What to expect:
1. Referral is received
We are consulting pediatricians, meaning that we require a referral, and do not take on patients as primary care providers.
Once our referral form is received, it will be triaged by a pediatrician, according to urgency. If there is a major change in condition, please make sure your referring healthcare provider is aware, so they can update the referral. Contact your referring provider for the status of the referral.
We work as a team - your child will generally see the first available pediatrician.
As of January 2026:
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Medical consult wait time: 1-4 months
As of May 2025
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Mental health/developmental consult wait time: Given extensive wait times we are currently closed to ADHD, autism, behavioural/mental health consultations
2. Behaviour concern referrals
For school-aged children, we must receive feedback from the school before referral will be accepted. The Canadian Pediatric Society is a helpful template to consider.
If there is a question of ADHD,
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the referring healthcare provider must forward SNAP-IV scores from both home and school before referral will be accepted.
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It is highly recommended parents complete the Rolling with ADHD modules prior to ADHD assessments.
3. Booking your intake appointment
Our office will contact you by phone/email to arrange your intake appointment. Automated appointment reminders are emailed 1 week and 2 days before. Your re-confirmation is required electronically via Ocean platform or by phone. If not re-confirmed, the appointment is subject to being cancelled.
4. Intake questionnaires
Before your appointment, you will receive a new patient agreement, intake questionnaire, and possibly additional psychometric tools to complete (via the Ocean platform). These must be completed, in advance, for your appointment.
5. Appointment
day
Please arrive on time and bring the following:
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Your child's MSP card (or have their PHN)
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Prescriptions/medication bottles/inhalers to verify dosing
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Appointments can be long and stressful! Bring any toys/items that may make your child feel more comfortable and snacks
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A written diary of symptoms, and things that happened before and after, can be helpful to see patterns
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Loose fitting clothes without layers help make physical exams easier
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Infants - Extra diapers and wipes
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Let your doctor know if you'd like to speak with them privately
If you have any further questions (ex. parking, office policy, etc.), see our FAQ page here:
6. After your appointment
We'll make a plan together. The following information may help:
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If you were asked to complete bloodwork at VGH, the lab is open M-F 7:00-5:00. You can book an appointment here:
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To join waitlist for VGH lab, text JOIN + your first and last name to
1-833-215-6446
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You may also choose to visit any Lifelabs location
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If you were asked to complete an x-ray at VGH, they are open 8:00-4:00 M-F; no appointment is necessary. For all other imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI), medical imaging will contact you directly to schedule
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You may also choose to go to any WCMI location
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If you have run out of medication, please first call your pharmacy to see whether refills are available. Your pharmacist and primary care provider are able to provide emergency supply until your follow-up with the pediatrician.