Register with Health Care Connect

Health Care Connect is a free Ontario Ministry of Health program that matches residents without a family doctor to available physicians in their area. To register:

1. Call the toll-free number or visit the Health Care Connect website.
2. Share basic information about your health needs and location.
3. Wait to be assigned to a Care Connector, who will look for a doctor on your behalf.

Use Online Search Tools

A few sites can help you search directly:

• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): Their search tool lists doctors accepting new patients.
• Ontario.ca: The provincial site has resources for finding family doctors and nurse practitioners.
• Medimap: Lists family practice clinics and current availability.

Alternatives While You Wait

You don't have to be without care while you search. Options include:

1. Walk-in clinics: Some offer follow-up and act as a stand-in primary care provider.
2. Virtual clinics: Telemedicine platforms like TeleTest can do same-day appointments for testing, medication, and renewals.
3. Community Health Centres (CHCs): Offer a range of services and may take patients without OHIP.
4. Student-run clinics: An option if you don't have OHIP.
5. Midwives: For pregnant individuals without OHIP coverage.

Tap Your Network

Word-of-mouth still works:

• Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations.
• Join local Facebook groups or community forums to ask around.

Be Proactive

A few extra moves can speed things up:

1. Call local hospitals and ask about affiliated family health teams.
2. In spring, check with hospital-affiliated family health teams about new family medicine residents starting practice.
3. Follow up with Health Care Connect on your waitlist status.

Wait Times

Brace yourself for a wait:

• Average wait times in Ontario range from 50 to 225 days depending on the region.
• In some areas the wait stretches into years.

Stay on Top of Your Health While You Wait

In the meantime:

1. Use walk-in or virtual clinics for issues that can't wait.
2. Lean on virtual care for non-emergency questions.
3. Keep detailed records of your medical history and any treatments you receive.

Finding a family doctor in Ontario takes patience. Stick with it, stay on the waitlist, and use these tools to give yourself the best shot. Your health is worth the effort.