Answering Your Questions
W
e established the Physician Advisory Service (PAS)
in 1993 to provide advice and information to
members. Each year, the Physician Advisory Service
receives more than 5,000 calls and letters from
physicians or their representatives about a variety
of issues.
The service provides a forum for you to discuss any concern or ask ques-
tions regarding your practice. The feedback we have received indicates
that this is a vital resource for doctors, who often do not know where else
to turn. The Physician Advisory Service assists by providing practical and
informative responses to queries about specific situations or practice is-
sues.
In addition, most College policies name the Physician Advisory Service as
the contact department if you are seeking assistance in applying our poli-
cies to your practice.
It may interest you to know the most frequently asked questions raised by
the PUBLIC are:
• Can my physician charge a fee to transfer my medical records?
• My doctor retired and I am trying to locate my medical records. Can
you help?
• Can my doctor fire me from her/his practice?
• Can my doctor write a letter to the Children’s Aid Society/Ministry of
Transportation about me?
• Can a physician refuse to refer me to a specialist?
• Am I required to pay a block fee?
The Physician Advisory Service operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 am –
5:00 pm. If you have a question and would like to speak to one of the
Physician Advisory staff, please contact us at the number listed below. We
also welcome written questions or comments at:
Physician Advisory Service
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
80 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E2
(416) 967-2606 or 1-800-268-7096, extension 606
The most frequently
asked questions raised by
PHYSICIANS who contact
PAS are:
• How long must I retain my
medical records?
• Are there guidelines for
closing my practice?
• What are the guidelines for
discontinuing professional
services to a patient?
• How do I manage drug-
seeking individuals?
• I have questions about
confidentiality of patient
information. Can you help?
• Can you help me with the
online annual renewal form?
E-mail: [email protected]
Welcome to the College – May 2016
8