Frequently Asked Questions • FAQ
We try to answer all your questions – if you can’t find it here, also check out our Q&A where our Physicians and Health Care Providers answer your most asked health-related questions.
Kidcrew General Inquiries
We are accepting primary care patients at this time.
We are accepting In-Person sick visits, 7 days a week, with one of our Pediatricians on call. Don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider for any health issue. We are available – usually with same-day visits – and please understand delaying health care could make the problem worse or lead to further complications.
Click to Book an Appointment.
After December 1, 2022, The Ministry of Health only supports virtual care provided by a patient’s primary care provider. Patients must be physically examined every two years by their primary care provider for virtual care to be accessible.
Only a physician who has examined a patient in person in the last 24 months can provide virtual care to that patient.
Please use our online portal as an existing primary care patient for convenient and fast booking.
https://kidcrew.com/booking/
If you see your child’s primary care physician listed in the online booking area, you are welcome to book a virtual appointment with your doctor using that link. If you do not see your doctor’s name or there are no appointments listed, please email us at medical@kidcrew.com.
Our address is: 1440 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5R 3J3
TTC – Public Transit
Kidcrew is accessible from St. Clair West subway station, a 5 minutes walk from the office. Or take the streetcar on Bathurst Street, and walk south to Kidcrew. Or take the #7 Bathurst bus to St. Clair and we are a short walk from there.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Here is a link via Google Maps.
PARKING MAP
Click below for detailed map with parking information:
We accept patients by appointment only, including after-hours, and virtual visits.
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
After Hours and Virtual Care: Monday to Friday: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Click to Book an Appointment.
We have Pediatricians avasilable daily for In-Person visits. Book Online Here.
We prefer that in-person well-baby checks and vaccine visits be booked in advance. Please click here to book your in-person visit.
In some cases, you do not need to come into the office for a prescription. Rather, you can book a virtual care visit.
A physician practicing virtual medicine can order medications, as well as order investigations such as blood work and imaging.
A referral must be received by the office prior to scheduling any appointments. The referral can be from your family doctor or other physicians. Please direct them to our Referral Form on our website.
We do try to accommodate specialist appointments as soon as possible, however, there may 2 to 4-week wait to be seen by the specialist.
After Hours Crew is our team of expert pediatricians who are available 7 days a week, with same-day visits!
Avoid those dreaded long lineups at walk-in clinics.
Your child’s health is our highest priority, so please don’t delay, and contact us if you have any concerns or health issues to address, however small.
We have a team of pediatricians to help and are not too busy to help you and your family.
Available to any child in Ontario, and covered by OHIP.
We can, when needed, book a same-day virtual visit – Click to book a virtual visit.
Available 7 days a week. For more details [CLICK ME]!
After Hours and Virtual Care: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Phone: (416) 613-KIDS (5437)
Fax: (647) 689-2371
Email: medical@kidcrew.com
OR you may contact us via our Contact Page
OR you may Book Online.
We aim to see all patients within a few minutes of their scheduled appointment times. However, emergencies do occur and there may be a short wait time. If you are late arriving for your appointment, the appointments that arrive on time will be seen first.
ALL PATIENTS WELCOME - 7 DAYS A WEEKYour Questions About Virtual Care Visits with a Pediatrician
Connect with your doctor by video or phone. See your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, from the safety of your home, or on-the-go via tablet or smartphone. Didn’t find your answer, contact us!
We are accepting primary care patients at this time.
We are accepting In-Person sick visits, 7 days a week, with one of our Pediatricians on call. Don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider for any health issue. We are available – usually with same-day visits – and please understand delaying health care could make the problem worse or lead to further complications.
Click to Book an Appointment.
After December 1, 2022, The Ministry of Health only supports virtual care provided by a patient’s primary care provider. Patients must be physically examined every two years by their primary care provider for virtual care to be accessible.
Only a physician who has examined a patient in person in the last 24 months can provide virtual care to that patient.
Please use our online portal as an existing primary care patient for convenient and fast booking.
https://kidcrew.com/booking/
If you see your child’s primary care physician listed in the online booking area, you are welcome to book a virtual appointment with your doctor using that link. If you do not see your doctor’s name or there are no appointments listed, please email us at medical@kidcrew.com.
Yes. A physician practicing virtual medicine can order medications, as well as order investigations such as blood work and imaging.
Virtual care can help manage common health issues such as illness, minor trauma, and injuries, mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, chronic health conditions, behavioral concerns in children, and even more complex heath conditions. Virtual medicine can decrease the need for an in-person visit for rash review and medication refills.
