What to have ready for the call.
Note when symptoms began; relation to eating or drinking; location and severity of discomfort; changes in bowel habits; trouble swallowing; appetite or weight changes; chest, breathing, or sweating symptoms; current medicines or supplements; relevant health conditions; and questions you want to discuss.
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.
Call 911 or seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting with chest symptoms, fainting, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or upper belly, severe belly pain, or another possible emergency. Seek prompt in-person assessment for trouble swallowing or blood in stool.
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 gas, bloating, and burping.
Can I start an Alberta online request for gas, bloating, or burping?
Eligible people can send a clinic-reviewed request for a non-emergency concern. The clinician decides whether a virtual conversation, an in-person assessment, or another setting may fit. A request does not identify the cause or promise a callback, appointment, testing, medicine, treatment, or prescription.
What details are useful to prepare for gas or bloating?
A short timeline, relation to eating or drinking, discomfort location and severity, bowel changes, swallowing concerns, appetite or weight changes, medicines or supplements, relevant health history, and any chest or breathing symptoms can support a clearer clinical conversation.
Can I assume gas or bloating is harmless?
No. Gas and bloating can be common, but similar symptoms can have different causes. Do not assume chest or upper-belly discomfort is only gas or indigestion, and use emergency care for possible heart-attack symptoms or another emergency.
Can this guide tell me what is causing my symptoms?
No. This guide supports preparation and care navigation only. A clinician determines whether assessment, testing, or another care setting may be needed.
When should I seek prompt in-person care instead of waiting for a request?
Call 911 or seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting with chest symptoms, fainting, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back, or upper belly, severe belly pain, or another possible emergency. Seek prompt in-person assessment for trouble swallowing or blood in stool.
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.