Accepting New Patients
Dr. Zeph Wiesenthal graduated from the University of Manitoba Medical School in 1984. A yen for country life then led him to spend many years in full service rural family practice in Gimli, Manitoba. Concurrent with this he also provided on-site remote northern medical services on an itinerant basis for the First Nations and Inuit health branch of the Federal Government, mainly in the community of Tadoule Lake, Manitoba. He moved to Alberta in 2014 and has continued to provide patient-centered, holistic and caring general practice services to the people of Calgary with an emphasis on preventative strategies.
Appointment Length. Dr. Z. Wiesenthal allocates 10 minutes for each appointment. During this time, not only do patients share their concern, but Dr. Wiesenthal must document, complete necessary paperwork and offer treatment or investigations if they are required. If this is not enough time, you will be asked to return.
One Appointment, One Person. Government changes to health care delivery prevent Dr. Wiesenthal from addressing more than on issue per appointment. Should you be unsure of which issue is to be prioritized, Dr. Wiesenthal will help you to determine this and ensure timely follow up for remaining issues.
Continuity. The Riverbend Physicians do not share patients, but we do provide emergency coverage for one another when away from the office. Please book only with your respective physician unless otherwise directed.
Technology. In order to email your your results in a confidential and secure way a frequently used email address is required. Online Scheduler. All appointments are booked online. Patient Portal. For simple issues, Dr. Wiesenthal will send a secure email message. Sensitive information will be communicated in person.
Administrative Concerns. The fastest way to get in touch with Dr. Wiesenthal is by contacting the clinic. Phone calls will be returned within 2 business days. No medical issues are discussed outside an office visit.
Insurance or Third Party Forms. Insurance applications and/or third party forms require an appointment for completion. This ensures the information is correct and up to date. Completion of these forms is an “uninsured service” with Alberta Health Services, therefore, a charge applies.
Chart Transfer. A $50.00 – $150.00 charge applies as this is considered an “uninsured service” by Alberta Health Services.
Results. Patients will not be contacted if results are normal. Dr. Wiesenthal does not email or fax copies of results to patients or other providers; an appointment is required to obtain these results.
Timeliness. If a patient is more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be cancelled and a fee of $60.00 applies. Please let Dr. Wiesenthal know either by calling the clinic if you are running behind.
Same Day Access. If a same-day appointment for a semi-urgent concern is required, contact Dr. Wiesenthal by calling the clinic.
Pharmacy Care. Dr. Wiesenthal recommends patients use one pharmacy for continuity and patient safety. Dr. Wiesenthal will fax prescriptions to your pharmacy upon receipt from your chosen pharmacy.
Office Hours & Closures. Dr. Wiesenthal is away from the office periodically. During these times, emails, labs, and reports are reviewed. The other physicians of Riverbend Medical Clinic will provide emergency coverage as needed.
Primary Care Network. Riverbend Medical Clinic is grateful to be part of the Mosiac Primary Care Network. This network aids our clinic in providing; social work consultations, mental health support, chronic disease management / dietary counselling, and pharmacy support.
Vaccinations. Dr. Wiesenthal supports and encourages vaccinations.
Services Not Provided. Dr. Wiesenthal does not provide inpatient hospital care, referral for infant foreskin removal (a.k.a circumcision), prescription for narcotics, marijuana or other controlled substances.
Work Leave. Dr. Wiesenthal believes work is an integral part of a person’s life and gives purpose and meaning. Requests will be reviewed as needed.
Payment. Payments for uninsured services or fees can be made by cash, electronic money transfer or credit card.
Missed Appointments. 24 hours is required to cancel an appointment.
TO CANCEL AN APPOINTMENT – call the clinic, log into the online scheduler or respond to the text message reminder. Failure to do so results in a $60 charge. After two missed visits the doctor-patient relationship will be terminated. Dr. Wiesenthal also considers “no shows” to consultant physicians or specialists a violation of this policy.
Termination of Doctor-Patient Relationship. Dr. Wiesenthal reserves the right to terminate the doctor-patient relationship as per the conditions documented and agreed to in the “Patient Contract” and documented on the website. If a patient is terminated, they will be informed by secure email messaging, phone or in person. No further appointments will be accepted. They are then responsible to find care elsewhere; Dr. Wiesenthal will provide 30 days of care for emergent issues. Records will be transferred with a fee. The most common reason for termination is disrespectful behavior and/or repeated lateness or missed appointments.
Termination of Doctor-Family Relationship. In order to provide the best medical care for a child, a respectful working relationship between the parents(s) and doctor is necessary. If a parent is terminated from Dr. Wiesenthal ‘s practice, this relationship is compromised; therefore, it is no longer appropriate for Dr. Wiesenthal to care for their children. As such, a referral to paediatrics will be offered and chart transferred at no charge. Dr. Wiesenthal will provide 30 days of care for emergent issues.