Virtual healthcare is the provision of real-time medical care via a mobile device.
Telemedicine/telehealth refers to the process of diagnosing and treating conditions remotely, while virtual healthcare encompasses not only the connection between patient and physician but also the on-demand access to a broad range of non-clinical or non-physician services.
For example, Kidcrew virtual care enables patients to access mental health care and therapy, in addition to physician services.
Virtual doctor visits are simply doctor-patient meetings that happen over the phone or video call. With the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic, virtual visits with your pediatrician or physician are much safer.
When possible, a doctor visit by phone or video-call allows for easy and timely access to care, conveniently and safely, whether from home or work, and regardless of the time of day.
Kidcrew has pediatricians on call 7 days a week – weekdays, from 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 3 pm for same-day In-Person visits. Click to Book an Appointment.
1. Virtual health care can lower healthcare costs
2. Increases efficiency
3. Provides patients better access to healthcare services
4. Healthier, happier patients
5. More convenient and accessible patient care
6. Access from remote areas
7. Can provide care to patients with decreased mobility
8. Helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits
9. Quicker and more convenient access to a clinician
10. Increased engagement from patients which can encourage healthier behavior by patients.
11. Decreased barrier to care. Patients feel more empowered to seek advice from their healthcare practitioner as it is easier to reach them.
12. Improved prevention. Virtual care can lead to an assessment of early warning signs for illness and can enable follow up appointments to ensure improvement in health status.
13. Better quality of care. Patients can address health concerns quickly with real-time urgent consultations. This patient-centered care increases patient satisfaction.
There is a growing burden of mental health concerns amongst patients. Mental health and therapy services can be difficult to access, especially in remote or underserviced areas. In addition, many patients feel insecure about accessing mental health services due to the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Virtual mental health care can alleviate these concerns.
Yes. Accessing virtual healthcare minimizes the burden of missing work and school for healthcare visits. Barriers such as commute time, parking costs, and time away from work and school improve the patient experience and better value for your time.
Your Questions About COVID-19
Have concerns? Please connect with your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, from the safety of your home. Don’t delay care for your child. Didn’t find your answer here, contact us! .. or book a virtual care visit.
COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus, as it had not been previously identified or seen in humans. There are many types of coronaviruses such as those that cause the common cold. COVID-19 is different from other common coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
In COVID-19, the ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. This virus was discovered in 2019. Before being named COVID-19, I was called the “2019 novel coronavirus” and “2019-nCoV”.
COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people in close contact (within 2 meters or 6 feet from one another). It spreads via respiratory droplets such as when a person talks, breathes, sings, coughs or sneezes. These droplets cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are inhaled into the nose or mouth of another person, and this leads to infection. These droplets can remain suspended in the air and can be inhaled by others who are farther away than 6 feet, such as during a sporting event or concert.
Droplets can live on surfaces. When a person touches a surface containing microscopic COVID-19, and then touches their own mouth, eyes or nose, the person may get infected.
Click to read Strategies to Keep Covid-19 Out Of Your Home!
Community spread means people are getting infected with the virus within one region or area. Many people are unaware of who they got COVID-19 from, or where. COVID-19 spreads easily in the community if not prevented.
Masks offer some protection to the wearer and help prevent the spread of the virus from an asymptomatic mask wearer to others.
COVID-19 can be spread from people who do not know they have COVID-19. That is why we must all wear masks in public and maintain social distancing.
Masks provide a layer of protection, preventing our droplets from going into the air and infecting others.
Read our helpful article “How to Help Kids Wear Masks”
Masks worn by the public should be three layers of fabric, fit well to the face with no gaping, covering the nose and mouth and secured over the ear with loops or ties. Surgical masks and N-95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers in high-risk situations.
Read our helpful article “How to Help Kids Wear Masks”
No. It is important to continue to receive care during this time.
Please continue to take your regular prescribed medications and maintain your treatment plan as directed by your healthcare provider. Ensure you have a 2-week supply of necessary medication.
Attend health care visits as directed by your provider.
Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your health or wellbeing. Your healthcare provider may offer virtual consultation to avoid a trip to the hospital or office.
Do not delay getting emergency care for emergencies.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Emergency rooms, hospitals, and clinics have infection prevention plans to keep you safe should you need in-person care.
There is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and how it spreads.
Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging.
However, it may be possible that people can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
If you or a family member screens positive here, it is critical that you call 1-866-553-7205 to be screened and verify if you should attend an assessment center or self-isolate at home for 14 days.
