What to have ready for the call.
Note when the change began, how it differs from your usual bowel pattern, its duration, belly or stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, any blood in stool, current medicines or supplements, and relevant health conditions.
Book your visit now for an offered phone slot, complete registration there, and follow Ava’s appointment status and instructions. The clinician reviews the concern. Diagnosis, prescriptions, referrals, laboratory requisitions, documents, payment, and next steps depend on that review; another setting may be recommended.
When an examination, testing, or another setting may be needed.
This guide cannot decide whether it is safe to wait or which care setting is right for an individual concern. Some concerns need an in-person examination, testing, or another setting. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Use prompt in-person care if you are concerned about worsening symptoms.
Know when not to wait.
Seek prompt in-person assessment for new or worsening belly or stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, blood in stool, or another concerning change. Call 911 for a possible life-threatening emergency.
Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or may be an emergency, use emergency services or immediate in-person care instead of waiting for a phone appointment.
Common questions about constipation.
Can I ask an online doctor about constipation in Alberta?
For a bowel concern, a phone appointment booked on Ava lets a clinician review the information and decide whether a virtual conversation or another care setting may fit. It does not identify the cause of constipation or guarantee a virtual visit.
What details are useful to prepare for constipation?
Note when the change began, how it differs from your usual pattern, its duration, belly or stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, any blood in stool, medicines or supplements, and relevant health history.
Can a guide determine why bowel habits changed?
No. Bowel changes can have different causes. The clinic reviews the information and may recommend another assessment setting when appropriate.
Where can I find official Alberta constipation information?
MyHealth Alberta provides current public information about constipation. It does not identify the cause of an individual bowel change or replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
When should I seek prompt care for constipation?
Seek prompt in-person assessment for new or worsening belly or stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, blood in stool, or another concerning change. Call 911 for a possible life-threatening emergency rather than waiting for a request.
Non-emergency phone appointment
Book your visit now.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. Book your visit now and select an offered phone appointment slot. Ava shows published slots for today or upcoming days when offered; this guide does not promise availability or a turnaround time. If Ava does not offer a suitable slot, check its published upcoming slots or use appropriate in-person care. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.