REGINA – Doctors are notoriously known for their bad writing, but perhaps that’s because they’re busy filling out sick notes.
Dr. Mohamed Moolla at Golden Mile Medical Clinic in Regina said he’s noticed a steady rise in patients booking appointments solely for a doctor’s note.
He said the time could be better spent with patients and recommends employers have a conversation with their staff rather than insist on a doctor’s note.
“I can understand employers need to have a stable workforce, but it’s not always possible for the patients to access their family doctor on time because of the overload we already have,” he explained.
It appears doctor’s notes aren’t the only unnecessary appointments residents are making.
According to a new poll by Consumer Health Products Canada, one in seven Canadians visited a physician for minor ailments like a headache or cold.
Of those visits, 70 per cent of patients went to the doctor just to confirm their illness.
Another 54 per cent expected to be prescribed a drug they had before and just under half went to the doctor solely for reassurance.
Gerry Harrington, director of policy with CHP Canada said the majority of Canadians would rather manage minor ailments themselves, but those who don’t and visit the doctor instead are creating a costly headache for the healthcare system.
“While it’s really important for some people to go to the doctor, like the elderly, very young people, or people with underlying health conditions, it’s really concerning when we have thousands of Canadians who don’t even have a family doctor,” he said.
One alternative: the pharmacist. Jarron Yee with The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Regina said many people may not be aware that pharmacists can prescribe for minor ailments.
“We’re the frontline, most accessible health care workers out there,” he explained. “You can always ask a pharmacist a question.”
Saskatchewan residents can also seek medical advice from the HealthLine 811 before making what could be an unnecessary appointment.
“It puts a burden on more diagnostics, unnecessary referrals and ultimately jamming up the system,” added Dr. Moolla.
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