For information about COVID-19 Assessment Centres:
For reliable, up-to-date information on the Covid-19 outbreak, read the information on our COVID-19 page, including our trusted sources for information.
1. The World Health Organizations Novel Coronavirus Information Page
2. The CDC Novel Coronavirus Information Page
3. Health Canada’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection Outbreak update page
There is no evidence that people who wear contact lenses are at increased risk of being infected with COVID-19.
Contact lens wearers should practice safe contact lens wear, as always, with diligent hand hygiene before touching lenses. Hydrogen peroxide bases for contact lens cleaning and storing should be effective at preventing COVID-19 infection.
A multi-purpose solution may not prevent COVID-19 infection.
Further data is needed.
Clean the surface under which you are handling your contact lenses before handling your contacts, should they drop.
Check out our COVID-19 Updates page for more up to date info and links.
Washing your hands is the best way to clean your hands to protect you and your family from getting infections.
Wash every surface of your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Ensure you wash your hands after coughing, sneezing and using the washroom. Wash before eating and preparing food.
If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Ensure it has at least 60% alcohol.
CDC Hand Washing Guidelines
Check out these CDC links: Handwashing Guidelines and Hand Hygiene Recommendations.
COVID-19 can spread from droplets that land on surfaces such as tables, light switches, countertops, handles, doorknobs, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets and faucets. Clean and disinfect these surfaces regularly.
To clean dirty surfaces, clean using soap and water or detergent. To disinfect, use a CDC recommended cleaner.
Hand washing
Here are CDC Handwashing links: Handwashing Guidelines and Hand Hygiene Recommendations.
Cleaning
Here is the CDC Guide to Disinfecting Your Home and includes lists of recommended cleaning products to use in the home.
Stay at home unless you need medical care
• Use a separate bathroom and bedroom than other family members, when possible.
• If rooms or bathrooms are shared, disinfect often, being mindful not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces without gloves, and clean hands afterward.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before eating or preparing food, after using the washroom, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a disposable facemask if you live with other people and keep your distance.
If you or a loved one has any of the following, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion
• Inability to stay alert or awake
• Lips turning blue
• You are concerned about your health and safety or that of a loved one
Children can and do get infected with COVID-19.
Most children who get COVID-19 have no symptoms or mild symptoms and rarely do they get very sick or die.
Children with chronic health conditions and babies may be at higher risk of severe illness or death.
Some children develop a rare but dangerous disease called multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) which has been linked to COVID-19 infection.
Read more on our COVID-19 Resource page.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a serious illness associated with COVID-19. Not every child with MIS-C tests positive for COVID-19. The lungs, heart, kidney, brain, eyes, intestine and skin can become inflamed.
Most children who are older than 2 years of age should wear a mask. Some children will have more difficulty wearing a mask, such as kids with cognitive, developmental, intellectual or sensory challenges. Speak to your health care provider about how to keep your child and family safe.
Read our helpful article “How to Help Kids Wear Masks”
COVID-19 infection is more likely the more people you interact with, and the longer the duration of that interaction. Decreasing how many people you and your child come in direct contact with, will decrease the risk of getting infected with COVID-19. Children 2 years of age and older should wear masks in public settings or when near people other than household contacts, whenever possible. Maintaining distance, wearing masks, and practicing diligent hand hygiene can decrease the risk of being infected.
Adults 70 years of age and older and those with chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are at increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
When possible, consider avoiding close contact with high-risk individuals unless they live in your home. If people at high risk for severe illness live in your home, consider minimizing other exposures such as at daycare and school.
When possible, maintain 6 feet of distance, and children 2 years or older should wear a mask.
Read our helpful article “How to Help Kids Wear Masks”
Children and families have been thrown into a new world with minimal extracurricular activities, limited social interactions, increased safety protocols, and unpredictable shifts to online learning. As a result, it has been challenging for many families to remain patient and attentive with our children.
One of the first steps to bring calm to the storm (for both children and parents) is to establish a routine that includes meal and snack breaks, outdoor play, quiet time, self-care, and safe socializing. Routines allow children to develop a sense of security and mastery over their environment and regain predictability and hope.
If you need more help, please schedule a Virtual Care Visit with a Pediatrician to discuss your concerns. We are available 7 days a week.
Some chronic health conditions increase the risk of COVID-19 illness. If your child is at higher risk of illness from COVID-19, consider the services your child requires such as therapy and personal care attendants. Identify alternative service providers, should a service provider become sick, or is exposed to COVID-19 to minimize interruption of care and therapy.
