How I Found a Family Doctor in Ontario
How I got care when I needed it in the meantime
How to increase your chances of finding a family doctor
If finding a family doctor is something that’s important to you, there are a number of things you can do to be aware of when a doctor is accepting new patients. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Be active in your local community groups and ask if anyone knows a doctor accepting new patients.
- Talk to family, friends, co-workers - it never hurts to ask.
- Use provincial resources - join a doctor waiting list.
What government resource can help find a family doctor
In Ontario, Health Care Connect, refers Ontarians who don’t have a physician to a family health care provider who may be accepting new patients.
How does Health Care Connect work?
Unattached patients can call or go online to ontario.ca/healthcareconnect to register with the program. To successfully register, unattached patients must have a valid OHIP card and complete a health questionnaire to determine their need for family health care services. Priority is given to individuals who have greater health needs.
Once registered, program participants are assigned to a Care Connector.
Care Connectors, who are nurses employed by Home and Community Care Support Service Organizations, will work with family physicians and nurse practitioners who are accepting new patients.
Once an available provider is found, Health Care Connect will give the patient the provider’s practice information to schedule their first appointment.
Health Care Connect sends providers a letter to inform them when their referral information has been passed on to a patient.
How I found a family doctor?
One day, in one of the local groups, someone shared a photo of a family doctor accepting new patients and calling Health Care Connect to become a patient.
When I called, I was told that I was still attached, to the family doctor I had used in the previous city I lived in. I had not seen that doctor in two and half years. I was told they could unattach me from this doctor. A few business days later, I received a letter confirming that I was no longer under the care of my previous doctor.
At that point, I called back the contact I was working with, who then referred me to the new family doctor that is accepting new patients.
Within two days I recieved a phone call from the clinic to set up a meet and greet appointment with the new doctor.
Throughout this process, I continued to advocate for myself and my health. As a parent to two young children, it’s important for me to model what that looks like.
While it was a journey finding a family doctor, have patience, be persistent and remember that if you have a health concern, there are doctors at walk-in clinics nearby who are happy to help.
Visit medimap.ca to find practitioners near you and easily access the care you need.
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About the author
Shereen Mohammed
Shereen is a passionate marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in executing traditional and digital marketing strategies across diverse industries. With a background in both agency and client-side roles, Shereen has successfully implemented effective marketing campaigns that have yielded a positive return on investment. As an energetic individual, Shereen possesses strong organizational and communication skills, ensuring seamless team coordination and collaboration. She thrives in process-driven environments, paying meticulous attention to detail while remaining focused on achieving results. With a proven ability to manage multiple projects in competitive and fast-paced settings, she is dedicated to driving success through strategic marketing initiatives.