinic. The specialist’s office will then contact you directly with your appointment date and preparation details.

• Phone visits: The doctor will call the phone number you entered during booking within your scheduled time window. Please ensure your phone is set to receive calls from private or unlisted clinic numbers.
• Video visits: You will receive a secure video appointment link via email/SMS. Simply click the link on your smartphone, tablet, or computer browser—no app download is required.

You can reschedule or cancel your visit through the confirmation link sent to your email. We ask for at least 24 hours of advance notice so that your time slot can be offered to another patient waiting for care.

We follow strict Canadian privacy laws, adhering fully to British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and federal PIPEDA regulations. Your personal health records and communications are encrypted and kept confidential.