Despite Canada’s much-praised universal health care system, a whopping one out of seven Canadians over the age of 12 is without a family doctor. Considering our doctors are the gateway to referrals, specialized care, and more in-depth treatment, it’s important to understand which of your staff is currently on the lookout for a family physician. This may help explain multiple absences or recurring illnesses. These individuals will benefit from health navigation via web, mobile, and call centre support, so make sure they know it’s available! And don’t forget to share with them these 10 ways to find a doctor…
Despite how important a physician is to maintaining good health, one in seven Canadians over the age of 12 does not have a family doctor.
This shortfall of family physicians is especially high in rural and northern areas of Canada, as well as in Quebec. If you happen to be one of the 4.5 million Canadians without a doctor, these 10 tips can help you.
1. Consult your provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons
These medical licensing organizations ensure that doctors meet provincial medical standards. Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons protect the public by setting regulations, laws and codes of ethics that all doctors must follow while providing care. There are over 43,000 family physicians across Canada, and colleges collectively maintain detailed information on all of them. Your provincial college may be able to direct you to someone.
2. Search physician directories
Some provincial colleges provide searchable physician databases on their websites, with names and contact information for doctors practising in various regions. These directories are regularly updated, so check often for new additions. You can also search the Physician Directory located on this website. The only way to find out if a doctor is accepting new patients, however, is to call their office and ask. If the answer is no, ask the receptionist if they know of a doctor who is accepting new patients, or request that you go on a waiting list until a space opens up. (You may be able to sign up for multiple waiting lists, but do remember to remove your name from them once you’ve found a physician. Be aware, too, that it’s not always possible to get on multiple waiting lists if a province’s list is centralized.)
3. Ask other doctors
If you receive medical care from a walk-in clinic or hospital, the doctor treating you or the receptionist may have suggestions. They may know of a local family doctor who is accepting new patients, or a new doctor who is moving to the area. Just ask! Walk-in clinics may also keep wait lists for family doctors, or can refer you to a waiting list somewhere else.
4. Visit a family practice unit
Some hospitals have family practice or community health units that provide general health services for children, youth and adults. These may also be referred to as primary care or teaching units. Visits are often by appointment only, so be sure to call in advance to check availability. Typically, a variety of health professionals including doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners practise in these units. If you opt to visit a family practice unit, medical residents may be involved in your care. Ask them when and where they plan to start practising, or if they know of colleagues accepting new patients – this is another great opportunity to find a family doctor.
Call or search the website of your local hospital (and those in neighbouring cities, if you are willing to travel), to find this type of medical unit.
5. Use your network
Friends, family members and co-workers who have good relationships with their doctors may be willing to ask on your behalf if they are accepting new patients. If their doctor agrees to see you, make sure you are organized. Bring all of your health information with you. Treat your first appointment like a job interview!
6. Visit a walk-in clinic or request a home visit
The physicians at walk-in clinics and urgent care centres can take on certain roles of a family doctor, but without the same long-term oversight and coordination of your care. If you visit walk-in clinics regularly, be sure to track your medical information carefully. You can expect to see a different doctor each time you visit, and any information you can provide will be of value. A walk-in clinic may also be able to refer you to a disease/disorder-specific clinic such as an asthma clinic, diabetes clinic or pain clinic. These specialty clinics can help with the management of a chronic condition. In some major cities, private services are available that offer physician home visits, often after hours. These may be a good alternative if you are not able to leave home to go to a clinic.
7. See a nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have advanced education, training and experience. They provide many of the same services as family physicians, including ordering tests, making diagnoses, prescribing certain medications and caring for chronic conditions. NPs work all across Canada.
8. Talk to your pharmacist
Take advantage of the knowledge base of a pharmacist. All community pharmacists have medication expertise. Depending on the province or territory, many pharmacists are also qualified in areas such as managing diabetes, administering vaccinations, ordering lab tests and even prescribing certain medications. It can be highly convenient to call or visit a pharmacy, and in some situations, your local pharmacist may be able to provide all the medical help you need.
9. Contact your provincial find-a-doctor service(s)
Many provincial governments have set up programs to help citizens understand their health care options, including finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
10. Call a nurse hotline
Many provinces and territories offer nurse hotlines that provide non-emergency medical advice over the telephone. A registered nurse can advise you on self-care, recommend a visit to a doctor or other medical provider, or put you in touch with community resources near you. These nurses may even have information about doctors accepting new patients. Nurse hotlines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While a nurse hotline is not a long-term solution and is not a replacement for a family doctor, a quick call might save you a long wait in the emergency department or an unnecessary trip to a clinic.
Alternatively, our team of Health Information Specialists will help guide you to the information and services you need to better manage your health and navigate Canada’s health care systems by finding a doctor, locating a long-term care facility, or just finding your way around this website.
For more insight, check out these health articles.
