Frequently Asked Questions

You can find us on the 3rd floor of the Central Block in the University District. Simply take the elevator to the 3rd floor and turn left.

Our address is: Suite 320, 4015 University Avenue NW, Calgary Alberta

Complimentary underground parking is available for up to 3 hours at the University District Retail Parkade.

For the closest access, please use Section C, where the elevator leads directly to our clinic.

Scan the QR code at the reception upon arrival. If you have any issues, please notify reception.

Make sure to activate your complimentary parking and stay within the 3-hour limit to avoid tickets. If you need more time, you can purchase it using the QR code for paid parking.

Public men’s, women’s, and accessible restrooms are on the third floor in the shared hallway.

Get the door code at reception and head straight from the clinic entrance.

A walk-in appointment lets you get medical care without a family doctor or if you can’t reach yours.

Not always. Availability changes, but our reception team can help you find the soonest appointment or other care options.

This is a first appointment to meet your new doctor, share your medical history, and establish care.

Yes, your previous doctor’s office may charge a fee for preparing your records. The amount varies by office.

You must be enrolled in AVA Connect first.

To schedule an appointment online:

Go to our homepage, click “Book Appointment” or go to avaconnect.ca.

Sign in with your email and password, then follow these steps:

• Click on “Appointments.”
• Choose Aspire Medical.
• Select a practitioner.
• Choose the appointment type.
• Pick the date and time.
• Provide the reason for the appointment.
• Click “Submit.”

Contact our reception to request the invitation link, which will be sent to your email.

Yes, the link expires after 5 days for security reasons. Please sign up quickly, or reach out to reception if you miss it.

Yes, walk-in patients can register for AVA Connect after an in-person visit for verification. Online appointment availability depends on the doctor and your roster status.

• Easy Scheduling: Book appointments online and avoid phone wait times.
• Secure Communication: Your doctor can send messages and resources securely.
• Manage Information: Update your contact details and medical history easily.
• Test Results: Request copies of your test results through the platform.

No, signing up for AVA Connect is completely free.

No, AHCIP only covers medically necessary physician services and required diagnostic tests for eligible Alberta residents.

Certain services are not covered by the AHCIP including:

• Driver’s medical exam
• Health services requested by a third party, such as medicals for employment, insurance or sport
• Medical forms and notes
• Cosmetic treatments
• Travel advice and vaccinations for travel purposes (future service)
• Transfer of medical records

For more information: https://www.alberta.ca/ahcip-what-is-covered.aspx#jumpl

AHCIP covers treatment for genital warts, plantar warts, certain potentially cancerous skin growths, irritated seborrhoeic keratoses, warts in patients with weakened immune systems, and molluscum.

Common warts and some other skin growths are not covered.

AHCIP covers tetanus shots for wound care, flu and pneumonia vaccinations for eligible patients, and allergy desensitization injections. However, it does not cover hepatitis, travel vaccines, Gardasil, or other injections.

For non-wound-related tetanus shots and other vaccines, visit Public Health Centers.

Forms

• Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program (AISH): $150
• Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit (Patient Portion): $0 to $115 (Service Canada pays up to $85 of the cost of the medical report)
• Short insurance & disability forms: $175
• Long insurance & disability forms: $250
• Medical EI form, illness, maternity, or disability: $250
• Drug benefit form (for third party): $100
• Work fitness forms: $150
• Camp forms: $125
• University Student Accessibility Services verification Form: $125
• Calgary Transit Access Application: $85
• Disability parking permit form: $75
• Application forms for residency in a care facility: $150
• Proof of life physician’s statement: $50
• Proof of death physician’s statement: $100
• Income Tax Disability form: $150 to $350
• Medical certificate for government employment insurance: $125
• Special authority form: $125
• Other forms ( $75 per 10 min, or part there of, min $125): $125

Notes & Certificates

• Sick note for work or school: $35
• Medical leave or off work letter: $175
• Insurance Company letter short (1 page): $200
• Insurance company letter, long (≥ 2 pages): $400
• Medical advice by letter: $175

