Medical Services in Vancouver

Medical Services Plan (MSP): British Columbia's Health Insurance Program

In British Columbia, the public health insurance program is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically necessary insured doctor services.

What is the Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is British Columbia's public health insurance program, covering the cost of medically necessary insured physician services.

Eligibility for MSP:

Enrollment in MSP is mandatory for all eligible residents of British Columbia. To qualify, you must:

● Be a Canadian citizen or hold permanent resident status.

● Make your home in British Columbia.

● Be physically present in the province for at least six months in a calendar year.

Dependents, such as your spouses and children, are also eligible for coverage.

For additional knowledge about eligibility:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage

Services Covered by MSP:

MSP covers medically required services provided by physicians and surgeons, including:

● Medically necessary services performed by physicians and surgeons.

● Dental or oral surgery when performed in a hospital.

Additionally, MSP offers benefits, providing partial payment for certain medical services obtained in B.C., such as acupuncture and massage therapy, and may provide access to other income-based programs.

For additional knowledge about services:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage

Enrollment Process:

To enroll in MSP, you need to complete an application form and provide supporting documents, such as proof of identity and residency. Applications can be submitted online or by mail. For detailed instructions and to access the application form, visit the official MSP website.

For additional knowledge about enrollment:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage 

Cost of MSP:

As of January 1, 2020, MSP premiums have been eliminated, meaning residents no longer pay monthly fees for coverage. However, it's important to note that while MSP covers many healthcare services, some services may not be covered, and residents might incur out-of-pocket expenses for those services.

Contact Information:

For questions or assistance with MSP, you can contact Health Insurance BC, which administers MSP on behalf of the Ministry of Health:

● Phone: (604) 683-7151 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-663-7100 (toll-free elsewhere in B.C.)

● Mailing Address: Health Insurance BC, Medical Services Plan/Fair PharmaCare, PO Box 9678 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9P7

HOSPITALS IN VANCOUVER:

Vancouver General Hospital (VGH)

https://www.vch.ca/en/location/vancouver-general-hospital 

● Address: 899 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

● Phone: (604) 875-4111

St. Paul's Hospital

https://www.providencehealthcare.org/en/locations/st-pauls-hospital 

● Address: 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

● Phone: (604) 682-2344

UBC Hospital – Koerner Pavilion

https://www.vch.ca/en/location/ubc-hospital 

● Address: 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5

● Phone: (604) 822-7011

BC Children's Hospital

http://www.bcchildrens.ca/ 

● Address: 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

● Phone: (604) 875-2345

BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre

http://www.bcwomens.ca/ 

● Address: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

● Phone: (604) 875-2424

● Rating: 3.8/5.0

Mount Saint Joseph Hospital

https://www.providencehealthcare.org/en/locations/mount-saint-joseph-hospital 

● Address: 3080 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3N4

● Phone: (604) 874-1141

● Rating: 4.1/5.0

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre

https://www.vch.ca/en/location/gf-strong-rehabilitation-centre 

● Address: 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2G9

● Phone: (604) 734-1313

● Rating: 4.1/5.0

Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health

https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/ 

● Address: 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

● Phone: (604) 822-7131

● Rating: 4.3/5.0

Purdy Pavilion

https://www.vch.ca/en/locations 

● Address: 2221 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2B5

● Phone: (604) 822-7121

● Rating: 4.3/5.0

Contact Dermatitis Clinic

http://contactdermclinic.ca/ 

● Address: 1033 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1M5

● Phone: (604) 731-6166

Psychiatric Facilities

Healing Spaces North Vancouver

https://www.healingspaces.center/ 

● Address: 233 W 1st St #210, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H8

● -Phone: 17788603120

● -Rating: 3.0/5.0

Elumind Centres For Brain Excellence

https://elumind.com/ 

● Address: 221 Esplanade W #210, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J3

