Laboratory
Informed Care Starts in the Lab
Behind every diagnosis is a story. That story often begins with lab work. At Atikokan Health and Community Services, our laboratory plays a vital role in helping your care team make informed decisions, quickly. Whether you're an emergency patient staying in hospital, living in long-term care, or were sent here for testing by your doctor, our lab team is here to support your health journey with accuracy, compassion, and care.
We operate by appointment, which helps us coordinate your visit efficiently - especially if you also need diagnostic imaging or testing that must be completed on specific days. Our goal is to make your experience smooth, respectful of your time, and as stress-free as possible.
Our team includes a dedicated group of highly trained professionals:
Licensed Medical Laboratory Technologists, and Medical Laboratory Assistants who all work together to maintain the highest standards in testing and patient care.
AHCS is also proud to be part of the Kenora-Rainy River Regional Laboratory Program, in partnership with the University Health Network ( UHN ). This connection gives our local team access to a network of specialists, educators, and quality improvement supports - ensuring that every sample we test meets the most rigorous standards of safety and reliability.
Because even in a small town, your health deserves big expertise.
Contact
To cancel an appointment or check the status of your referral, please call and leave a message at 1-807 597-4215, ext. 359. Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Telemedicine allows patients in Atikokan and across the Rainy River District to connect directly with specialists and other healthcare providers without leaving the community.
Using secure two-way video conferencing, you can see, hear and speak with a provider just as you would in a traditional in-person visit. A trained nurse from our team is on-site to guide you through the appointment, assist as needed, and ensure your comfort throughout the process.
This service is fully covered by OHIP and helps reduce the need for long-distance travel, time away from work or family, and out-of-pocket expenses.
As part of the OTN network, AHCS can help bridge service gaps and bring high-quality care closer to home — connecting you with the right provider, in the right place, at the right time.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows you to have a medical appointment using secure, two-way video conferencing. You’ll see and talk to a specialist - just like an in-person visit - without having to leave Atikokan.
Will I be alone during the appointment?
No. A trained nurse will be with you to help set up the appointment, support you during the visit, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Is Telemedicine covered by OHIP?
Yes. Telemedicine appointments are covered under your Ontario Health Insurance Plan ( OHIP ), just like a regular in-person visit.
What kinds of care can I get through Telemedicine?
Specialists in areas like internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, psychiatry, and more may be available. Your family doctor can refer you for a Telemedicine consultation if appropriate.
Is it secure?
Yes. The Ontario Telemedicine Network uses encrypted, secure technology to protect your privacy and health information during each appointment.
Do I need to bring anything?
In most cases, just bring your health card. Our team will let you know if anything else is needed before your appointment.
Where is Telemedicine located at AHCS?
The telemedicine studio at AGH is located in various locations in our hospital. You can enter the hospital through the main entrance and check in at the main office, where you will be directed to the designated area.
What can I expect to happen during a Telemedicine appointment?
A Telemedicine appointment is similar to a regular visit, the only difference is that you will see and talk to the doctor through a television screen. Your appointment will take place in a private room and all information is treated with strict privacy guidelines.
Your Telemedicine Coordinator has several diagnostic tools that will assist your specialist during the appointment. These include an electronic stethoscope with Bluetooth capabilities and a hand-held zoom camera, if required.
How do I get a Telemedicine appointment?
Ask your health care provider if Telemedicine is right for you. Telemedicine is useful for many appointments, but we may not be able to use it for all your visits. The Telemedicine coordinator or your specialty provider will contact you directly with your appointment date and time.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine allows you to have a medical appointment using secure, two-way video conferencing. You’ll see and talk to a specialist - just like an in-person visit - without having to leave Atikokan.
Will I be alone during the appointment?
No. A trained nurse will be with you to help set up the appointment, support you during the visit, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Is Telemedicine covered by OHIP?
Yes. Telemedicine appointments are covered under your Ontario Health Insurance Plan ( OHIP ), just like a regular in-person visit.
What kinds of care can I get through Telemedicine?
Specialists in areas like internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, psychiatry, and more may be available. Your family doctor can refer you for a Telemedicine consultation if appropriate.
Is it secure?
Yes. The Ontario Telemedicine Network uses encrypted, secure technology to protect your privacy and health information during each appointment.
Do I need to bring anything?
