What to have ready for the call.
Before requesting care, note when the concern began, what you notice (such as discomfort, itching, bleeding, or a lump), whether it is changing, and any relevant bowel changes. Have a current list of medicines and health information available. Do not assume bleeding is from hemorrhoids without assessment.
A callback request is not a diagnosis, prescription, referral, laboratory requisition, document, payment, or confirmed appointment. The clinic reviews the concern and may recommend another setting.
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 now for maroon or very bloody stools. Do not attribute rectal bleeding to hemorrhoids without assessment. For increased bleeding or pain, seek urgent in-person care; for black or tarry stools, persistent bleeding, or a new persistent lump, seek clinical review.
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 rectal discomfort or possible hemorrhoids.
What should I prepare before I request care?
Note when the concern started, what you have noticed, whether it is changing, any bowel changes, and your current medicines. This can help you clearly describe your concern.
Can I assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids?
No. Bleeding should not be attributed to hemorrhoids without assessment. Call 911 for maroon or very bloody stools; seek clinical review for black or tarry stools or persistent bleeding.
Will this concern be handled virtually?
The clinic decides whether a virtual conversation or another setting may fit after considering the information available. This guide does not determine the appropriate setting.
When should I seek care in person?
Seek urgent in-person care for increased bleeding or pain. Seek clinical review for black or tarry stools, persistent bleeding, or a new persistent lump.
What is the source for this guide?
The information is based on MyHealth Alberta’s Hemorrhoids: Care Instructions, with additional background from its Hemorrhoids information page.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. After a completed form submitted between 8 AM and 10 PM Mountain Time, a doctor usually calls back within 60 minutes. This is not a guaranteed callback, appointment, or live wait time. Requests submitted outside those hours do not have a 60-minute or same-day callback promise. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.