Commonly Used Terms in Healthcare
24/7
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Often used to say something is available every day and all the time.
Benefits
Money or programs to help people with children, living with disability, do not have a job or are low-income. The Government of Canada has benefits you can access, providing you meet the eligibility criteria.
Consent
You are agreeing or giving permission.
Confidentiality
Your information and any information you provide will be kept private and not shared with anyone unless you give permission.
You usually sign this agreement when you access community services or organizations. Confidentiality can be broken for several reasons, for example, if you risk harming yourself or others.
Dietitian
A registered dietitian is a regulated health professional passionate about food and its science.
They help people understand the connection between food and health, while working with them to provide practical guidance on how to make healthy lifestyle and food choices.
Family doctors
Family doctors, also referred to as primary health care providers, are licensed healthcare professionals who address new, non- emergency health concerns.They are also called your primary health care provider.
IFHP
Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary coverage of healthcare benefits for resettled refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and their dependents who don't have provincial, territorial or private healthcare coverage.
Mental Health
It is equally important as your physical health. It affects how we think, feel and act. Good mental health is when you feel positive about yourself and can handle the everyday pressures of life.
We all have days when we do not feel good about ourselves. If you need support, connect with one of the resources on this site or talk to your friends or family. Wellness refers to your physical or mental health.
Nurse practitioner
Registered nurses that can assess, diagnose, treat and monitor a wide range of health problems while working with doctors.
In Ontario, they are regulated by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
OHIP
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is a health insurance program for people living in Ontario. OHIP pays for many health services you may need.
Each province in Canada has its health insurance program. Your health card is a confidential document you must show every time you require medical care.
Over-the-counter medicine
Sometimes called over-the-counter drugs. They are medicines that do not require you to show a prescription note.
These are usually for less severe problems, such as headaches, colds, or allergies. If you have a question about over-the-counter medicine, ask your pharmacist.
Pediatrician
Medical doctors specializing in the care of infants and children.
Prescriptions
Are medical instructions written by doctors or nurse practitioners, sometimes given to you on paper with the doctor's information or sent to the pharmacy where you choose to get your medicine. There are medicines you can only buy if you have a prescription.
Physical Health
The condition of your body, whether you are living with a disease or not. Both your physical and mental health is essential. Exercise regularly when you can and practice healthy eating. Wellness refers to both your physical and mental health.
Stigma
Negative thoughts or beliefs one has about something. There is often a feeling of shame.
If your situation feels too hard to manage, or you feel alone with your problems, you can get help. Try not to feel ashamed. You are not alone. One way to eliminate stigma is to learn more about it.
Walk-in clinics
Provide medical care for people who do not have a family doctor or have one and cannot reach them. You can see a nurse or doctor, often without an appointment, at a walk-in clinic.