Did you come here wondering if your condition is urgent? Is going to an urgent care clinic the only option? What is the right thing to do? This blog explains everything you need to know about urgent care in Toronto. Get treatment for an urgent but non-emergency health condition and find other care options available in Toronto if you’re unable to reach one near you.
What is an urgent care centre in Toronto?
An urgent care centre is a medical clinic that provides same-day urgent treatment for non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries. These can include infections, sprains, earaches, cuts, burns, small fractures, or broken bones. For more options, read about health services in Toronto.
Is your health issue urgent? Here’s how to know.
Urgent care is for medical issues that need prompt attention, but aren’t life-threatening. Some examples of symptoms and conditions are as follows:
- Headache
- Persistent body pain that is not sudden or severe
- Bites and stings
- Skin rashes, scabies, lice
- Sinus infection
- UTI symptoms
- Sore throat, fever, or cough
- COVID-19 symptoms
- Diarrhea & nausea
- Sprains and minor injuries
What services are available at an urgent care clinic?
Urgent care clinics in Toronto provide diagnosis and treatment, but not surgeries. Services may vary by location and might include:
- Diagnostic equipment
- X-ray
- Casts
- Laboratory services
- Basic eye assessments
- Stitches
In Toronto, these services are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Medicine Act, 1991. You will receive treatment from a medical doctor or registered nurse practitioner who is eligible to practice in Ontario. Some clinics may offer follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery from an illness or injury.
Is urgent care the same as a walk-in clinic in Toronto?
No. In Toronto, urgent care centres and walk-in clinics are not the same. Walk-in clinics treat minor ailments and are best for routine care. They are more focused on providing general and convenient access through a first-come, first-served system. Urgent care centres are better at handling more severe, non-life-threatening injuries and symptoms, but may have specific, extended, or weekend hours.
In many cases, urgent care is faster than an emergency room but may be busier than a walk-in clinic in Toronto. However, availability and wait times vary depending on the clinic, time of day, and seasonal demand.
Why can’t many Toronto residents access urgent care when they need it?
While there are numerous clinics providing urgent care services in Toronto, patients might face the following challenges:
- Many urgent care centres operate primarily during limited after-hours windows
- You may be turned away if there is a large queue or overcrowding
- You might need to book an appointment if walk-ins are not allowed
- Some clinics give priority to more serious injuries
- You might not get prescription renewals
- A specific service or provider may be unavailable
High population density, doctor shortage, and increased seasonal demand put more strain on Toronto’s healthcare system. According to the Ontario College of Family Physicians, nearly 1 million people in Toronto could be without a family doctor by 2026, which increases reliance on walk-in clinics and urgent care centres. As a result, same-day access is not always possible even for urgent but manageable conditions.
Online urgent care in Toronto: Get faster access to healthcare without leaving home
You can rely on virtual urgent care if in-person care is not immediately available. An online walk-in clinic in Toronto lets you speak with a licensed Ontario physician through secure chat, phone, or video. For many urgent care needs, virtual care can:
- Be an effective front-line option when time matters
- Provide faster medical guidance
- Help determine if in-person care is actually needed
- Prevent unnecessary ER visits
This form of telehealth or virtual walk-in care allows patients to receive medical assessment without physically attending a clinic.
When should you go to a hospital or emergency department?
It’s important to note here that online doctors can’t treat injuries or conditions that require immediate medical attention. They cannot replace hospitals or emergency services. Visit your nearest emergency department or call 911 if you experience:
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Signs of stroke
- Severe injuries or uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden, severe pain
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming others
What conditions can be treated through virtual urgent care?
Online urgent care in Toronto can help you with:
- Cold and flu symptoms
- UTIs and minor infections
- Skin conditions (rashes, acne, allergies)
- Medication issues that can’t wait days
- Doctor’s notes for work or school
- Follow-up care and lab requisitions
If your condition can’t be safely managed online, the doctor will advise you on the next steps.
How to get online urgent care services in Toronto?
Here’s how you can start an online medical consultation in Toronto:
- Describe your symptoms
- Talk to an online doctor in Toronto
- Get health advice, prescriptions, or referrals within minutes
We provide 24-hour online urgent care services for residents of East York, North York, Etobicoke, East Toronto, and Scarborough.
Get urgent medical help in Toronto, Ontario
Urgent care centres are often appropriate for non-life threatening conditions. However, if you are unable to access an urgent care or a walk-in clinic, an online urgent care is a practical alternative for many non-emergency conditions. Understanding your options can help you and your loved ones get the care you need. At Your Doctors Online, you can see a provider 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without booking an appointment or waiting in line.
