In Canada, whether another doctor can see your medical information—such as lab results or prescription history—depends on the province and the systems in place.
In Ontario, doctors do not automatically have access to test results ordered by another physician. Access is possible through connected electronic health record systems, such as OLIS for lab results, and only authorized providers with a direct clinical need can view this information. Similarly, prescription records are not automatically visible; only authorized healthcare providers can access prescription histories through systems like the Ontario Drug Benefit program or pharmacy records when clinically required.
In Alberta, other doctors cannot automatically see your test results or prescriptions. Lab results may be accessible through Netcare if the doctor is authorized and there is a clinical need. Prescription history is recorded in the Pharmaceutical Information Network (PIN) and can only be viewed by authorized providers involved in your care.
In Manitoba, lab results and prescription histories are controlled under the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and accessed via shared systems like PharmaNet. Only authorized providers are permitted to access this information.
In Saskatchewan, access to lab results is managed through systems such as MySaskHealthRecord, while prescription information is available only to authorized providers through the provincial drug plan or eHealth systems.
In British Columbia, lab results and prescription histories are stored in shared systems like CareConnect and PharmaNet, and only authorized providers with a legitimate clinical need can access them.
💡Across all these provinces, other doctors cannot automatically see your test results or prescription history. Access is always controlled based on authorization, clinical need, and, in some cases, your explicit consent. Shared electronic health record systems make it easier for authorized providers to view information, but privacy and patient confidentiality remain strictly protected. At Freddie, we will never share any of your information with another provider or organization without your clear consent first.
Can I Do STI or HIV Testing Anonymously?
The availability of anonymous testing varies by province, so it’s important to know the options in your area.
Alberta: Anonymous STI testing is not standard in Alberta. Testing is confidential, meaning your information is collected but strictly protected by law and only shared with authorized healthcare providers and public health officials for partner notification (without revealing your identity).
Ontario: Anonymous HIV testing is available at designated sites. You can contact the Sexual Health Infoline Ontario (SHILO) at 1-800-668-2437 to find the nearest anonymous testing location. Most other STI testing is confidential. Please note that if you choose to test anonymously, we may not receive your results directly from the lab. You will need to obtain your results yourself and can send us a copy to forward to our clinical team.
British Columbia: BC offers anonymous testing options, particularly through the online service GetCheckedOnline. This service allows individuals to obtain a lab requisition online using a code and get tested at a participating lab without providing a name. Some clinics in BC also offer testing where no personal information is required. Please note that if you get tested through GetCheckedOnline, we will not receive your results directly. You will need to obtain your results yourself and can send us a copy to forward to our clinical team.
Manitoba: STI testing in Manitoba is typically confidential through public health clinics. Personal information is collected for health records and public health monitoring, but strong confidentiality measures are in place.
Saskatchewan: STI testing in Saskatchewan is confidential, not anonymous. Public health follows up on positive results to ensure treatment and perform partner notification confidentially, without disclosing your identity.
💡Key Differences
- Anonymous testing: No identifying information (like your name) are recorded. A code is used to access results.
- Confidential testing: Your name and health information are recorded in your medical record, but this information is protected by law and cannot be shared without your consent, except in specific cases like public health reporting for reportable diseases (where only the diagnosis is reported, not necessarily your partner's name).