Frequently Asked Questions about My Health Teams
- What is Primary Care?
- What are My Health Teams?
- What services will My Health Teams provide?
- Who will be part of My Health Team team?
- Why are My Health Teams being developed?
- What are the benefits to me as a patient of a My Health Team?
- Do patients have to pay for health services in a My Health Team?
- Do My Health Teams receive government funding?
- What do I need to do to become a member of a My Health Team? Do I need to register?
- What if I don't have a family doctor?
- How do I find out if my family doctor will be part of a My Health Team?
- What if I prefer to see my family doctor rather than another tam provider?
- What if my family doctor is not part of a My Health Team? Who will approach doctors about joining?
- When will My Health Teams be in place in Manitoba and where will they be?
- Do I have to go to a doctor's office to get health care advice or medical care?
- Will patient privacy be protected in a My Health Team?
Primary care is care provided by the people you normally see first when you have a health need or problem. It might be a visit to your doctor, nurse practitioner, midwife, dietitian, pharmacist, or therapist. Telephone services provided by HealthLinks/Info Santé are also part of primary care.
One of the most important features of a good primary care system is having a regular care provider who knows you and sees you for most of your care close to home.
My Health Teams are an approach to care that brings together different health care providers close to home to provide the best care for you. Most teams are made up of doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and others (see “Who will be part of My Health Team?”) who work together to provide you with high-quality primary care. Each team member uses their expert knowledge and skills so that you receive the very best care possible.
Some My Health Team providers will be based in the same clinic, health centre and/or community. Other providers will be in different locations. But they all will work together to plan and deliver primary care services in order to meet the needs of their communities. Click here for more information on the vision and goals of My Health Teams. Click here for information on the key elements of My Health Teams.
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What services will My Health Teams provide?
All My Health Teams have shared characteristics and approaches to care. Beyond these key elements, every team will be different, because they are developed locally based on local community needs. However, regardless of which My Health Team you become a part of, the quality and standards of care remains.
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Who will be part of My Health Team?
My Health Teams will develop their teams around the needs of their communities and patients, so each team will be a bit different and will be unique. For example, team members may include primary care nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health workers, social workers, spiritual care providers, community developers, exercise specialists, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists. Another important member of your My Health Team is you. As a patient of a My Health Team, you will be treated as a partner in planning and managing your care, and will be provided with the tools and resources to help you do so.
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Why are My Health Teams being developed?
My Health Teams will build on the strengths of the current health care system. My Health Teams will standardize and support further health system changes that enhance accessibility, coordination and quality of primary care.
A number of efficiencies are gained by forming My Health Teams. Examples of services or resources that are difficult to support in a small group practice, but which become more easier to deliver in a My Health Teams are:
- shared interdisciplinary teams including dietitians, nurses, and/or physical activity counsellors;
- group sessions for chronic disease prevention and management; shared after-hours call; and
- extended clinic hours
My Health Teams support standards of excellence through:
Teamwork: My Health Teams connect patients, doctors and, health care providers such as nurses, counsellors, dietitians, and community services in different ways that make sense for today's care needs. This means better use of limited resources and excellent care. You may have access to health care from a broader range of providers - members of the team.
Access: My Health Teams can increase access to primary care. This means that you can get care when you need it, and avoid long waits for appointments.
Quality: My Health Teams provide high quality patient care. This means that your doctor and health care providers will support you to meet your needs, reach your health goals, and help you stay healthy longer.
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What are the benefits to me as a patient of a My Health Team?
Manitoba’s My Health Teams are being developed one step at a time. The service aspects described below describe long-term goals. They aim to provide you with the best care possible, no matter where you go. But to begin with, not all networks will offer each of the services. It will take time to make all of the changes within each team.
As a patient in a well-established My Health Team, you can expect that:
- Your team members will have tools and supports (such as electronic medical records) to work together with you and communicate with each other to manage your health needs. Services will focus on all aspects of you and your life, including family and community.
- Your team can link you faster and more easily with needed resources provided by the different team members. If a service you need is not provided by your My Health Team, the team will connect you with someone who can help you.
- My Health Teams will strive to provide you with access to primary care within 24 to 48 hours at your regular clinic or at another time of your choice. Time spent in waiting areas for appointments may be reduced.
- When your family doctor is a member of a team, you will know that you are an important part of the team. You will notice timely referrals to health care providers, and commitment to helping you manage your health.
- Health care providers directly involved in your care will have access to the health information they need to provide you with safe and high-quality care. At the same time, teams will adhere to privacy legislation and policies ensuring only those who need access to your health information can have access.
- When you need care outside of the team, team members will coordinate and track your care journey, and ensure appropriate follow-up by a provider within My Health Team.