Examinations

• Driver’s license physical exam: $165
• Regular office visit (not covered AHCIP): $60
• Complete examination (not covered AHCIP): $250
• PAP (not covered AHCIP): $100
• Limited examination for special policies: $175
• Industrial First Aid (limited exam): $150
• Insurance & Industrial Examination (including CPP, Pilots & Air Traffic Controllers): $180
• Physical fitness exam and form for school, camp etc: $180

Procedures

• Injections (not covered by AHCIP such as Twinrix, Gradasil, Shingrix, Depo-provera, etc): $15
• Cosmetic nonsurgical removal of warts, moles, skin tags (not covered AHCIP): $25
• Cosmetic surgical removal of warts, moles, skin tags: $200

Other

• Missed appointment or < 24 hours cancellation (regular visit): $50
• Missed appointment or < 24 hours cancellation (visit longer than 15 minutes): $100
• Transfer of records (Basic fee & first 20 pages): $50
• Review of records (per 15 min or part of): $50
• Material cost for photocopying and printouts (over 20 pages): 25¢/page
• Material cost for generating electronic records (per 15 min or part of): $15

Being Revised

Log into MyHealth Records with your Alberta.ca Account username and password to access your health records.

If you don’t have an account, you can create you can create a new account to gain access to MyHealth Records.

Metabolism measurement helps you understand how efficiently your body burns energy. By knowing your metabolic rate, you can optimize your diet and exercise plan to manage weight more effectively.

Body composition analysis provides a comprehensive look at your muscle mass, fat distribution, hydration status and cellular health. This information helps you tailor your fitness and nutrition strategies, track progress, and make informed decisions to improve your physical health and well-being.

Heart Risk Forecast or cardio-metabolic risk assessment offers insights into your cardiovascular risks including genetic factors. Understanding these factors helps you take proactive steps to reduce your risk of heart disease and other related conditions.

No referral is needed. Simply call our reception to get started.

For a limited time, you can access all the measurements for $200.

Because metabolism measurement and body competition analysis are not covered under Alberta healthcare insurance plan (AHCIP).

Step 1: Call the clinic to get the link and blood test requisition, then complete the online form at home.

Step 2: Fast for 8 hours, then visit the lab for your blood test (water is allowed).

Step 3: Schedule and attend your metabolism and body metrics analysis. A physician will explain the results and provide you with a detailed report.

• Avoid alcohol for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
• Refrain from eating for 4 hours (water is acceptable).
• Avoid exercise and caffeine for 4 hours.
• Avoid supplements containing ephedra, Ma Huang, or pseudoephedrine for 4 hours.
• Do not use nicotine for at least 1 hour before your appointment.
• Do not consume large quantities of liquids immediately before your appointment.
• Wear lightweight clothing and easy-to-remove shoes.
• Empty your bladder upon arriving.
• Arrive 15 minutes early.

FastTrack Refill is our convenient online service for refilling long-term medications for stable conditions.

Patients at Aspire Medical with effective medications and no side effects.

Opioids, hypnotics, and stimulants. These require a discussion with your doctor.

Just follow these 2 simple steps:

• Call the clinic to receive a link via email to the online form
• Complete and submit the online form with 5 quick questions

If your medication is effective and has no side effects, the doctor will fax your prescription and notify you of the next steps.

No, the refill must be handled by your regular doctor only.

EZ-PrEP, or easy PrEP, is our program that uses secure electronic communication to provide assessments, monitoring, and advice for individuals on PrEP, ensuring convenience and privacy.

Your first appointment will be at the clinic, where your doctor will provide your PrEP assessment and explain the EZ-PrEP follow-up process.

Follow-up assessments occur every three months and can be done online, eliminating the need for in-person or telephone appointments. Just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Collect swabs at home
2. Drop off the swabs at the lab and complete your blood and urine tests
3. Schedule your EZ-PrEP appointment online and submit the required form

If your lab results are normal, the doctor will fax your prescription and send you a notification message.

