You have more choice than you think. 

When your doctor, clinic, or specialist generates a prescription — whether it’s for a medication, a medical device, or post-surgical equipment — you have the right to choose where it gets filled.

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Some patients never hear this. Others feel pressured toward a specific pharmacy or provider. We've created this page to help give you the clarity, confidence, and language you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

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Phil Hauser, also known as 'Phil the Pharmacist', joined CHCH to talk about patient empowerment and your right to choose your pharmacy. If you watched the segment and want the deeper details — you’re in the right place.

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Your Right to Choose: What Ontario Patients Should Know​

You are never required to fill your prescription at the pharmacy your doctor or clinic prefers.

You can ask for your prescription — and they must provide it. That includes:

• Written prescriptions

• Electronic prescriptions

• Faxed prescriptions

• Prescriptions generated by a pharmacist

 

This applies to medications, most medical devices, and post-surgical items.

 

 

Why does this matter?

Because steering (directing you to a specific pharmacy) can happen for many reasons — convenience, habit, or sometimes undisclosed business relationships. Regardless of the reason, the choice is still yours.

 

Government Support for Patient Choice

Recent Ontario decisions around Preferred Provider Networks reinforce this: patients must be free to choose where they get their prescriptions filled. 

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What Kind of Prescription Do You Have? (Find Your Category)

​To make things simple, we’ve grouped prescriptions and health items into five common categories:

1. MEDICATIONS

2. MOBILITY EQUIPMENT

3. REHAB RENTALS

4. POST-SURGERY RENTALS

5. SPECIALIST OR ONCOLOGY MEDICATIONS

Choose the one that matches your situation.

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1. MEDICATIONS

Most prescriptions for medications can be filled at any licensed pharmacy. This includes:
routine medications, chronic disease medications, antibiotics, eye drops, inhalers, blood pressure meds, etc.

Keywords to search:
Pharmacy near me, prescription refill, independent pharmacy, medication pickup.

 

Where to go:

• Community pharmacies (like Hauser’s)

• Hospital outpatient pharmacies

• 24-hour pharmacies

If you were automatically directed to a pharmacy you didn’t choose, you are free to redirect the prescription to the pharmacy you prefer.

 

 

2: MOBILITY EQUIPMENT

Some prescriptions are for devices that support mobility, rehab, or recovery. This includes: bracing, walkers, canes, compression stockings, TENS units, wheelchairs.

Keywords to search:
Mobility store, home healthcare equipment, medical supplies, compression therapy.

 

Where to go:

• Some pharmacies with mobility divisions (like Hauser’s)

• Mobility & medical equipment retailers

• Home healthcare stores

 

 

3: REHAB RENTALS

Many patients receive post-injury or post-surgery prescriptions for equipment with a short-term need. This includes: Crutches, knee walkers, cold compression devices, recovery aids, wheelchairs (short-term).

Keywords to search:
Rehab rentals, medical rentals, cold compression rental, post-surgery equipment.

 

Where to go:

• Mobility & rehab rental companies (like Hauser's)

• Select pharmacies/mobility retailers

• Physiotherapy-linked suppliers

 

 

4: POST-SURGERY RENTALS 

Your surgeon may recommend (or their clinic may try to direct you to) a specific provider for post-operative tools. This includes: Cold compression therapy systems, Game Ready units, bracing, post-op supports.

Keywords to search:
Cold compression therapy, post-surgery equipment, Game Ready rental/purchase.

 

Where to go:

• Mobility retailers with rehab divisions (like Hauser's)

• Physiotherapy clinics

• Some pharmacies

Even if a clinic suggests a specific provider, you can choose where to obtain equipment.

 

5: SPECIALIST OR ONCOLOGY MEDICATIONS

These medications often require special handling but you still have options. This includes: Certain oncology therapies, biologics, injectables, refrigerated medications.

Keywords to search:
Oncology pharmacy, specialty medication, biologic injection, specialty dispensing.

 

Where to go:

• Specialty pharmacies 

• Hospital-linked pharmacies (like Hauser's)

• Select community pharmacies (depending on the item)

Timelines vary — some specialty medications can be ordered within 24–48 hours.

 

 

Not Sure Where Your Prescription Should Go? Ask Us.

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If you’re unsure where your prescription belongs — or you feel pressured into using a pharmacy or provider you didn’t choose — we’re here to help.

 

Choose your category and submit your question:

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Why Continuity of Care Still Matters

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Your right to choose is important — and so is keeping your healthcare providers informed.

Wherever you fill your prescriptions or obtain your equipment, make sure:

• Your pharmacist has your full medication list

• Your doctor knows about all medications and devices you’re using

• Your pharmacy team has the full context of your care

 

This avoids overlaps, interactions, gaps, and the fragmented care that can occur when records are scattered.

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You stay in control — and your care stays connected.

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Empowerment starts with a question.

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If something feels unclear, or if you simply want to understand your options:

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This page is designed to help Ontario patients understand their rights, explore their options, and feel confident in advocating for their care.