0

I am a current US citizen and have an ongoing prescription for a government-controlled substance that I will continue to need for the rest of my life. My current doctor writes my prescription and I must visit her regularly for checkups. I intend to move to Canada and don't know if I will encounter issues having my medication fulfilled through the healthcare system there. I assume I will need to get a new primary care doctor who will be able to write the prescription for me, but will I need to go through the same tests and meetings that I already did in order to get the diagnoses? Or will I be able to start with a new doctor and transfer my existing records and they will be able to pick it up where my US doctor left off? Does it make a difference that this is a government controlled substance?

Improve this question
1
  • Is the substance something that is normally prescribed in Canada? If yes, try asking your current doctor if they will be able to forward your medical records to Canada.
    – user16259
    Jan 31, 2018 at 18:57

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

Not all substances that are government-controlled in the US are so controlled in Canada (and vice versa), so this may or may not matter.

Book an appointment with a Canadian family doctor/general practitioner. Bring as many of your US doctor's records as you are able (or have your US doctor forward your records to your new Canadian doctor). Bring copies of your existing prescriptions, and arrange for your Canadian doctor to give you new prescriptions. US prescriptions are generally not valid in Canada (the same as Canadian ones tend not to be valid in the US).

Note that any good doctor is going to evaluate your prescriptions and may have some opinions on whether they are the best ones for you, and whether the dosage is correct, which is why your existing doctor's notes and a consultation with you will be useful.

As for whether you'll need new tests, that will be up to your new doctor.

Note that until you qualify for your province or territory's public health insurance, you may need to pay for your doctor visit(s). There is usually a short delay before eligibility begins, and registration is usually required. (It depends on the province or territory.)

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.