When your annual PrEP check-up is due, the doctor will remind you to schedule either an in-office or telephone visit.

No referral is needed! Just call our reception to schedule your initial office appointment, and you’re all set.

PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a medication for people who are HIV-negative. It helps reduce the risk of getting HIV if you’re at higher risk.

PrEP might be a good option if you have an HIV-positive partner, if you inject drugs, or if you have multiple sexual partners. It’s all about your personal risk factors.

PrEP is for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of getting HIV. This includes:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and gender-diverse individuals who:
  • Have had anal sex without condoms in the past 6 months, and either:
    • Were diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in the last year
    • Have a partner with HIV who isn’t on treatment or doesn’t know their HIV status
    • Have multiple sex partners
• Heterosexual individuals:
  • In relationships with an HIV-positive partner who isn’t on treatment or doesn’t know their HIV status
  • With partners from communities with high HIV rates
• People who inject drugs and share needles

Note: PrEP is not needed for those in stable relationships with an HIV-positive partner who is on treatment and has low HIV levels.

When taken as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by up to 99%. While it’s very effective, it’s still a good idea to combine it with other prevention methods.

PrEP tablet is daily tablet that can be taken any time of day, with food or without food. Consistency is key to keeping it effective, so finding a routine that works for you is helpful.

Some people might feel mild side effects like headache, nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain, decreased weight, but these often go away quickly in a few weeks.

Yes! Using condoms is a good idea to protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, even when you’re on PrEP.

Generic PrEP tablets are free for individuals at high risk of HIV in Alberta when prescribed by a designated prescriber, like our doctors at Aspire Medical.

To stop PrEP safely:

Timing: Discontinue PrEP 28 days after your last possible HIV exposure.

Follow-Up: Get an HIV test 8 weeks after stopping.

To be eligible for our program:

1. Patient must be 18 years of age or older: Referrals for younger patients should be directed to Provincial Paediatric Weight Management.
2. Patient must not be pregnant: Weight gain during pregnancy, below the target recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), can pose risks to fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.
3. Participants must not have severe untreated personality disorders, active psychosis, and/or substance dependencies: This is necessary for safe and effective engagement in our program.
4. Participants must not have major cognitive impairment: This is necessary for safe and effective engagement in our program.
5. Patient not be frail (Clinical Frailty Scale stage 3 or higher): This is necessary for safe and effective engagement in our program.
6. Patient must be able to attend group sessions: Our program includes 2 group sessions; “Weight Wellness Begins” and “Healthy Shopping,” which offer essential education and information.
7. Patient must be able to complete the online intake forms: This is essential for us to conduct the comprehensive assessments designed for our program.
8. Patient is only seeking non-surgical weight management: Patients considering surgical options should be referred to Adult Bariatric Surgery Clinic.
9. Patient agree to cover the cost of uninsured evaluations: Calorimetry and body composition analyses at the start, 4 months, and 8 months are not covered under AHCIP, but are typically reimbursed by most Extended Health Spending Accounts.

Complete our user-friendly referral form and fax it directly to our clinic.

Yes, a referral from your family doctor or a walk-in doctor is required.

Our receptionist can schedule a phone appointment with one of our doctors to complete your referral.

Our Weight Wellness Program uses precision medicine in two key ways:

1. Tailoring treatment plan to each person’s unique health and weight challenges.
2. Providing precise measurements of metabolism and body composition for more accurate management plans.

1. Analysis of information from home evaluations: This can take up to 45 minutes per patient.
2. Counselling with the nurse.
3. Metabolic measurements using Indirect Calorimeter: This provides an accurate assessment of your resting calorie expenditure, enabling personalized management plans beyond generic estimates like the Mifflin-St Jeor or Harris-Benedict equations.
4. Body Composition Measurements: This advanced analysis goes beyond BMI and weight, offering insights into fat, bone, water, and muscle composition.
5. Our Weight Wellness e-booklet: Packed with easy-to-understand information on managing excess weight. 
6. Mid-way Milestone Reward: To acknowledge and celebrate your achievement along your journey.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) only covers physician consultation and the blood test, but it does not cover costs for device assessments or disposable items like mouthpiece filters.

