Register with Health Care Connect
If you’re eligible for OHIP but don’t currently have a family doctor, it may be beneficial to register with Health Care Connect, Ontario's official physician matching program. The program helps connect you with a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is actively accepting new patients in your area.
When registering, there are a few key points to consider:
- You must have a valid OHIP card to register.
- Wait times vary depending on physician availability in your community.
- Priority may be given to individuals with ongoing or complex medical needs.
While Health Care Connect is a great long-term option, it's important to consider how to access health care if you do not currently qualify to register.
Visit Community Health Centres
Ottawa offers several Community Health Centres (CHCs) that provide primary healthcare and support services, particularly for newcomers. Some centres offer services to patients who do not currently hold OHIP coverage,
Some examples of the centres:
- Somerset West Community Health Centre
- Sandy Hill Community Health Centre
Organizations like this often offer services that include:
- Primary medical care
- Preventive health services
- Mental health support
- Health education
- Programs specifically designed for newcomers and refugees
- Interpretation or multilingual services in many cases
Eligibility requirements vary by location; therefore, it is important to contact the centre in advance to understand which services you can access.
Use Walk-In Clinics While You Wait
If you don't currently have a family doctor, walk-in clinics are a useful resource that typically provide care for many non-emergency medical concerns such as: minor illnesses and infections, prescription renewals, skin conditions, minor injuries and referrals for specialist care when needed.
Walk-in clinics are extremely convenient, but they are not designed to provide ongoing care, which means you must consult a different doctor each visit.
Consider Virtual Care Options
In today's world, virtual healthcare has become increasingly popular and a useful resource for finding a permanent solution.
Eligibility and services differ between each virtual provider, but commonly they will help with:
- Minor illnesses
- Medical advice
- Prescription renewals
- Follow-up visits
- Referrals when appropriate
Family Doctors vs. Panel Physicians: What's the Difference?
If you’re a newcomer to Ontario, Canada, it is important to understand that a family doctor and an IRCC panel serve different roles.
A family doctor will provide ongoing primary healthcare, including annual checkups, preventive care, chronic disease management, vaccinations and referrals to specialists when required.
An IRCC panel physician is authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform immigration medical examinations. Their role is to conduct and complete the required assessment and to submit the results directly to IRCC. They do not provide ongoing primary care once the immigration medical exam is finished.
Building Your Healthcare Network
Securing a family physician can take time, but you don't have to wait if you need healthcare. Utilize a combination of resources while searching for a permanent solution:
- Register with Health Care Connect.
- Contact a local Community Health Centre.
- Use walk-in clinics when needed.
- Take advantage of virtual care for appropriate concerns.
- Visit emergency departments only for true medical emergencies.
By using these services together, you will help ensure you continue to receive medical care while you wait to be matched with a local family physician.
