You’re an executive, so your health is not just for you—it’s also for your team members, staff, and family. For one thing, you want to feel healthy, fit, and strong. You want to have great energy levels, so you can make good decisions, show up better at work, and be a better boss.
Your executive colleagues either told you about Medcan in Toronto (or Oakville), or recommended it. Now, you’re considering it for yourself. Should you go for it? Avoid it?
That’s what we’ll cover in this article.
You’ll learn:
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What is Medcan?
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How much does it cost?
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What are the benefits of Medcan’s wellness services?
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What are the drawbacks of Medcan’s annual health assessment and proactive health approach?
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Is Medcan covered by OHIP?
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What to expect at a Medcan assessment?
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Who is the head of Medcan?
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What is the closest subway to Medcan?
But before we dive in, who am I to be talking about this? I’m a personal trainer who specializes in executives. I’m their “Chief Fitness Officer,” if you will. I’m also the author of 9 books, including 4 bestsellers. One of which is The Fit Executive. So executive fitness is right up my alley. If you want to chat in more detail about your own fitness, just email me with the subject line “Executive Fitness.”
What is Medcan?
Medcan is a private healthcare facility that offers a range of wellness services, focusing on proactive health and mental health. They are known for their annual health assessments, where they offer both standard and advanced diagnostic tests. These tests are done by medical professionals who work alongside family doctors to ensure you’re getting the care you need. The clinic has a reputation for using the latest evidence-based practices, especially when it comes to fitness testing and year-round care.
Medcan operates two locations—one in Toronto and one in Oakville. Although they cater to everyone, their main focus is on executives. Many clients appreciate the personalized, comprehensive care, while others feel it’s lacking in proper care and communication.
Most of my executive clients who’ve gone to Medcan say that the main feature is a full-day physical, or what they call an annual health assessment. One day a year, you go in and get a variety of tests done on you—both the standard tests covered by OHIP and the more advanced tests that are not covered. Then, you receive your results and can follow up with medical experts if needed.
Is Medcan covered by OHIP?
Some services are covered by OHIP, such as routine blood tests and basic medical check-ups. However, the annual health assessment and the advanced tests provided by all the doctors at Medcan go beyond what’s covered by OHIP. These specialized tests focus on providing proactive health care, which means you will need to pay out-of-pocket for these services.
Medcan Cost
How much does Medcan cost?
While Medcan does not disclose their prices on their website, according to an article in the Toronto Star, the annual health assessment is approximately $3300. They also offer services like prescribing birth control and wellness programs, which are priced separately.
Medcan’s pricing varies based on the service, and the cost of treatments may depend on your specific needs. Be sure to ask common and routine questions and clarify what’s included in your package when booking an appointment.
Benefits of Medcan’s Wellness Services
There are several benefits that people seek out when attending Medcan:
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Prevention and Proactive Health: As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Medcan’s annual health assessments and focus on proactive health help detect issues early. If something comes up during your annual physical, you can expect Medcan’s staff to help you with routine questions and provide recommendations for further steps.
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Thorough Care: Medcan runs more advanced tests than typical family doctors, providing a comprehensive look at your health. This is especially useful for those looking for more control over their health and who prefer well-maintained medical records.
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Networking Opportunities: Executives seeking to network with other professionals may find this clinic a great place to meet like-minded individuals, adding a bonus to attending Medcan’s services.
Drawbacks of Medcan’s Annual Health Assessment
Just like there are some benefits to Medcan, there are also some drawbacks. A lot, actually. Their Google reviews are not very flattering.
From the experience of my clients with Medcan, the most common complaint I hear is that they run a bunch of diagnostics, but there’s no interpretations of results, or action plan going forward. Even though Medcan offers it, for whatever reason, it’s not performed with every patient.
Some of the other things that people consistently complain about on Google are:
- Sneaky charges. Like getting signed up for an annual plan when you didn’t want it or consent to it.
- Scheduling problems. Especially if your time is precious (and as an executive, it is), this is a huge problem.
- Bad customer service and pretty disorganized:
- Apparently, they don’t treat their staff well, so the turnover is ridiculous. You might have one doctor one visit, and a different doctor in your next visit:
What to Expect at a Medcan Assessment?
A typical Medcan assessment includes a wide range of tests, from basic blood work to fitness assessments, detailed nutritional evaluations, and screenings for breast disease and other potential health risks. Their nutrition management team works closely with clients to offer advice on maintaining optimal health through Medcan’s nutrition guide.
During these assessments, clients may face routine questions about lifestyle habits, nutrition, and health history. It’s essential to be prepared, as these tests aim to catch potential risks early and provide year-round care support.
Addressing Questionable Things: Has Medcan Doctor Failed You?
A recurring complaint on review platforms is about instances where clients feel like the doctor failed them by not addressing all their concerns or providing inadequate follow-up care. If you have multiple health issues or need specialized care, it’s critical to communicate clearly with the medical professional assigned to you. Don’t hesitate to ask common and routine questions and ensure that you leave the clinic with proper care instructions.
Risk Management at Medcan
Medcan is a healthcare provider that emphasizes mitigating risk through its proactive and fitness testing programs. However, some clients report concerns about injury prevention measures. As an executive or active individual, it’s important to discuss with your physician how they manage the risk of potential health issues and injuries during your assessment and throughout the year.
Medcan Alternatives
If you’re not satisfied with Medcan, there are other private healthcare clinics available, or you can opt to become your own health advocate. Understanding primary care, nutrition, and proactive health strategies can be a useful starting point.
Hiring a personal trainer is another good option. A great trainer, like myself, should understand not only fitness but also how to navigate medical records and blood work. This way, you can take more control over your health without relying on just one clinic.
Who is the Head of Medcan?
Medcan is led by Shaun Francis, a prominent leader in health care and a global leader in the private healthcare space. His expertise has helped shape Medcan into a facility known for providing care that focuses on research and wellbeing.
What is the Closest Subway to Medcan?
The closest subway station to Medcan Toronto is Union Station, offering convenient access for those traveling from downtown Toronto.
Final Thoughts
Attending Medcan can offer a high level of wellness services, but like any healthcare facility, there are pros and cons. While they provide advanced diagnostic tests and routine care beyond what your typical family doctor might offer, many clients feel that the communication and organization could be improved.
For those seeking more control over their health or for those with more than one question about their wellness journey, Medcan could be a good option if you’re prepared for the costs and occasional scheduling issues. If not, there are alternatives such as becoming your own advocate or hiring a personal trainer who can assist you in managing routine questions and long-term health strategies.