- You will have access to care by a team member outside of regular business hours, including weekends.
- You may notice greater access to a full range of health programs and services offered by your My Health Team.
- There will be reduced repetition of patient medical history, medical tests, diagnostic errors and avoidable hospital and ER visits.
Each My Health Team will be somewhat different in the way it provides services. Many of the changes will be behind the scenes, where care and services are coordinated.
Do patients have to pay for health services in a My Health Team?
Patients do not have to pay for any publicly funded health services, whether or not the health care provider is part of a My Health Team. If a doctor provides you a service that is not publicly funded, you will be required to pay for that service. Such services include cosmetic procedures and specialty physical exams. For more information on medical services that are publicly funded, see www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/index.html.
Do My Health Teams receive government funding?
Yes, My Health Teams will receive some funding from the Government of Manitoba to plan and implement the team. If a team plan is approved, the team may be eligible for ongoing funding to help it deliver core features and services to patients. For example, this may include funding to hire additional primary care team members.
What do I need to do to become a member of a My Health Team? Do I need to register?
If your regular doctor or health care provider joins a My Health Team, you will be able to access the services of that team. No individual registration is needed.
What if I don't have a family doctor?
You are encouraged to see a regular family doctor or health care provider on an ongoing basis. Having a long-term relationship with a provider or team can contribute to better tracking of your service needs, better coordination of your care, and can improve your health and satisfaction with your care. Click here to find out how to register to be connected with a primary care provider in your area.
How do I find out if my family doctor will be part of a My Health Team?
Ask your doctor. Regional health authorities are working with providers in their communities to plan and develop My Health Teams. The medical centres and clinics that will participate in these teams will be identified through this process.
What if I prefer to see my family doctor rather than another provider?
You will certainly still have access to your regular doctor; however, your regular doctor might suggest you see another team member for some of your regular care, if he/she can help address your health needs and support you in meeting your health goals.
What if my family doctor is not part of a My Health Team? Who will approach doctors about joining?
During the next few years, regional health authority officials will be approaching doctors and health care providers about joining a My Health Team.
If you doctor is not part of a team, you will continue to receive the quality care that your doctor has always provided. Family doctors will continue to refer patients to health care providers for services that they do not personally provide.
You can also ask your doctor about future plans to join a My Health Team.
When will My Health Teams be in place in Manitoba and where will they be?
The long-term goal is for every Manitoban to have access to a My Health Team when needed. My Health Teams are underway in several communities in the province.
It will take time for all teams to put their plans into place and changes may not be noticeable at first. But you will still be able to see your family doctor or health care provider when necessary.
Do I have to go to a doctor's office to get health care advice or medical care?
No. There are a number of options for advice or care.
HealthLinks/Info Santé is a free 24-hour, seven-days a week telephone information service. Service is provided by registered nurses with the knowledge to provide answers over the phone to health care questions and guide you to the care you need. Call anytime 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.
TeleCARE/TéléSOINS Manitoba is a telephone-based program that helps Manitobans with heart failure or Type 2 diabetes manage their condition. Healthcare providers assess patient health, monitor any symptoms or problems, and provide education and tools for patients to better manage their own health - all by telephone or videoconference. Available at 204-788-8688 or toll-free 1-866-204-3737.
Dial-a-Dietitian connects callers to a registered dietitian, experts in nutritional health. This health promotion service is here to answer questions and provide advice on food and nutrition to help Manitobans and their families live well and stay healthy. Nutrition information is provided verbally and written resources can be mailed out. Available at 204-788-8248 or toll-free 1-877-830-2892.
Manitoba Telehealth partners with Regional health authorities to connect people to health care services at a distance. A secure video link is used to connect clients to health care providers at different locations in Manitoba. For more information, contact Manitoba Telehealth at 1-866-667-9891 or 204-975-7714; or contact your Regional Health Authority.
You can find out more about the wide range of services available by contacting your regional health authority.
Will patient privacy be protected in a My Health Team?
Patient privacy is very important to health care providers, whether or not they are part of a My Health Team. All health care providers and regional health authorities in Manitoba, including those participating in a My Health Team, are required to follow the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) PHIA protects your personal health information by requiring that your information be kept in a secure environment, and by ensuring that it is only shared with health care providers who require the information to provide you with care, or under a limited number of other circumstances set out in the Act. For more information on PHIA, see: www.gov.mb.ca/health/phia/index.html.
For more information about primary health care services in Manitoba, contact your regional health authority office:Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Prairie Mountain Health Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Northern Regional Health Authority Southern Health-Santé Sud For any other inquiries about primary health care in Manitoba, please contact us. |
