Prescribing Pharmacist & Minor Ailments Consultation
A prescribing pharmacist is an ideal solution for residents of Alberta or visitors to Alberta seeking health care but are unable to book an appointment to see their family doctor, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional, within a reasonable time.
Our prescribing pharmacist can help by providing prescriptions for drugs to treat minor ailments and conditions if appropriate, thus increasing access to local health care services, and improving patient outcomes. 
Our prescribing pharmacist can help with a range of conditions and ailments, including:
- acne
- cold sores
- conjunctivitis
- eczema
- migraine headaches
- hemorrhoids
- muscle strains and sprains
- nail fungus infection
- oral thrush
- erectile dysfunction
- emergency contraception
- painful menstrual periods
- seasonal allergies
- skin infections
- tobacco smoking cessation
- sore throat
- stomach acid reflux
- sunburn
- urinary tract infection
- vaginal yeast infection
CONSULTATIONS
Alberta residents with a valid Alberta Health Number are covered for a prescribing pharmacist assessment that leads to the prescribing of a schedule 1 medication under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. For anyone without a valid Alberta Health Number, or visitors to Alberta, this consultation will cost $25 per visit. 
At Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, we have a prescribing pharmacist that is dedicated to caring for you, your family, and our community. Our prescribing pharmacist is certified in travel health, hypertension management, injection administration, and more, and will help to ensure that you are well cared for.
PRESCRIPTION RENEWAL
Our pharmacists can help renew your existing prescriptions if appropriate. If you have no prescription refills and/or are unable to book an appointment to see your doctor, nurse practitioner, optometrist, or dentist before you are out of your medication(s), we can help you until you can schedule time with your healthcare professional.
PHARMACIST’S TIP
With access to our highly trained pharmacists at Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, the health outcomes of our patients would be greatly enhanced by making treatment and medications to treat minor ailments and conditions more accessible when access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or other required primary health care provider is limited. 
FAQs About Prescribing Pharmacist & Minor Ailments Consultation
Q. What is a prescribing pharmacist?
A. A prescribing pharmacist is a licensed pharmacy professional who has additional training and authority to prescribe medications for certain health conditions. They can help manage minor ailments and optimize medication therapy for patients.
Q. What types of minor ailments can be treated during a consultation?
A. During a consultation, a prescribing pharmacist is equipped to manage a range of minor ailments. These may include, but are not limited to, allergies, dermatological conditions, minor infections, gastrointestinal disturbances, urinary tract infections (UTIs), as well as symptoms associated with common colds and flu.
Q. How can a patient benefit from a minor ailment’s consultation with a pharmacist?
A. Patients can benefit from a minor ailment’s consultation by receiving expert advice on managing their symptoms, getting recommendations for over-the-counter treatments or prescribed medications, and gaining education about their health concerns—all in a convenient and accessible setting.
Q. Is a prescription always necessary for a minor ailment?
A. Not necessarily. In many cases, a prescribing pharmacist can provide recommendations for over-the-counter options that may alleviate symptoms. However, if a specific medication is required, the pharmacist can issue a prescription.
Q. What should patients expect during a consultation?
A. Patients can expect a brief assessment of their symptoms, a discussion about their medical history, and recommendations for treatment options. The pharmacist may also provide guidance on how to monitor their condition and when to seek further medical attention.
Q. Are consultations confidential?
A. Yes, all consultations conducted by a prescribing pharmacist are confidential. Pharmacists are trained to handle personal health information with the utmost care and in line with legal privacy requirements.
Q. Do I need to book an appointment for a consultation?
A. The policy regarding walk-in appointments varies by pharmacy. At Brintnell Pharmacy, while we do occasionally accept walk-ins, we strongly recommend that you call ahead to schedule an appointment prior to your visit.
Q. Will my insurance cover consultations with a prescribing pharmacist?
A. Coverage for consultations with a prescribing pharmacist varies by insurance provider and plan. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance plan to determine what services are covered.
Q. Can children receive consultations for minor ailments?
A. Yes, prescribing pharmacists can assess and treat minor ailments in children, although parental or guardian consent may be required for younger patients. It’s important for parents to discuss their child’s symptoms with the pharmacist.
By addressing these frequently asked questions, patients can gain a clearer understanding of the valuable role that prescribing pharmacists play in managing minor ailments and improving overall health care access.