Yes. Calling a clinic near you is one of the simplest ways to look for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Ask if the clinic is accepting new patients. If it is, ask which clinicians have space, then decide whether you would like to join.
What to say
You can keep it short: "Hello, I'm looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Is your clinic accepting new patients?"
If the answer is yes, ask which clinicians are available. Many clinics will also offer a "meet and greet" visit. This is a short first appointment where you and the clinician get to know each other and decide if it is a good fit.
What to have ready
- Your Ontario health card (OHIP). Clinics usually need a valid card to take you on as a patient.
- Anything that matters to you in a clinician, such as gender or languages spoken.
Questions you might want to ask
- Does the clinician have experience with people like you, such as young families, or older adults with several health conditions?
- Is the clinic part of a team with other professionals, such as a dietitian, physiotherapist, or pharmacist?
- What are the clinic's rules for virtual visits by phone, video, or messaging?
- What are the clinic's regular hours? Does it offer evening, weekend, or after-hours appointments for its patients?
- Does the clinic charge a block fee?
That is a lot to ask one busy receptionist. If you get a meet and greet, you can ask many of these questions then.
A note on block fees
Some clinics offer a block fee. This is an optional yearly fee that may cover extras like sick notes or massage prescriptions without separate charges. You should never be forced or pressured to pay it. Under the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) rules, a clinic must not:
- Require you to pay a block fee before you can get care
- Give you preferred treatment because you paid
- Refuse to take you on as a new patient because you said no
The clinic must offer a block fee in writing, say that it is optional, and give you the option of paying for each service one at a time. You can also change your mind within a week and get a refund. If you are unsure, ask the clinic to explain, and read the CPSO policy on block fees.
Be kind to the front desk
Searching for a doctor is frustrating, but being rude will not help you. Front-desk staff are under a lot of strain, like the rest of the primary care system, and they are doing their best.
If you're tired of calling
Use DocMaps or iamsick.ca to find clinics that say they are taking patients. You will still need to confirm with the clinic. You can also join Health Care Connect or your local Ontario Health Team's waitlist.