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8 Helpful Hints for Finding a Doctor Faster

Despite how important a family doctor is to maintaining an individual’s health, about four million Canadians still find themselves unable to locate a physician. The shortage of family physicians is especially serious in rural and northern areas of Canada. If you happen to be one of the Canadians still on the hunt for a doctor, don’t give up just yet! Take a look at the eight tips below on how to locate a doctor in your area.

1. Consult your College of Physicians and Surgeons.
2. Search the Physician Directory.
3. Inquire with other doctors.
4. Visit a family practice unit.
5. Use your network.
6. Use an alternative to a family doctor until you can find one.
7. Contact your provincial find-a-doctor service(s).
8. Take advantage of nurse hotlines.

1. Consult your College of Physicians and Surgeons.

These colleges are medical licensing organizations whose job is to ensure doctors meet provincial medical standards while regulating the way they provide care in each province. Colleges protect the public by setting up regulations, laws, and codes of ethics that all doctors must follow. If you contact your College of Physicians and Surgeons, they may be able to direct you to a physician, as these organizations maintain a record of detailed information on all doctors in their province or territory. Some colleges will even allow you to search their own physician database online.

2. Search the Physician Directory.

This directory allows you to search a comprehensive database of over 57,000 physicians from across Canada, and provides you with the names and contact information of doctors who are practicing in your area. Unfortunately, the information does not include whether or not the doctors listed are accepting new patients. The only way to find out is to call the doctor’s office and ask. If the doctor is not accepting new patients, ask the receptionist if he knows of a doctor who is.

3. Inquire with other doctors.

If you are receiving medical care from a clinic or hospital, the doctor treating you may know of new doctors coming to the area. Or, he may know of a local family doctor that is accepting new patients. Just ask!

4. Visit a family practice unit.

Some hospitals have a family practice or community health unit that provides general health services for children, youth, and adults. In many cases, you can visit these units by appointment only, so make sure to contact them in advance to check availability. Call your local hospital or search its website (and those in neighbouring cities, if you are willing to travel) to see if they have this type of medical unit. You will typically be able to find doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and a variety of other health professionals practicing here. Medical residents may be involved with your care if you opt to visit a family practice unit. This is a great opportunity to find a family doctor, as you can ask residents when and where they plan to start practicing, or if they know of any colleagues currently accepting new patients.

5. Use your network.

Friends or family members that have a good relationship with their doctor may be able to ask if they are accepting new patients on your behalf. Remind your loved ones to mention any important details, such as whether or not you have children, or if you have any special medical needs due to a chronic condition. 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. Use an alternative to a family doctor until you can find one.

The health professionals available at walk-in clinics and urgent care centres can sometimes 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 carefully track your medical information as you can expect to see a different doctor each time that you visit. The new doctor may not have your full medical record, so any information you can provide will be of value.

7. 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. Select your province (or health region) from the list below to learn more about your options:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Northern Health
• Interior Health
• Vancouver Island Health Authority
• Vancouver Coastal Health
• Fraser Health
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Horizon Health Network
• Vitalité Health Network (see ‘Services available in your region’)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (Scroll to midway down the page.)
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Health Care Connect
• Health Care Options Directory
• Prince Edward Island
• Québec
• Ministère de la Santé et Services Sociaux (available in French only)
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

8. Take advantage of nurse hotlines.

In Canada, many provinces and territories provide nurse hotlines that offer 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 give you the phone numbers of community resources nearest you. These nurses may even have lists of health regions where doctors are 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 your doctor’s office.

Key Websites:

• Provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Provincial Medical Regulatory (Licensing) Authorities

Related Articles:

• Family Doctors vs. General Practitioners: What exactly is the difference?
• Choosing a Family Doctor Means Finding the Right Fit for You
• How Can Your Provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons Help You?
• Provincial Nurse Hotlines
• Emergency Rooms, Walk-In Clinics, and Urgent Care Centres
• Family Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant: Who should I see, and when?

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