It is possible to get influenza and COVID-19 at the same time. The symptoms of these illnesses are similar, such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The seasonal flu shot can help prevent illness from influenza. Speak to your health care provider about ensuring you are up to date.
Each region has its own regulations and recommendations about COVID-19 testing. Common symptoms requiring testing include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, and contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Please visit your local health department website to find out if you should be tested.
Here are links to COVID-19 testing and assessment services in Ontario:
If you or your child screens positive here, it is critical that you call 1-866-553-7205 to be screened and verify if you should attend an assessment center or self-isolate at home for 14 days.
For information about COVID-19 Assessment Centres:
If you test negative for COVID-19, you were probably not infected at the time your test was done.
Importantly, the test result only provides comfort that you did not have COVID-19 at the time the sample was taken. False-negative results can occur if the sample was collected early in your infection.
The exact timing of the test is important. In addition, you may be exposed to COVID-19 and get infected after the test. If you develop new symptoms, you might need another test at that time.
Here are links to COVID-19 testing and assessment services in Ontario:
If you or your child screens positive here, it is critical that you call 1-866-553-7205 to be screened and verify if you should attend an assessment center or self-isolate at home for 14 days.
For information about COVID-19 Assessment Centres:
Antibody tests for COVID-19 are not widely available.
A positive antibody test shows you might have antibodies from the COVID-19 infection.
However, some positive results are ‘false positives’, and the positive result is from infection with another coronavirus, such as from the common cold. We do not know if antibodies to COVID-19 are protective against getting infected from COVID-19, or how long this protection lasts. Ongoing vigilance and protection against COVID-19 is important.
Whether the antibody test is negative or positive does not confirm whether you can spread COVID-19 to others. Additional research is needed.
There is no evidence that taking any specific medication leads to more severe illness or risk of death from COVID-19.
Continue to take your prescription medication as directed by your health care provider.
Currently, there is no evidence that the use of ibuprofen is dangerous in the setting of COVID-19 infection.
Your Questions About Office Hours and Directions
Have concerns? Please connect with your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, from the safety of your home. Don’t delay care for your child. Didn’t find your answer here, contact us! .. or book a virtual care visit.
Our address is: 1440 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5R 3J3
TTC – Public Transit
Kidcrew is accessible from St. Clair West subway station, a 5 minutes walk from the office. Or take the streetcar on Bathurst Street, and walk south to Kidcrew. Or take the #7 Bathurst bus to St. Clair and we are a short walk from there.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Here is a link via Google Maps.
PARKING MAP
Click below for detailed map with parking information:
We accept patients by appointment only, including after-hours, and virtual visits.
Regular Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
After Hours and Virtual Care: Monday to Friday: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Click to Book an Appointment.
We have Pediatricians avasilable daily for In-Person visits. Book Online Here.
We prefer that in-person well-baby checks and vaccine visits be booked in advance. Please click here to book your in-person visit.
Available 7 days a week.
The after-hours clinic, available 7 days a week, is by appointments only. You are welcome to book online or call 416.613.5437 for an appointment.
The current after-hours schedule is:
– Monday to Friday 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
– Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
– Sunday 10 am to 3 pm
We will keep this page current, so check here for schedule updates.
Phone: (416) 613-KIDS (5437)
Fax: (647) 689-2371
Email: medical@kidcrew.com
OR you may contact us via our Contact Page
OR you may Book Online.
STREET PARKING
There is street parking on Vaughan Road and other side streets
.Your Questions About Naturopathy
Have concerns? Please connect with your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, from the safety of your home. Don’t delay care for your child. Didn’t find your answer here, contact us! .. or book a virtual care visit. Find more information on Naturopathy Resources.
Yes, while services are not covered under OHIP, most extended health insurance providers have coverage for naturopathy.
An initial visit will usually begin with a health history, including discussing the current concerns. Next, we will talk about any concerns about your child’s body, symptoms, food and dietary questions, medication history, and school issues, and what approaches have already been used to address these challenges. A short physical exam will follow unless the appointment is by phone or virtual.
Finally, there is a discussion of the recommended treatment protocol and any lingering questions. Once the appointment is complete, I will email the patient a thorough summary of the treatment protocol and product recommendations, recommended tests, and dosages. A naturopathic doctor wants to heal the body by treating their health problems and disease. Our focus is on ensuring a healthy family.
