A Guide for Patients at Viva Health Centre in Richmond Hill
Navigating healthcare in Ontario can feel confusing—especially when it comes to what’s actually covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you're seeing a family doctor at a clinic in Richmond Hill, knowing which services are free and which ones might cost extra can help you avoid surprises and get the care you need with confidence.
At Viva Health Centre, we prioritize transparency and patient education. This guide will help you understand what OHIP covers at a family practice in Ontario—and how you can take full advantage of those services.
What Is OHIP?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is the government-funded healthcare system that pays for many basic medical services for Ontario residents. You are eligible for OHIP if:
You live in Ontario for at least 153 days a year
You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible newcomer
You have applied and been approved for an OHIP card
Once you have your OHIP card, most medically necessary doctor visits and services are free at point of care.
What Is a Family Practice?
A family practice or family medicine clinic provides ongoing care for patients of all ages. Family doctors help manage:
Preventive care
Common illnesses
Chronic conditions
Mental health concerns
Referrals to specialists
They serve as your main healthcare provider and are often the first point of contact in the medical system.
OHIP-Covered Services at a Family Practice
Here’s a breakdown of what OHIP typically covers when visiting a family doctor in Ontario:
Service | Covered by OHIP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Doctor visits for illness or injury | ✅ | Includes checkups, assessments, prescriptions |
Chronic disease management | ✅ | Diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc. |
Annual physical exams | ✅* | Covered for certain age groups and health risks |
Mental health assessments | ✅ | Short-term counseling, anxiety/depression screening |
Pap tests (cervical cancer screening) | ✅ | Every 3 years for women ages 21–70 |
Blood tests, lab work | ✅ | If ordered by your doctor and medically necessary |
Vaccinations | ✅ | Childhood vaccines, flu shots, COVID-19, some adult vaccines |
Prenatal and postpartum care | ✅ | Regular visits during and after pregnancy |
Referrals to specialists | ✅ | Covered consultations and follow-up appointments |
Minor procedures (e.g., wart removal, injections) | ✅ | Case-by-case depending on the treatment reason |
*Annual checkups used to be routine for everyone, but now OHIP covers them primarily for high-risk patients or by doctor discretion.
Services Not Covered by OHIP
While OHIP covers many essential services, there are several that are not covered and may require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance.
Not Covered by OHIP | Examples |
|---|---|
Sick notes for work/school | Doctor's notes, forms, etc. |
Driver’s medical exams | Commercial license renewals |
Cosmetic procedures | Mole removal (non-medical), skin tag treatment |
Travel consultations & vaccines | Hepatitis A/B, Yellow Fever, etc. |
Some forms and reports | Insurance forms, school forms |
Missed appointment fees | If you cancel too late or don’t show up |
✅ At Viva Health Centre, we’ll always inform you ahead of time if a service is not OHIP-covered.
What About Virtual Appointments?
OHIP does cover many types of virtual visits (phone or video) with your family doctor, especially when:
You are an existing patient
The visit relates to ongoing care or a follow-up
It’s medically appropriate to conduct remotely
You can speak to your doctor from the comfort of your home—just be sure your clinic offers this service (we do!).
Mental Health Support Under OHIP
Family doctors in Ontario can provide mental health care, including:
Initial assessments
Counseling for anxiety, depression, and stress
Short-term therapy or referral to a specialist
OHIP covers these services when provided by your family doctor. If you need long-term therapy or a psychologist, that may fall outside OHIP (unless through a hospital or community-funded program).
Lab Work & Diagnostics
When your family doctor orders:
Blood tests
Urinalysis
X-rays
Ultrasounds
These tests are usually fully covered by OHIP if they are medically necessary. Always ask your doctor or lab technician before undergoing any diagnostics to confirm.
Vaccinations Covered by OHIP
Some of the most common OHIP-covered vaccines include:
Childhood vaccinations (MMR, polio, DTaP, etc.)
Flu shot (seasonal)
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Pneumococcal vaccine for seniors
Tetanus/diphtheria boosters
HPV vaccine (for eligible youth)
Other vaccines, like travel vaccines or shingles for adults under 65, may not be covered.
Private Insurance for Additional Services
If you need services that OHIP doesn’t cover, consider using private health insurance (often provided through work or purchased individually). These plans often help pay for:
Psychologists or therapists
Dietitians and nutritionists
Physiotherapy, massage therapy
Acupuncture
Custom orthotics
Eye exams and dental care
At Viva Health Centre, we provide receipts for insurance reimbursement where applicable.
Why Choose a Family Practice Like Viva?
At Viva Health Centre in Richmond Hill, we offer comprehensive care under one roof. Here’s what makes us unique:
Friendly, experienced family doctors
Walk-in options if you need urgent care
Bilingual staff (English, Farsi, and more)
In-house pharmacy for immediate prescriptions
Mental health, women’s health, and chronic condition support
Easy OHIP billing—no upfront costs for covered services
We help you navigate your health journey with clarity and compassion.
Helpful Resources
Book Your Family Doctor Visit Today
Whether you’re managing a condition, due for a checkup, or just have questions, your family doctor is your health ally. And the good news is—many services are already covered by OHIP.
📍 Visit us at:
Viva Health Centre
9580 Yonge St Unit 5, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1V6
📞 Call: (905) 237-5567
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Shima
Operations Manager, Nexora Labs