What to have ready for the call.
Have a brief picture of your smoking pattern ready: how much you smoke, when cravings are strongest, your reasons and goal for quitting, previous attempts and what helped or got in the way, withdrawal symptoms, medicines and nicotine products, relevant health conditions, and pregnancy or breastfeeding context if relevant.
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 or seek emergency care for severe trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, signs of stroke, loss of consciousness, a severe allergic reaction, or another possible emergency. Get immediate help if you may harm yourself or someone else; do not wait for a callback request.
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 smoking cessation.
Can I request an AlbertaMD callback for help quitting smoking?
Eligible people can submit a request for clinic review. The clinician decides whether a virtual conversation or another care setting may fit. A request is not a guaranteed callback, appointment, prescription, or treatment.
What information is useful to prepare before a quit-smoking review?
Bring a short smoking history, usual triggers and cravings, quit goal, previous attempts, current medicines or nicotine products, relevant health conditions, and questions about counselling or quit aids.
Can a doctor prescribe medication to help me quit smoking?
A clinician may discuss whether a quit aid or prescription medicine could be suitable after individual review. It is not automatic, and a callback request does not promise a prescription. Costs and coverage can vary.
Where can I get Alberta quit-smoking support?
AlbertaQuits offers free help for quitting smoking or vaping, including a helpline and text support. These supports can complement, but do not replace, assessment for urgent symptoms.
What if I smoke again after trying to quit?
A slip can be a chance to revisit triggers, supports, and your plan rather than a reason to give up. Many people need more than one attempt, and counselling or another support can help with the next step.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. Doctors usually call back within 60 minutes during operating hours, 8 AM–10 PM Mountain Time. Timing depends on the concern and appropriate care setting; it is an expectation, not a guarantee. Requests submitted before 8 AM or after 10 PM Mountain Time do not have a 60-minute or same-day callback promise. The public form does not state a specific review time or missed-call procedure. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.