Sign up for Individualized Primary Care Reports from Health Quality Ontario (HQO)

Health Quality Ontario (HQO) now offers MyPractice reports which show you data about your individual practice and will allow you to use your patients’ electronic medical records to find specific patients in need of attention.

The reports enable you to see your opioid prescribing patterns compared with peers across the province. In addition, you can see how your patients are doing with their cancer screening and diabetes management and learn how they are using other health services, like emergency...

Epidemiologically-linked clinical cases of hepatitis A in Ottawa

To: Family Physicians, Infectious Diseases Specialists, Emergency Physicians, Emergency DepartmentsFrom: Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: Hepatitis A

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is writing to alert you to two epidemiologically-linked, clinical cases of hepatitis A in the 4 to 5-year-old age group in Ottawa. OPH has offered hepatitis A vaccination to child and adult contacts of these cases; however, additional cases may be possible.

At very young ages, hepatitis A may be...

Pre/Perinatal Care Update: opting-out of Ophthalmia Neonatorum prophylaxis

To: Ottawa obstetricians, family physicians, and midwivesFrom: Dr. Geneviève Cadieux, Associate Medical Officer of HealthSubject: Pre/Perinatal Care Update: opting-out of Ophthalmia Neonatorum prophylaxis

Effective January 1, 2019, parents may request to opt-out of the mandatory prophylactic ophthalmic ointment to prevent transmission of Ophthalmia Neonatorum. This is due to an amendment to Regulation 557 Communicable Diseases – General under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).

To opt-out...

Gonorrhea Rates on the Rise in Ontario : New Testing and Treatment Guidelines

New Ontario testing and treatment guidelines for gonorrhea

As rates of Gonorrhea in the province continue to rise, it is increasingly important to screen and manage these infections according to Public Health Ontario’s Ontario Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment Guide, 2nd Edition released in November 2018. For your convenience, the key recommendations are summarized below.

When to test for gonorrhea

• All sexually active individuals who have signs and symptoms of gonorrhea should be tested at all sites...

Mental Health Supports During The Holiday Season

If some of your patients are finding the holiday season stressful or even isolating, supports and resources are available to help them through these challenges.

For those who are alone or feeling isolated, they can call 211 for information about holiday events or dinners, a support group or an opportunity to get involved in their community.

Reaching out to a mental health professional may benefit those struggling with emotional challenges. Walk-In Counselling Clinics offer the services of trained...