Unless the child is coming in regularly for a physical treatment such as acupuncture or IV therapy, I will usually schedule a follow-up 3-4 weeks after the initial appointment and then every 3-6 months in person after that. Parents can decide if they wish to visit for a follow-up with their children and if further treatments are recommended.
It is not necessary for children to see other clinicians as naturopaths practice as primary care physicians. However, the patient will benefit from a circle of care with various specialists in many situations, including naturopaths. In these situations, the appropriate referrals are made.
Initial consults are typically 60 minutes with the doctor, and follow-ups usually range from 15 to 30 minutes. In these appointments, I will address any concerns or questions you have about your child, including sleep, food intake, challenges in school, and any problems about their body. My practice focuses on families instead of just the person, as kids live in that environment with you and other family members.
The most common challenge for me as a naturopath is that patients will often come to see me at a time of last resort when most conventional therapies have not produced results. That being said, I tend to thrive in these situations because I like to think outside the box. Naturopathic medicine provides natural therapies using natural medicines and herbal medicines to alleviate health problems and keep children and you in good health.
There is not usually a long wait to get an appointment. I can typically see a new or returning child patient within a week of booking. The next appointment will be decided together. Families are welcome to check with the admin staff to see when they can be booked to see the doctor.
Absolutely! Naturopathic doctors teach preventative medicine. There is always an opportunity to optimize one’s health and health habits. It is wise to address any concerns with your physician and discuss why you might wish to seek out the advice of a naturopathic doctor. The goal is good health!
Some naturopathic physicians provide primary care and pediatric care for children, so please review this with your healthcare provider.
Some of my most common therapeutics are food sensitivity testing, nutritional supplementation, dietary counselling, and CBD oil. In addition, naturopathic doctors provide herbal therapies, immune support, and other treatment options and sometimes prescribe medications. Many people seek care for their child from a naturopathic doctor due to digestive issues, neurological symptoms, disease, illness, or other concerns. Naturopathic doctors provide pediatric care, can help young patients, including children, some focus on women’s health, and many provide treatments for the whole family. The goal is to keep everyone healthy! Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating illness as well as prevention.
No matter the condition or goal, naturopathic doctors always start with the fundamental building blocks of health and wellness; diet and clinical nutrition, gastrointestinal health, exercise, mental health, and sleep. I have found that optimizing these critical areas in children is the most important predictor of treatment success by a naturopathic doctor.
As a naturopathic doctor, I practice in many different care modalities, so there are many tools in my toolbox. The most commonly used in naturopathic medicine for children are nutrition and nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and intravenous therapy.
Some of the most common things that I see in children are gastrointestinal issues, eczema and other skin conditions, autistic spectrum disorders, epilepsy and neurological disease, anxiety, child allergies, and general supplement advice. Parents often see other practitioners and want another opinion on how to provide the most comprehensive pediatric care to their child and may seek out other allied health care providers like homeopathy. Sometimes herbal therapies are recommended. Families often say they appreciate that naturopaths take a holistic approach to pediatrics and want to ensure that you and your young ones live a healthy life.
Your Questions About Medical Research at Kidcrew
Your privacy and how we manage our information is very important to us. Have concerns? Please connect with your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, to discuss your health questions. Don’t delay care for your child(ren). Didn’t find your answer here, contact us! .. or book a virtual care visit.
The next few years will see Kidcrew’s research efforts take on important concerns for our pediatric population such as ensuring healthy diet and exercise, screen time reduction, learning disabilities and increasing quality of life and accessibility for children with congenital conditions.
At Kidcrew, we believe our pediatric patients deserve the best care. This is why we have selected the top concerns brought to us by GTA parents as the focus of our current research: improving sleep habits and quality of sleep, minimizing the occurrence, duration and consequences of skin and food allergies and providing new mothers with the best breastfeeding support and preventing breastfeeding difficulties.
Kidcrew’s core philosophy is one of keeping up with the latest trends in the healthcare industry, as well as maintaining its leader status in the GTA pediatric care field. We are proud to be able to leverage the expertise and clinical work of some of Canada’s top pediatric specialist physicians, through our research, who are ideally suited to drive forward the state of knowledge and standards for pediatric care.
Your Questions About Privacy
Your privacy and how we manage our information is very important to us. Have concerns? Please connect with your pediatrician or health-care provider via secure video or phone, to discuss your health questions. Don’t delay care for your child(ren). Didn’t find your answer here, contact us! .. or book a virtual care visit.
Your privacy is very important to us. Please read Kidcrew’s entire Privacy Policy here.
