Frequently Asked Questions

Opioid addiction treatment uses medical, psychological, and behavioural support to help people reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and improve stability. For many patients, this may include opioid agonist treatment such as Methadone or Suboxone.

Opioid agonist treatment, often called OAT, is an evidence-based treatment approach for opioid dependence. It uses prescribed medications such as Methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone to reduce withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support safer recovery.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing patients to focus on stability, daily functioning, and recovery planning under medical supervision.

Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone helps reduce the risk of misuse. Your clinician will help decide which treatment option may be appropriate for you.

No referral is required to contact OAT Clinic. Patients can reach out directly. Depending on availability and clinical suitability, our team will guide you through the next step.

Yes. OAT Clinic supports telemedicine appointments when clinically appropriate. Patients may be able to connect from home, from a pharmacy, or from another private and safe location.

Not always. Some appointments may be completed by telemedicine, while others may require an in-person visit depending on your clinical needs, documentation, safety requirements, and physician assessment.

Yes. Your personal and treatment information is handled confidentially and used only for appropriate care, treatment coordination, and required clinical documentation.

Yes. OAT Clinic follows a harm-reduction approach. The goal is to reduce health risks, improve safety, and support progress at a pace that matches the patient’s situation.

Treatment length is different for every patient. Some people need short-term support, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. Your care plan is reviewed with your clinician based on your progress and needs.

Like all medications, Methadone and Suboxone can have side effects. These may include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, sweating, or other symptoms. Your clinician will review risks, benefits, and safety instructions with you.

Many physician services may be covered for eligible BC residents through MSP. If there are any services or costs not covered, the clinic team can explain this before proceeding.

Yes. Participating pharmacies can request an OAT telemedicine appointment through WinRx when the patient is present or connected, and the required consent and signature steps are completed.

The pharmacy can start from WinRx by opening Telemedicine or Life Tracking and selecting the OAT appointment referral option. The workflow guides the pharmacy through the required steps.

The pharmacy may need to complete the urine sample step, enter sample values, select a doctor, choose a preferred date and time, and complete the required OAT bundle signatures.

Yes. The process is designed so the patient can stay connected with the pharmacy they already know and trust.

Yes, when appropriate. Patients may connect with the doctor from the pharmacy, from home, or from another private and safe location.

After the request is submitted, the clinic reviews and confirms the appointment. The pharmacy receives confirmation through the agreed workflow, such as fax or the appointment list.

Yes. The workflow is designed to help pharmacies track appointment status in one place, reducing the need for repeated phone calls, faxes, or follow-up emails.

Yes. If a pharmacy is new or running low on UDS cups, they can place an order through the workflow. Payment and shipment instructions are sent after the order is placed.

No. The pharmacy can request an appointment and support the workflow, but clinical assessment, treatment decisions, and prescribing remain with the appropriate healthcare provider.

Update WinRx to the latest version and look for the OAT telemedicine option under Telemedicine or Life Tracking. If the option is not visible, contact the support team for activation.