Yes, you can. Any walk-in clinic can do it. If you do have a family doctor, they may advise you to get the referral through them.
What a referral can be for
A referral doesn't have to be for a specialist. It can be for:
- A consultation with a specialist
- A treatment program
- Other services, such as home care for wounds
Some services don't need a referral
Some services can be booked without one. You can call ahead to check. You can also call 811, which may have information for you. See when to call Health811.
After the referral is sent
Ask who you are being referred to, and which clinic it is going to. Then you know who to follow up with, both at the clinic that sent the referral and at the clinic that received it.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) expects the clinician who receives a referral to respond to it within 14 days (about two weeks). This means they should tell the clinician who sent it whether they will accept it, and they may give an estimated appointment date. It doesn't mean you will be seen within two weeks. If you haven't heard anything after that, you can follow up.
What to bring
Bring your medications and a list of the conditions that matter for your care. The Personal Health Canvas can help you organize this information.
Does having a family doctor help?
Having a family doctor doesn't make a referral faster or slower. But it can be a way to manage your care more closely in the meantime.
If you are looking for one, our Find a Family Doctor page lists your options, and how to find a family doctor in Ontario explains them step by step. For medications, see how to get prescription refills without a family doctor.