In most cases, just bring your health card. Our team will let you know if anything else is needed before your appointment.
Where is Telemedicine located at AHCS?
The telemedicine studio at AGH is located in various locations in our hospital. You can enter the hospital through the main entrance and check in at the main office, where you will be directed to the designated area.
What can I expect to happen during a Telemedicine appointment?
A Telemedicine appointment is similar to a regular visit, the only difference is that you will see and talk to the doctor through a television screen. Your appointment will take place in a private room and all information is treated with strict privacy guidelines.
Your Telemedicine Coordinator has several diagnostic tools that will assist your specialist during the appointment. These include an electronic stethoscope with Bluetooth capabilities and a hand-held zoom camera, if required.
How do I get a Telemedicine appointment?
Ask your health care provider if Telemedicine is right for you. Telemedicine is useful for many appointments, but we may not be able to use it for all your visits. The Telemedicine coordinator or your specialty provider will contact you directly with your appointment date and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in the Emergency Department?
Upon arrival, patients will visit the ED Registration Desk to complete a patient record. A clerk or nurse will ask general questions about your health concern and request your health card. You may be asked to take a seat in the waiting room or a consult room until your condition is assessed by a nurse in the triage process. It is important to share any pre-existing medical conditions, medications being taken, and any known allergies at this time.
How Soon will I be seen?
Important Note: Although Emergency Department staff works diligently to see you as soon as possible, patients are cared for based on the urgency of their injuries and illnesses — not in order of arrival.
We ask for patience and understanding that those with less serious conditions may be required to wait longer. If your symptoms or condition change at any time during your visit, please inform a staff member immediately.
What should I bring?
When the determination is made to visit the Emergency Department, please bring:
- Your health card (OHIP or other)
- Emergency contacts
- A list of medications, knowledge of your medical history and known allergies
What happens when I go home?
When discharged, you will be given instructions to follow at home. You may also receive prescriptions for medicine and a scheduled follow-up appointment with your physician and/or other health care professionals. If you don’t receive any follow-up instructions or have questions about them, please ask one of our staff members in the Emergency Department.
Why did I receive a bill?
There can be costs associated to your emergency experience that our provincial and personal insurance providers don’t cover. For example, ambulance services, semi-private and private rooms on admission, and aides such as crutches or walking boots are not insured by the publicly funded Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). You are responsible for payment of any amounts not covered.
At Atikokan Health and Community Services, we recognize that healing doesn’t happen in isolation - it happens through connection.
At Atikokan Health and Community Services, we are committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all personal health information. Your health information is handled with respect and sensitivity, collected and shared only with those who need it to provide you the best care possible.
Our collection, use and disclosure of your personal health information is done in accordance with Ontario law and is always accessible to you and those who you identify as being involved in your ongoing care.
You have the right to make a written request to our Health Records staff at AHCS to obtain a copy of your health records.
Atikokan Health and Community Services is committed to accommodating the needs of our patients, clients, residents, visitors and staff members through accessible care and an environment of inclusivity.
We understand that delivering the highest quality of care possible is incumbent on ensuring our policies and procedures are consistent with principles of dignity, independence, integration, and equality. We believe in integrating the provision of services to persons with disabilities whenever possible, or exploring alternate measures when necessary, and giving equal opportunities to people with disabilities.
AHCS is continually working to make all of our spaces more accessible to create a barrier-free and fully accessible facility. Our multi-year Accessibility Planning has helped us identify, remove and prevent barriers to individuals with disabilities who live, work in or use our hospital and community sites, including clients and their family members, staff members, health care practitioners, volunteers, residents of and visitors to our community.
Emergency Department
The Emergency Department entry is typically locked and visitors must lift the phone handset at the entrance, where a nurse will respond and assist with entry. If the door is already open, please check in at the registration desk before proceeding to visit a patient.
While you’re here, we care for you, too. You can access refreshments in multiple locations:
- A coffee maker and water dispenser are located in the acute care patient kitchen
- The long-term care wing also has a water dispenser
A nurse will be happy to help you find what you need.
Please Note: Temporary Restrictions May Apply
To keep our patients, residents, staff, and community safe, visiting hours or access may change during times of increased risk—such as respiratory illness outbreaks or other health emergencies.
We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we encourage you to call ahead or check our website or social media channels for the most up-to-date visitor information before arriving.
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