What to have ready for the call.
Note when symptoms began, which ear is affected, hearing changes, fever or drainage, recent cold symptoms, and relevant health history.
A callback request gives the clinic a starting point to review 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 urgent or emergency assessment for sudden hearing loss, severe pain or dizziness, marked illness with high fever and a stiff neck, or redness, swelling, or pain behind or around the ear.
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 callback.
Common questions about ear pain and ear infections.
Can I ask an online doctor about ear pain in Alberta?
For an ear concern, an online request can help the clinic review the symptoms and decide whether a virtual conversation or another care setting may fit. It does not confirm an ear infection or guarantee a virtual visit.
What details are useful for ear symptoms?
A short timeline, which ear is affected, changes in pain or hearing, fever or drainage, recent respiratory symptoms, and relevant health history can support a clearer clinical conversation.
Can an online request confirm an ear infection?
No. Ear symptoms can have different causes. A clinic review may lead to a virtual conversation, an in-person assessment, or another care setting.
Where can I find official Alberta ear-infection information?
MyHealth Alberta provides current public information about ear infections. It does not establish the cause of an individual ear concern or replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
Can I start with an online request for ear pain?
You may submit the concern for clinic review, but the clinic decides whether a virtual conversation or another setting may fit and an online request does not confirm an ear infection. Call an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting if you are unsure where to seek care, and call 911 or seek emergency care for a possible emergency.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews the request and contacts you about the next step. AlbertaMD operates daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm Mountain Time. For a possible emergency, call 911 rather than waiting for an online request. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.