FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
What is a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have additional education and nursing experience, which enables them to:
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Autonomously diagnose and treat illnesses | Order and interpret tests | Prescribe medications | Perform medical procedures
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Addressing needs relating to a person’s physical and mental health | Gathering medical history | Focusing on how an illness affects a person’s life and family | Offering ways for a person to lead a healthy life | Teaching persons how to manage chronic illness | NPs are also educators and researchers who can be consulted by other health-care team members.
How are Nurse Practitioners Trained
In general, a typical Nurse Practitioner Program requires, at the minimum, an individual to be a Registered Nurse, which is typically is a 4 year Bachelors Degree in Nursing, and 2 years or 2000 hours of working experience. The actual Nurse Practitioner program itself is a Masters Degree Program, and takes about 2 years of rigorous education and clinical training to complete. In total, at the minimum of 8 years is required to become a Nurse Practitioner (this can vary in other provinces and countries).
What is the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor?
A Nurse Practitioner is NOT a doctor. In fact, it is important to address a Nurse Practitioner as an "NP". Although the roles of doctors and NPs can have similarities, it is important to distinguish that NPs are equal providers of healthcare. In Canada and other countries, NPs work ALONGSIDE doctors and other medical providers to provide high quality healthcare.
Here are some key similarities and differences between, NPs and doctors
*the above comparison is intended to compare/contrast the similarities in the roles. This list is not exhaustive, and mainly applies to primary care specialities - Roles will differ in certain specialities.
Read this recent article posted on MDMag a popular US site for doctors and primary care providers - Can Nurse Practitioners Fill the Void in Primary Care
Nurse Practitioner Fees
- HomeHealth NP offers a unique service that includes accessing us through a variety of ways: home visits, clinic visits and virtual visits. This all-in-one solution is not offered by family providers, nor would these services be a covered service.
- Nurse Practitioners do not fall within the Canada Health Act, which means the services we render cannot be billed to the Manitoba Public Health System. This is similar to other providers such as dentists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, etc. Patients will typically have to pay out of pocket to access these services. However, various Insurance Providers will cover Nurse Practitioner services, check with your insurance provider.
Will my insurance cover Nurse Practitioner Services
Certain insurance plans maycover NP services. If you have a healthcare spending account (HSA) this service may be covered. Please call your Insurance provider to see if Nurse Practitioner Services are covered.
Can I claim the services rendered by a Nurse Practitioner on my yearly Taxes
Yes, services provided by an NP can be claimed on your yearly taxes. Keep all receipts as proof.
VIRTUAL VISIT
How do virtual visits work
What can I be seen for?
- Medical Issues: A variety of healthcare services can be completed using our virtual platform, including: upper respiratory tract symptoms (ie. coughs, colds, sore throat), urinary/vaginal symptoms (ie bladder infections, yeast infections), fever, diarrhea, constipation, rashes, mental health consultations, etc.
- Some visits will require a physical exam to be performed - please contact us if your are unsure.
- Prescription Refills
- Follow ups
- General Consultations
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Complete History and Physical | Medical Forms | Medical issues that require a physical exam - If it is determined during a virtual visit that a physical exam is required, we will reschedule a visit (Mobile or Clinic) free of charge (travel fees and additional services/time are extra). Requirements: We must have all the pertinent information related to the visit, and that the virtual visit fee has been paid.
What if I am seen, and I require a physical exam?
- If it is determined during a virtual visit that a physical exam is required, we will reschedule a visit (Mobile or Clinic) free of charge (travel fees and additional services/time are extra). Requirements: We must have all the pertinent information related to the visit, and that the virtual visit fee has been paid.
Is my information safe?
Yes, Medeo technology employs sophisticated cybersecurity to protect all information transmitted during a virtual visit. All medical records are protected securely and meet industry standards. Want to know more - Medeo security
What are the technical requirements?
Patients need either:
MOBILE VISIT / SERVICE AREA
What areas do you service for Mobile Visits
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R4A,
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R2E, R2G, R2K, R2L, R2P, R2R, R2V, R2W, R2X,
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R3A, R3B, R3C, R3E, R3G, R3H, R3W
I fall outside the service area for mobile visits, can I still get service?
Absolutely! Consider visiting us at our Home-based clinic by making an appointment OR make a virtual visit. IF you require a mobile visit, please contact us to arrange a mobile visit, extra travel fees will be charged at $2.99/km (please use google maps)
What are the requirements for a Mobile Visit
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Safe access - ensure adequate conditions to access your home (including proper snow removal, free of obstacles, etc) -
Parking - must have parking available. If paid parking is required, an additional fee will be charged. -
Private - to protect personal information please ensure these visits are in a suitable environment. Ensure the area is free of obstacles to walk freely. We require a table/desk and chairs. Room is to be private with a closed door and closed windows to ensure privacy.
CLINIC VISIT
HomeHealth NP Clinic
Our clinic is registered with the Winnipeg Permits Division to operate as a Home-Based Business. Our intended use of this space is to accomodate medical visits by appointment only.
I am scheduled for a Clinic Visit, what should I know?
- Please come 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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Have your Manitoba Public Health Card ready, with photo ID -
Please park in assigned parking only, street parking is available