10 Useful Tips For Finding a Family Doctor

Despite Canada’s highly prized universal health care system, one in seven Canadians over the age of 12 does not have a family doctor. Given the fact that it is mandatory to go through these doctors to have access to specialist doctors, specialized care and certain treatments, it is crucial to know who among your employees is looking for a family doctor. This could explain repeated absences or chronic illnesses. These people might need to access the health navigation platform through the website, mobile site, and call center, so be sure to tell them about these resources, and share these ten tips with them. to find a doctor…

Despite the importance of a doctor in maintaining good health, one in seven Canadians over the age of 12 does not have a family doctor.

This shortage of family physicians is particularly acute in rural areas and northern regions of Canada, as well as in Quebec. If you’re one of the 4.5 million Canadians who don’t have a doctor, the following 10 tips may be helpful.

1. Check out the colleges of physicians and surgeons in your province

These organizations responsible for licensing physicians ensure that they meet the medical standards set by the province. Colleges of physicians and surgeons protect the public by establishing regulations, orders, and codes of ethics that all physicians must follow when providing care. There are more than 43,000 family physicians across Canada, and all of the colleges that oversee them maintain detailed information on each of them. Your provincial college may be able to suggest someone.

2. Dig into doctor directories

On their websites, colleges in some provinces provide access to a database that contains the names and contact information of physicians practicing in various regions. These directories are updated regularly; check back often to see if there have been any additions. You can also search for a doctor in the directory included on our platform. But the only way to find out if a doctor is accepting new patients is to call their office to ask. If you are told no, ask the receptionist if she knows a doctor who will acceptother patients, or put yourself on a waiting list until a space becomes available. (You may be able to register on several waiting lists, but don’t forget to remove your name from them as soon as you have found a doctor. Also note that it is not always possible to integrate several waiting lists. waiting if a province has chosen to centralize its own.)

3. Ask other doctors

If medical care is provided to you from a walk-in clinic or hospital, the doctor treating you or the receptionist may have suggestions. They may know a local family doctor who is accepting new patients, or a doctor who has just moved to the area. Ask! Walk-in clinics are also likely to have waiting lists for family doctors, or be able to direct you to a list where to sign up elsewhere.

4. Visit a family medicine group

Some hospitals have family practice or community health units that provide general health services to children, youth and adults. They are sometimes also called primary care units or teaching units. Since appointments are often required, be sure to call to check that a place is available. Usually, these units include several types of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners. If you choose to go to a family medicine unit, resident doctors may take care of you. Ask them when and where they plan to start their practice,

Call your local hospital or check their website to find this type of care unit (do the same with hospitals in nearby towns if you’re willing to travel there).

5. Lean on your network

Friends, family, or co-workers who have a good relationship with their doctor might agree to ask him on your behalf if he is taking new patients. If this doctor wants to see you, be organized and bring with you all the information about your state of health. Treat that first date a bit like a job interview!

6. Visit a walk-in clinic or request a home consultation

In walk-in clinics and urgent care centers, physicians take on some of the roles of a family doctor, but without having the same long-term vision or ensuring the same coordination of care. If you go to this type of clinic often, be sure to carefully keep track of all your medical information. You can expect to see a different doctor each visit, and any information you can provide will be invaluable. Walk-in clinics may also be able to direct you to a facility that specializes in treating a specific disease or disorder, such as asthma, diabetes, or pain. We can help you manage any chronic condition. In some large cities, there are private services for obtaining a visit from a doctor at home, often after working hours. It can be a good alternative if you are unable to leave your home to go to a clinic.

7. Go see a nurse practitioner

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have higher education and have extensive training and experience. They provide services that are largely identical to those provided by family physicians: they can order tests, make diagnoses, prescribe certain medications and treat chronic conditions. NPs are present across Canada.

8. Talk to your pharmacist

Take advantage of the knowledge of pharmacists, who are drug specialists. Depending on the province or territory they are in, many of them also have skills in managing diabetes, administering vaccines, ordering lab tests, and even prescribing certain medications. Calling or going to a pharmacy can be very convenient and in some cases the local pharmacist may be able to provide all the medical help you need.

9. Contact a provincial program to obtain the services of a doctor

The governments of many provinces have established programs through which their citizens can find out about health care options, including where to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

10. Call a helpline with access to a nurse

Many provinces and territories have a nurse hotline that provides non-emergency medical advice over the phone. This registered nurse can tell you how to care for yourself, recommend that you see a doctor or other medical provider, or put you in touch with community resources near you. This nurse might even know which doctors are ready to take on new patients. Nurse hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Using them is not a long-term solution and cannot replace a visit to a family doctor, but a simple call could Avoid long waits in the emergency room or unnecessary trips to a clinic.

Alternatively, our health information specialists will help you get the information and services you need to better manage your health and navigate Canada’s health care systems, helping you finding a doctor, locating a long-term care facility or simply guiding you through our site.