How do I get a prescription from my doctor?

In Alberta, there are several legal ways to obtain a prescription for medication. The route you choose depends on the urgency, severity of your symptoms, whether you have a family doctor, and your AHCIP coverage. Below is a step-by-step guide for Calgary residents.

1. Through your family doctor

1. Find a doctor: Use the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta's online directory or call Health Link 811 for a list of practices that are accepting new patients.
2. Make an appointment by phone or through the clinic's website (for example, Signature Medical Centre accepts online applications).
3. Bring your AHCIP card and a list of your current medications to the clinic. The doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, issue a printed or electronic prescription, which will be sent immediately to the pharmacy of your choice.

Advantages: continuity of care, medical record, AHCIP coverage.

Disadvantages: wait times ranging from several days to weeks, limited appointment times.

2. Walk-in clinics and urgent care

When you don't have a family doctor or need urgent care that is not life-threatening:

1. Find the nearest walk-in clinic using Google Maps or the AHS “Your Health Care Options” web directory (filter “Family Doctor/Walk-in”).
2. Bring your ID and AHCIP card; the live queue is sorted by medical priority.
3. The clinic doctor will prescribe treatment and write a prescription that can be sent to a pharmacy immediately.

Cost: free for AHCIP holders; if not covered, the clinic's private rate applies.

3. Online consultation with electronic prescription

All provincial prescriptions are electronic:

*Prices are subject to change; check when booking.

How it works

1. Register in the app, verify your identity (passport/driver's license).
2. Fill out a symptom questionnaire and wait for a video or text chat with a doctor.
3. After the consultation, the prescription is automatically sent to the selected pharmacy; you will immediately receive an SMS or email confirmation.

Pros: no queues, access from home, fast delivery of medications.

Cons: not all medications are available (prohibited opioids, stimulants), the service may be subject to a fee.

4. Prescription from a “prescribing pharmacist”

Since 2007, Alberta pharmacists have had limited authority to write prescriptions for certain conditions: urinary tract infections, skin rashes, contraception, chronic medication refills, etc.

1. Call the pharmacy you need (Drug Mart, Calgary Co-op, Universal Health Pharmacy) in advance and check if a certified prescribing pharmacist is available.
2. Bring your AHCIP card; the pharmacist will ask you a few questions and check your vital signs if needed.
3. If the criteria are met, the pharmacist will issue a prescription and dispense the medication immediately (or refer you to a doctor).

Advantages: no need to visit a clinic, service is usually free for AHCIP holders.

Limitations: the list of eligible conditions and medications is limited; antibiotics for internal use and controlled substances are not dispensed.

5. Prescription during a consultation at a hospital/urgent care center

If you go to urgent care (e.g., South Health Campus) or the emergency department:

1. After the examination, the doctor will record the recommendations in an electronic card and write a prescription.
2. You can get the medication at any pharmacy chain immediately after discharge.

6. Refills without seeing a doctor

• Pharmacies can refill stable chronic prescriptions (Schedule 1) for 30-90 days if the patient cannot see a doctor and the treatment has not changed.
• The doctor may leave several refills on the prescription; the pharmacy will be able to dispense them without a new visit.
• Online services allow you to order a refill by sending a photo of an empty blister pack or label.

7. Documents to have with you

8. A few practical tips

1. Call 811 to assess your symptoms and find the nearest clinic or pharmacy with a prescribing pharmacist.
2. Make an appointment online while your family clinic is still open — it's free and gives a more complete medical picture.
3. Check your insurance coverage. Visits to private online platforms may not be covered by AHCIP; some employer or student plans will reimburse these costs.
4. Keep your e-prescriptions and messages from the pharmacy — they make it easier to refill and file insurance claims later.

Conclusion

There are several legal ways to get a prescription in Calgary: through your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, an online platform, a prescribing pharmacist, or Urgent Care. The best route depends on the urgency, type of medication, and availability of AHCIP. Choose the option that combines speed, cost, and quality of medical care, and always consult your provider about side effects and drug interactions.