FAQ: Pharmacist Assessments: Uncomplicated Cystitis
What is uncomplicated cystitis?
- Uncomplicated cystitis (bladder infection) is a specific type of urinary tract infection (UTI), which is limited to the bladder, caused by typical bacteria, and occurs in those with internal reproductive organs who have no structural or functional urinary tract abnormalities (e.g., catheter, impaired kidney function, spinal cord injury).
- These are relatively low-risk, recurring infections and are often self-diagnosed. Treatment is generally through oral antibiotics.
- The condition is considered "complicated" if the client is under 16 years of age, male, pregnant, breastfeeding an infant under one month of age, or has a medical condition that may affect the type of bacteria causing the infection (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunocompromised). These clients would be referred to their primary care provider (e.g., family doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic) for diagnosis and care.
Who is eligible for this new coverage and what exactly does it include?
- All Manitobans with an active Manitoba Health card are eligible for coverage of up to three uncomplicated cystitis pharmacist assessments per benefit year (April 1 – March 31), whether or not the assessment results in a prescription.
- These assessments are at no cost to the client.
- Any prescription arising from the assessment may be covered according to the client's usual health insurance plan (e.g., Pharmacare, private insurance).
Will I have to reach my deductible before I can get coverage for uncomplicated cystitis assessments by my pharmacist?
- No. Manitoba Health provides coverage for up to three uncomplicated assessments per benefit year (April 1 – March 31).
- Any additional assessments in this period would not be covered by Manitoba Health. Clients may need to pay out-of-pocket costs to the pharmacy for additional assessments.
When can my pharmacist prescribe for uncomplicated cystitis?
- Pharmacists may only prescribe treatment for clients who have had a previous diagnosis of uncomplicated cystitis (e.g., is not your first episode of uncomplicated cystitis).
- Pharmacists cannot prescribe treatment for clients who have had a cystitis episode in the past month. Instead, these clients would be referred to their primary care provider (e.g., family doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic).
Can any pharmacist assess for uncomplicated cystitis?
- Only pharmacists who have completed the training program approved by the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) can assess and prescribe treatment for uncomplicated cystitis.
- A list of pharmacists who have completed this training is available through the Pharmacist Public Register on the CPhM website (cphm.ca/protecting-the-public/find-a-pharmacy-or-pharmacy-professional/). Please contact pharmacies directly to ensure that a pharmacist who can offer this service is available when you are seeking an assessment.
How long will I have to wait for a pharmacist assessment?
- Please contact your pharmacy regarding wait-times or appointments for assessments.
What medications can my pharmacist prescribe for uncomplicated cystitis?
- Trained pharmacists may prescribe any drug Health Canada has authorized for the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis.
Will an assessment guarantee that I will get a prescription?
- No. Not all pharmacist assessments for uncomplicated cystitis will result in a prescription. In some cases, your pharmacist may instead refer you to your primary care provider (e.g., family doctor, nurse practitioner, walk-in clinic) for further assessment and treatment.
- If the pharmacist conducting the assessment determines a prescription is appropriate, clients may choose to fill the prescription at any pharmacy in Manitoba, including the same pharmacy where the assessment was conducted.
- Any prescription arising from the assessment may be covered according to the client's usual health insurance plan (e.g., Pharmacare, private insurance). Please discuss cost and coverage considerations with your pharmacist during the assessment.
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