Many Canadians are looking for a family doctor but can’t find one. Long waitlists and provider shortages make getting the care you need difficult. This blog will guide you through how to find a family doctor in Canada, what to do if you can’t find one, and how virtual care from Your Doctors Online can help.
Why is it so hard to find a family doctor in Canada?
Family doctors, also known as family physicians, are the first-line providers of non-emergency medical needs for people of all ages. Due to their broad healthcare service, family doctors are in high demand. As of 2024, over 6.5 million Canadians don’t have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner. This means more than one in five people are affected by the doctor shortage in Canada.
There are multiple reasons for the healthcare crisis, including a growing population, more prevalence of chronic illnesses, and a lack of health access in rural regions. Many providers are retiring while the average family doctor is already managing between 1,000 and 2,000 patients.
What happens if you don’t have a family doctor?
Family doctors provide primary care services including physical check-ups, referrals, prescriptions, and treatment of long-term health conditions. Without a family doctor, it’s harder to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and COPD. You may miss timely prescription renewals, preventive checkups, regular screenings, or specialist referrals when needed. In some cases, people end up going to walk-in clinics or emergency rooms for non-urgent issues, which isn’t ideal.
How to find a family doctor accepting new patients?
In Canada, each province offers tools and waitlists to help you connect with a doctor. Here are a few places to start:
- Find a family doctor in Ontario: Health Care Connect, Healthline 811, and CPSO Physician Register
- Find a doctor in British Columbia
- Find a Doctor in Alberta
- Find a family doctor in Nova Scotia
- Find a family doctor in Quebec
- Find a doctor in Prince Edward Island
- Find a doctor in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Family doctor in Manitoba
What if you can’t find a family doctor?
Even if you are not able to find a doctor through provincial registry platforms, there are still other ways to find primary care options:
- Ask your specialists if they know any doctors accepting patients.
- Ask friends or family if they know of any clinic accepting patients
- Inquire at walk-in clinics if they can take you as a new patient
- Check with community health centres (if available in your area)
- Telehealth platforms like Your Doctors Online
How long will it take to find a family doctor accepting new patients?
It depends on where you live. Some clinics process new patient applications in 2 to 6 weeks. In other cases, people stay on waitlists for months or longer. However, if you choose our virtual walk-in clinic, you can consult a licensed physician for chronic medication refills, lab requisitions, mental health counselling, pregnancy consultation, fertility health advice, and more. Our doctors are available 24/7, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. There is no need to book appointments or book a slot in advance.
Things to consider before choosing the right healthcare
Ask yourself:
- Do I need long-term care for a chronic condition?
- Do I need a referral to a specialist?
- Is this a one-time issue like a pink eye or a sore throat?
- Do I want to avoid clinic wait times?
- Can I connect with a doctor online?
If you answered yes to any of these, virtual care may be the right fit.
Can I get a family doctor through Your Doctors Online?
Our healthcare provider teams consist of physicians who are qualified in internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and general medicine. While we currently do not assign long-term family doctors, we do offer fast, secure access to licensed Canadian doctors for everyday health concerns. Whether you need a refill, a doctor’s note, or medical advice, we are here to help with your healthcare needs. We are accepting new patients 24/7, weekdays, weekends, and holidays. We can’t replace a family doctor, but we’re a reliable option when you need care fast.
Final thoughts
Finding a family doctor can be overwhelming due to the shortage of providers and limited access. Finding one in your area often takes a lot of time, especially since family doctors are fully booked. We understand that your health doesn’t have to wait. If you’re waiting for a family doctor or need quick medical advice, try virtual care with Your Doctors Online to get the help you need today. You can register as a new patient without any appointments.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. All care is provided at the discretion of the treating provider.