The program costs $650 for one year, starting from the initial consultation, and includes the following services:

• Metabolic Measurement and Body Composition Analysis during the initial comprehensive consultation
• Metabolic Measurement and Body Composition Analysis at the 4-month follow-up visit
• Metabolic Measurement and Body Composition Analysis at the 8-month follow-up visit
• Our Weight Wellness e-Booklet
• Mid-way milestone reward

The program’s medical evaluations are often covered by health plans, and many of our patients have successfully received reimbursement through their plans.

A support letter can also be provided with your receipt. We recommend checking with your plan for confirmation.

The discounted upfront fee is non-refundable once the first measurements are taken.

This plan is valid for one year from the date of the initial measurement.

No, measurements must be used within one year. Participants should schedule follow-up measurements at 4 and 8 months to maximize benefits.

Yes, for optimal weight management, it’s recommended to track metabolism and body composition after every 10% weight loss. Metabolic and Body Composition Analysis are available separately for $125 + GST each.

To ensure you’re well-prepared for your initial consultation, here’s what you should do:

1. Do not use alcohol for at least 12 hours before your appointment.
2. Do not eat for at least 4 hours before your appointment (water is acceptable).
3. Do not consume caffeine for at least 4 hours before your appointment.
4. Do not use supplements containing ephedra, Ma Huang, or pseudoephedrine for at least 4 hours before your appointment.
5. Do not excercise for at least 4 hours before your appointment.
6. Do not use nicotine for at least 1 hour before your appointment.
7. Do not consume large quantities of liquids immediately before your appointment.
8. Wear lightweight clothing and easy-to-remove shoes.
9. Arrive 15 minutes early.
10. Empty your bladder upon arriving.

Metabolism is how your body converts nutrients and oxygen into energy, measured in calories. It keeps everything running smoothly!

Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the energy your body needs at rest for basic functions. It makes up about 60-75% of your daily energy use.

Eating below your RMR may help with initial weight loss, but long-term, it can slow your metabolism. Your body adapts by lowering hormone levels, which can lead to muscle loss. Since muscle burns calories, this makes losing weight harder.

It’s crucial to balance calorie intake to support your metabolism and keep muscle.

Using precise RMR measurements, rather than estimates, helps create effective nutrition plans. Accurate data prevents muscle loss, weight plateaus, and nutrient deficiencies, ensuring safer weight loss.

Yes! While estimates like the Harris-Benedict Equation can be helpful, they often miss the mark. A calorimeter gives you precise numbers, which is vital for tailoring effective weight loss strategies.

A study by McDoniel, Nelson, and Thompson in 2008 found that participants who followed nutrition plans based on measured RMR lost 50% more weight than those with estimated plans. 

Yes, weight loss typically reduces metabolism because your body needs less energy as mass decreases. Strength training can help maintain a higher metabolism during this process.

A higher muscle mass boosts your metabolism since muscle burns more calories than fat. Monitoring body composition can help ensure you maintain muscle while losing fat.

Body composition refers to the proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and other tissues in your body. It helps give a clearer picture of overall health than weight alone.

Understanding your body composition can help you assess fitness levels, monitor health risks, and tailor nutrition and exercise plans for better results.

Monitoring body composition helps you maintain muscle mass and metabolism during weight loss, assess health risks from belly fat (visceral fat), and gain accurate insights into health and fitness beyond BMI.

Sarcopenic Obesity occurs when there’s too much body fat and too little muscle. This condition is particularly concerning in older adults, as it’s linked to worse health outcomes and reduced survival rates.

A healthy body composition varies by age and gender, but generally includes a balanced ratio of muscle to fat, with lower body fat percentages for better health outcomes.

Absolutely! By combining a balanced diet with regular exercise, especially strength training, you can improve your body composition over time.

