National Defence and the Canadian Forces
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I do if I have a medical emergency?
- Once I report to the nearest civilian hospital or walk-in clinic, what do I do then?
- What if I am admitted to a civilian hospital on the weekend of during silent hours?
- When do I use my CF Health Care Identification Card (Blue Cross)?
- In case of loss, who do I contact to get a replacement for my card?
- What do I do if the provider refuses to accept my card?
- What happens if a civilian provider recommends or refers additional services ?
- What I need to do if I want to join the Butt Out program?
- What do I have to medically plan when releasing from the CF?
1. What do I do if I have a medical emergency?
In any EMERGENCY situation - dial 911.
For any other urgent but non-life threatening medical situation, please follow the procedures below:
- DURING WORKING HOURS - report to sick parade, CF H Svcs C Ottawa; and
- DURING SILENT HOURS - report to the nearest civilian hospital or walk-in clinic. Health related questions can be directed to Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, TTY: 1-866-797-0007.
2. Once I report to the nearest civilian hospital or walk-in clinic, what do I do then ?
Please follow these procedures:
Give your name, rank, and service number and phone number to the facility treating you (present your Blue Cross Card and Military ID card). If your Blue Cross Card is not accepted, request the invoice be sent to:
Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa
Medical Finance
CF H SVCS C (O)
MGen George R. Pearkes Bldg
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2
If the facility treating you requests payment, please keep the original receipt. Complete the Member Reimbursement Form and submit it along with your original receipt to the address above or present yourself at CF H Svcs Ottawa. The CF normally covers claims consistent with the CF Spectrum of Care, which can be viewed on the CFHS web site. You will receive payment by mail from Blue Cross.
You MUST present yourself the next working day to the Health Care Centre (Sick Parade on the Main Floor) to report your visit to a civilian facility. At that time, follow-up treatment will be coordinated and you will be required to complete a Release of Medical Information form, and if required, CFMO 7-04 Appx. 1, Annex B. All external medical visits are tracked and unauthorized usage of civilian medical services may result in the medical provider billing the member directly.
3. What if I am admitted to a civilian hospital on the weekend of during silent hours?
IF YOU ARE ADMITTED TO A CIVILIAN HOSPITAL: In accordance with CFAO 34-40, it is a member's responsibility to notify his/her unit and the base surgeon if hospitalized in a civilian facility. When you are admitted, members or unit representative may call the Patient Liaison Nurse at 613-788-1694 and she will help the patient with regards to medical administration, discharge planning and paperwork, claims, arrangements for any home care services. After hours, leave a voice mail and she will contact you on the next working day.
Medical Care Outside Canada: IAW CANFORGEN 037/04 ADMHRMIL 020 dated 121539Z MAR 04, members requiring emergency medical/dental care while outside Canada are to make every possible effort to contact Atlantic Blue Cross Care at :
- In the United States - 1 (800) 563-4444
- Anywhere else in the world - (506) 854 2222 (collect call)
A medical/dental Emergency Assistance card will be issued to those members, (through their respective orderly room) proceeding on travel outside the country prior to their departure. The Atlantic Blue Cross Care card will provide members with the necessary instructions in order to obtain assistance in accessing health care and /or guaranteeing health care provider payment while outside Canada.
The issue of this emergency card does not negate the requirement for CF personnel to notify their unit in case of emergency or to follow the steps related to health care outlined on the back of the CF Leave Request/Authorization (CF 100).
4. When do I use my CF Health Care Identification Card (Blue Cross)?
You should show your CF Health Care Identification card and your CF Photo Identification card (military ID) to any civilian health care provider you see. The card will identify you as a CF member and should facilitate your access to the civilian health care system.
5. In case of loss, who do I contact to get a replacement for my card?
Please call the Blue Cross Office at (613) 945-1929.
6. What do I do if the provider refuses to accept my card?
If the civilian provider refuses to accept your health card, he/she will likely ask for payment at the time of service. The Provider Inquiry Line, on the back of your health card, is available to assist providers in how to submit claims to the CF Health claims administrator. You can pay for your services and submit a receipt to the Medical Finance section at CF H Svcs C Ottawa for reimbursement.
7. What happens if a civilian provider recommends or refers additional services?
Some services recommended by civilian providers can be provided at CF health facilities. Therefore, you should contact your CF H Svcs C Ottawa prior to following any recommendations with regards to additional services. If the recommended treatment or service is required but cannot be provided at a CF facility, the CF H Svcs C Ottawa will make the necessary arrangements with regards to your referral to the appropriate civilian provider.
8. What I need to do if I want to join the Butt Out program?
To join the Butt Out program, members must sign up with PSP first. The health promotion personnel at PSP will contact the pharmacy staff to inform us of programme participants. Members can then visit the pharmacy to fill prescriptions needed for the course. If a participant requires a prescription for Zyban or Champix, he/she must get a prescription from their MO/Dr first, see the PSP staff for a counselling session and then visit the pharmacy to get their medication. For more info about the program, visit the Health Promotion website.
9. What do I have to medically plan when releasing from the CF?
A Release medical has to be done prior to release. These are legitimate up to six months ahead of release even if another medical appointment is required before the release date. However, a minimum of 30 office days, prior to release, is required. It is recommended that members over the age of 50 have their Part 1 and 2 medicals done at least 5 to 6 months prior to release. It is important that you contact a civilian institution or VAC in the case of Medical releases. Please note that entitlement to care ends at midnight the last day of your contract.
