How to continue prescription in Canada?

[gamehero]

Hi all, I have been taking a specialty medication for 5 years in the US and I was wondering if I can directly go to a family physician or a walk-in clinic to get a new prescription to continue my treatment.

If yes, what kind of paperwork do I need to bring?

If no, do I need to go through all diagnosis again with a family physician and then a specialist? I fear it would be extremely lengthy and I need to take the med every two weeks.

Thank you!!

 

[gamehero]

P.S. I am moving to Vancouver in a month and would like to know get a confirmation so that I can better prepare my meds.

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

I don't know about BC health but I recommend:

- ask your doctor for a full report about your disease, diagnosis, tests copies, prescriptions and anything else

- Bring to Canada medicines for 90 days, you could need to declare it at the border, showing prescriptionsome and doctor reports.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d19/d19-9-1-eng.html

- ask for BC heath card, it could require having a address in BC
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/are-you-eligible

- Find a Family doctor and explain your case, he'll ask for some additional tests probably.

- a walking clinic could be used but try better to get a family doctor.
Note prescriptions for some medicines are not available at walking clinics

 

[Gregor.Samsa]

Note BC health coverage starts in your 3rd month of residence

Coverage Wait Period

New residents or persons re-establishing residence in B.C. are eligible for coverage after completing a wait period that consists of the balance of the month in which residence is established, plus two months.

Find information for new or returning residents to B.C.

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

So, in addition to your initial 90 days medicines, you could use a quick trip to US to pick-up another 90 days medicines