In Canada, a family physician is often the first point of contact for most healthcare situations. Family doctors are usually the first doctors to diagnose and treat most medical problems. If you need to see a specialist doctor, usually, you need a family doctor to refer you. Family doctors also order laboratory and other tests. Finding a doctor with space for new patients may not always be easy. It may take you some time to find a doctor.

Here are a few ways you can look for a family doctor:

• Is the doctor accepting new patients? Asking friends, co-workers or your networks to find out if their doctor is accepting new patients.

• Register with Health Care Connect. This program refers you to a local doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients. You need to have OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) to use this service and must not be currently registered with an Ontario family health care provider. It is run by the Ministry of Health and Long- Term Care. You can register with this program by filling out an online form or by calling 1-800-445-1822

• Use the Doctor Search found on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website. This search is helpful for finding doctors that speak your language or have a specialization you may need.

• Ask the nearest hospital if it has a family practice unit.

• Contact a health care provider's office you should ask if they are accepting new patients. Where can I get medical help if I don't have a family doctor? listed some information.

For More Information:

• Your Health Care Options - Information and links about your options to get health care in Ontario. You can search the directory by location and type of services. It is run by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

• MD Home Call - These companies can arrange for a doctor to visit your home. If you have OHIP, you do not have to pay. If you do not have OHIP, you have to pay the doctor.

• Rainbow Health Ontario Service Directory - This directory includes doctors and healthcare professionals who deliver LGBTQ+ friendly services.

Other things you might think about when you choose a family doctor:

• Distance. How far you travel to the doctor's office from your residential area?

• Do you prefer a male or female doctor?

• Do you prefer a doctor who speaks your language?

• Is there a medical lab where basic tests can be done?

• Which hospital does the doctor send patients to?