Register with Health Care Connect

Health Care Connect is a free program run by the Ontario Ministry of Health that aims to match residents without a family physician to available doctors in their community. To register:

1. Call the toll-free number or visit the official Health Care Connect website
2. Provide essential information about your health needs and location
3. Wait to be assigned to a Care Connector, who will work to find you a doctor

Explore Online Resources

Several online platforms can assist in your search:

• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): Use their search tool to find doctors accepting new patients in your area
• Ontario.ca: Visit the official provincial website for resources on finding family doctors or nurse practitioners
• Medimap: This website lists family practice clinics and their availability

Consider Alternative Options

While searching for a permanent family doctor, consider these alternatives:

1. Walk-in Clinics: Some clinics provide follow-up care and can act as your primary care provider
2. Virtual Clinics: Depending on your needs, telemedicine platforms such as TeleTest can provide same-day appointments for many services such as testing and medication.
3. Community Health Centres (CHCs): These centers offer various healthcare services and may accept patients without OHIP coverage
4. Student-run Clinics: If you're not covered by OHIP, these clinics might be an option
5. Midwives: For pregnant individuals without OHIP coverage

Leverage Your Network

Don't underestimate the power of personal connections:

• Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations
• Join local community groups on social media platforms to seek advice

Be Proactive

Take additional steps to expedite your search:

1. Contact local hospitals to inquire about affiliated family health teams
2. In spring, check with hospital-affiliated family health teams about new family medicine residents entering practice
3. Regularly follow up with Health Care Connect about your status on the waitlist

Understanding Wait Times

Be prepared for potentially long wait times:

• Average wait times for a family doctor in Ontario can range from 50 to 225 days, depending on the region
• Some areas may have wait times of several years

Maintain Your Health While Waiting

While searching for a permanent family doctor:

1. Utilize walk-in or virtual clinics for immediate health concerns
2. Consider virtual healthcare options for non-emergency issues
3. Keep detailed records of your medical history and any treatments received

Remember, finding a family doctor in Ontario requires patience and persistence. By employing these strategies and staying proactive, you can increase your chances of securing a primary care physician. Don't give up – your health is worth the effort.