Family Doctor ???

[kprs_ind]

My OHIP coverage has started last week and I have also received the card. I heard that we have to register with a Clinic and the doctor from that clinic will forward us to the respective medical doctors. Is it the case?
If yes, how do I register and suggest a good doctor. I am in Toronto.
Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

It's actually quite difficult to find ANY family doctor in the GTA who is still accepting new patients. There aren't enough family doctors in this area. One way to find a doctor is through a friend. Another way is to register with OHIP here:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/healthcareconnect/public/

It took my husband a few years to find a family doctor after he first arrived. He used clinics in the meantime.

 

[kprs_ind]

It's actually quite difficult to find ANY family doctor in the GTA who is still accepting new patients. There aren't enough family doctors in this area. One way to find a doctor is through a friend. Another way is to register with OHIP here:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/healthcareconnect/public/

It took my husband a few years to find a family doctor after he first arrived. He used clinics in the meantime.

Thanks Scylla!
So does it mean that we should definitely have a family doctor in Ontario? And do we also have to register for walk-in clinics?

 

[Rob_TO]

You should try and get a family doctor, because it's good to establish a relationship with a doctor that knows your health history and will be better able to recognize changes from year to year that could signify serious medical conditions. If you just go to walk-in clinics, you usually get a new doctor every time that has no idea who you are. You don't need to register for walk-in clinics, you just need to "walk in" as they advertise. Some walk-in clinic doctors will also allow you to register them as your family doctor but usually you can't make appointments with them and often have to wait hours to see them if there's a big lineup ahead of you.

I know in my area (near Yonge and Sheppard) there are several health clinics in the area advertising they are accepting new patients for family doctors. And through the OHIP site posted above they can also look for family doctors you could register with in your area.

 

[amfah12]

Is it compulsory that whole family should have same family doctor or can I have different & rest of my a different family doctor?

 

[steaky]

Is it compulsory that whole family should have same family doctor or can I have different & rest of my a different family doctor?

No, it's certainly not compulsory.

How can it be compulsory if it is quite difficult to find any family doctor in the GTA who is still accepting new patients?

 

[lindacolbert]

It is not compulsory that you and your family have same doctor.