● Phone: +16042208866

● Rating: 4.4/5.0

Magnolia House

https://www.vch.ca/en/location/magnolia-house 

● Address: 720 17th St E, North Vancouver, BC V7L 2W8

● Phone: +16049842789

● Rating: 5.0/5.0

Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society

https://pathwayssmi.org/ 

● Address: 315 W 1st St #101, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1B5

● Phone: +16049260856

● Rating: 5.0/5.0

H.R. Mental Wellness Centre

https://mentalwellnessbc.ca/ 

● Address: 1590 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 1J1

● Phone: +16046306865

● Rating: 5.0/5.0

Older Adult Mental Health Services - North Shore

https://www.vch.ca/en/location-service/older-adult-mental-health-services-north-shore 

● Address: 145 West 17th Street Suite #350, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G4

● Phone: +16049825600

Timber Creek Tertiary Care Facility

https://www.fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Locations/Surrey/timber-creek-tertiary-care-facility 

● Address: 13646 94a Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1N1

● Phone: +16045806500

● Rating: 4.4/5.0

Vaccination:

In Vancouver, obtaining routine vaccinations involves several steps:

1. Determine Eligibility and Schedule:

○ Children: Routine immunizations for children are scheduled through the B.C. Immunization Schedule. This schedule outlines the recommended vaccines and their availability.

○ Adults: Routine adult immunizations are available through local pharmacies.

2. Register for Vaccines:

○ COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccines: For COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, you can register through the provincial Get Vaccinated system. This system allows you to book appointments and receive notifications for upcoming vaccinations.

3. Find a Vaccination Clinic:

○ Public Health Units: Vancouver Coastal Health operates immunization clinics across the region, offering routine vaccinations for infants, children, and adults.

○ Pharmacies: Many pharmacies in Vancouver provide routine vaccinations for adults. You can find a pharmacy offering the specific vaccine you need by using the Immunize BC clinic finder.

4. Book an Appointment:

○ Public Health Units: Contact your local public health unit to schedule an appointment. They can provide information on available dates and times.

○ Pharmacies: Many pharmacies allow you to book vaccination appointments online or by phone. Check with your chosen pharmacy for their booking process.

5. Attend Your Appointment:

○ Bring your personal health information, such as your CareCard or other identification, to your appointment.

○ Inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or medical conditions you have.

○ After receiving the vaccine, you may be asked to wait for a short period to monitor for any immediate reactions.

6. Follow-Up:

○ Some vaccines require multiple doses. Ensure you complete the full vaccination schedule as recommended.

○ Keep a record of your vaccinations for future reference.

By following these steps, you can ensure you and your family are protected against vaccine preventable diseases in Vancouver.

1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider:

● If you have symptoms or concerns about a specific infectious disease, contact your primary care physician or a walk-in clinic.

● They can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and, if necessary, refer you for specialized testing.

2. Access Specialized Clinics:

● Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC): Located at 1200 Burrard St, VIDC offers comprehensive care for various infectious diseases, including HIV and Hepatitis C. They provide both research and operational services, focusing on marginalized populations.
https://www.vidc.ca

3. BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC): The BCCDC operates clinics that diagnose, treat, and provide information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They offer specialized testing and treatment services.

4. Utilize Online Testing Services:

● Get Checked Online: This service offers free and confidential STI testing for registered individuals in the Greater Vancouver area. You can create an account online, print a lab form, provide samples at a lab, and receive your test results via email.

5. Contact Public Health Authorities:

● Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH): VCH provides communicable disease control services, including testing and treatment for various infectious diseases. You can contact them at (604) 675-3900 or 1 (855) 675-3900 for reporting a communicable disease concern or to seek consultation regarding an exposure.
https://www.vch.ca/en/communicable-disease-control

6. Prepare for Your Appointment:

● Bring your personal health information, such as your CareCard or other identification.

● Inform the healthcare provider of any symptoms, recent exposures, or travel history.

● Follow any pre-test instructions provided by the clinic or laboratory.

7. Follow-Up:

● After testing, ensure you understand how and when you will receive your results.

● If diagnosed with an infectious disease, follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.

● Inform any close contacts if necessary, as advised by your healthcare provider.