We use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), which sends a low electrical current through your body to estimate fat and muscle mass. It’s quick, non-invasive, and best done when hydrated for accurate results. Regular use helps track your progress!

Yes, certain conditions may exclude you from this assessment:

1. Implanted Devices: If you have a pacemaker or ICD, you cannot participate.
2. Glucose Sensors/Pumps: Remove these devices before the analysis but can reattach them afterward.
3. Tremors or Cramps: Ensure you’re stable, as movement can affect measurement accuracy.

No, we strongly discourage using hCG for weight loss, as studies show it offers no benefit over a placebo. This hormone does not contribute to weight loss, redistribution of fat, or diminished hunger. The perceived effectiveness is due to the restrictive 500-calorie diet, not the hormone itself.

Moreover, extremely low-calorie diets carry significant risks, including gallstones, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and electrolyte imbalances. Also, very low-calorie diets have not been shown to be more effective than conventional diets for sustainable long-term weight loss

No, we do not endorse liposuction as a sustainable method for achieving long-term weight loss. Liposuction removes the fat located beneath the skin, and does not target the visceral fat (the concealed fat stored deep within the abdominal region). This does not improve insulin sensitivity or coronary heart disease risk factors.

No, we do not recommend the use of over-the-counter weight-loss dietary supplements due to several concerns:

1. Lack of Evidence: There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these supplements for weight loss. Substances like Green Tea, Garcinia Cambogia, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, and Chitosan have been found to be ineffective for weight loss.
2. Safety Concerns: Many of these supplements raise safety concerns, as they may contain undisclosed ingredients. Brazilian diet pills and Herbathin dietary supplements have been found to contain prescription drugs like tranquillizers, antidepressants, and stimulants.
3. Garcinia Cambogia: This supplement has been associated with cases of hepatic (liver) failure.
4. Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium): Weight-loss products containing bitter orange have been linked to increases in heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Guar Gum: Clinical trials have demonstrated that guar gum is ineffective for weight loss and can lead to adverse effects such as abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.
6. Chromium Picolinate: It has limited evidence supporting its effectiveness and lacks sufficient safety data.

Regaining lost weight is a prevalent challenge in the management of obesity. The body seems to have a natural “set point” for its fat mass, and following weight loss, it deploys counter hormones to reinstate the previously higher body weight.

The extended use of anti-obesity medications may mitigate and manage these underlying physiological adjustments.

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has followed over 5000 individuals who have successfully lost substantial amounts of weight and maintained it over extended periods. The findings highlight several key strategies employed by these individuals:

1. Daily Breakfast: 80% of participants made it a habit to consume breakfast daily.
2. Caloric and Fat Intake Tracking: Participants monitored their energy and fat intake carefully, with diets typically comprising around 25% of energy from fat.
3. Daily Exercise (1 hour): 90% of participants engaged in exercise, dedicating about 1 hour or more per day to physical activity.
4. Reduced Sedentary Behavior: 62% of participants spent less than 10 hours per week on activities like watching television.
5. Regular Weight Monitoring: 75% of participants regularly weighed themselves, doing so at least once a week.

These strategies shed light on the practices that contribute to sustained weight loss.

Excess weight in children and adolescents is typically defined using body mass index (BMI) percentiles adjusted for age and sex:

• BMI above the 85th percentile is considered overweight.
• BMI above the 95th percentile indicates obesity.

Obesity severity is classified as:

• Class I: BMI ≥100% to <120% of the 95th percentile value.
• Class II: BMI ≥120% of the 95th percentile value or a BMI ≥35 kg/m².
• Class III: BMI ≥140% of the 95th percentile value or a BMI ≥40 kg/m².

Adhering to the 5-2-1-0 rule supports healthy weight and overall well-being across different age groups.

• 5: Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• 2: Limit screen time to 2 hours or less per day for children aged 2 and older. No screen time is recommended for children younger than age 2.
• 1: Engage in at least 1 hour of physical activity every day.
• 0: Avoid sugary drinks; such as soda, sweetened fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks (choose water, unsweetened tea, and milk as healthier alternatives).