Minor Ailments Prescribing in Waterloo — Skip the Doctor's Office | The Boardwalk Pharmacy
Minor Ailments Prescribing in Waterloo — Skip the Doctor's Office
Got a UTI? Pink eye? Cold sore? Hay fever? You don't need to wait in a walk-in clinic. In Ontario, pharmacists can now prescribe for 19 common conditions — and at The Boardwalk Pharmacy, our pharmacists handle these consultations on a walk-in basis. No appointment, no doctor visit, no waitlist.
How it works: walk in, tell us what's going on, the pharmacist asks a few questions in our private consultation room, decides whether you meet the prescribing criteria, and if you do — you walk out 15 minutes later with the medication you need. The consultation is covered by OHIP.
What we can prescribe for
- Urinsry tract infections (UTI)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye — bacterial, allergic, viral)
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Acute musculoskeletal pain (strains, sprains)
- Dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic — including poison ivy)
- Insect bites & hives
- Tick bites & Lyme prevention
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
- GERD & acid reflux
- Hemorrhoids
- Yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Impetigo
- Threadworms / pinworms
- Diaper dermatitis
- Mild headache
- Mouth ulcers / canker sores
- Acne (mild)
- Hormonal contraception (renewals & initiations)
What to expect when you walk in
- Tell the front counter you'd like a minor ailment consultation. Bring your health card.
- Brief assessment in our private consultation room — 5 to 10 minutes. The pharmacist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, allergies, and current medications.
- Decision — if you meet the criteria, the pharmacist writes the prescription on the spot. If you're outside the criteria (more complex, requires testing, possible serious diagnosis), we'll refer you to a doctor and explain why.
- Dispensing — your prescription is filled while you wait, usually 10–15 minutes.
- Follow-up — we'll let you know what to watch for, when to expect improvement, and when to come back or see a doctor if things don't improve.
Cost and coverage
The consultation itself is free if you have an OHIP card — the Ontario government covers the assessment fee. The medication is billed to your insurance the same as any other prescription (we direct-bill ODB, Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Green Shield, and most private plans). For uninsured patients, prices for most minor ailment medications range from $15–$40.
Frequently asked
Is the consultation really free?
Yes — if you have a valid Ontario health card, the assessment is covered by OHIP under the Minor Ailments program. You only pay the cost of the medication (and that's usually covered by your insurance if you have any).
Will the pharmacist's prescription work the same as a doctor's?
Yes — it's a real prescription, written by a licensed Ontario pharmacist authorized to prescribe for these specific conditions. It's recorded in your provincial pharmacy record the same as a doctor's prescription would be, and your insurance treats it identically.
What if my condition isn't on the list?
We'll let you know during the brief assessment whether what you're describing is something we can handle or whether you need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner. We won't waste your time — if it's outside our scope, we'll point you toward the right next step (your family doctor, walk-in clinic, or urgent care).
How long does it actually take, end to end?
From walking in to walking out with your prescription — typically 20 to 30 minutes when the pharmacy isn't busy. Even on busy days, it's almost always faster than a walk-in clinic. Call ahead at 519-578-3000 if you want us to flag for the next available consultation slot.
Can I do this for my kid?
Yes for many conditions — diaper dermatitis, conjunctivitis, impetigo, threadworms, and others have pediatric criteria. We'll assess based on the child's age and weight and determine if pharmacist prescribing is appropriate or if you should see a doctor.
Have a question?
Talk to one of our pharmacists — free, no appointment needed. We’re here Monday through Saturday.