How Do I Find A Doctor?

Finding a doctor seems easy, but there aren’t enough doctors in many areas of Ontario. It may take you some time to find a doctor. It’s important to find one that you feel comfortable with.

How Do I Find A Doctor? 

You can choose to see your family doctor. Some people are uncomfortable with that, and many people do not have a family doctor. If this is true for you, you need to find a new doctor. You can do this by:

  • Asking your friends if they have a doctor they like, and if they are accepting new patients
  • Registering with Health Care Connect. This program will refer you to a doctor in your area, but you need to have the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to use this service.
  • Searching for a doctor in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario database.
  • Search "doctor" in the Yellow Pages for a doctor.
  • Checking a hospital near you. From the Ontario Hospital Association.
  • Asking your settlement worker. Find out more about settlement services.  

What Should I Think About When I Choose A Doctor?  

  • Is the doctor accepting new patients?
  • Can I make appointments at convenient times?
  • Do I want a male or female doctor?
  • Do I feel comfortable with the doctor?
  • Does the doctor explain my options clearly?

What if I don’t have OHIP?

If you don’t have OHIP (The Ontario Health Insurance Plan), you can go to a Community Health Centre (CHC). Community Health Centres are non-profit organizations with doctors, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists.