In Quebec, the public healthcare system is often presented as universal and free. In reality, access to a doctor remains one of the challenges most frequently cited by the population. Over a million Quebecers are without a family doctor. Emergency room wait times regularly exceed eight to twelve hours for non-urgent problems. Waiting times for a specialist can stretch into months, sometimes years.
In this context, private medical clinics are playing a growing role in access to care. And yet, many Quebecers don't know exactly what a private clinic is, what it can legally offer, what is covered by the RAMQ and what isn't - or what their rights are as patients.
This article answers all these questions clearly, objectively and concretely. Whether you're looking for a doctor, considering a private consultation for the first time, or simply want to understand the system, you'll find all the information you need here.
Private clinic vs. RAMQ - what's the difference?
Confusion between «private clinic» and «public clinic» is common, and understandable. In Quebec, almost all doctors practice in private establishments - but most are financed by the RAMQ for covered procedures. So the distinction is not as simple as it seems.
Here's how a private medical clinic differs from a public institution:
| Criteria | Public network (CLSC, hospital) | Private clinic (e.g. Clinique Omicron) |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment lead time | Several weeks to months | 24 to 72 hours in general |
| Access without a family doctor | Limited, waiting list | Yes, without prior registration |
| Services covered RAMQ | The majority | Some yes, some no |
| Services not covered | Few or none | Numerous (aesthetic, specialized, etc.) |
| Time slots | Mainly office hours | Evenings, weekends, depending on clinic |
| Telemedicine | Very limited | Available throughout Quebec |
| Continuity of care | Varies according to registration | Possible depending on clinic |
| Cost per covered procedure | Free (RAMQ) | Free if RAMQ participating physician |
| Cost of procedures not covered | Not available | Posted fee, charged to patient |
The key distinction to remember: a private clinic is not necessarily synonymous with paid care. If the doctor who sees you is registered with the RAMQ as a participating physician, covered procedures will be billed to the RAMQ - exactly as in a CLSC. This is the case for the vast majority of general medical consultations, prescription renewals and basic check-ups.
What changes is access: private clinics generally offer shorter waiting times, more flexible hours, a wider range of services, and a more personalized patient experience.
What the law says about private clinics in Quebec
Private medical clinics in Quebec are not in a legal vacuum. They are governed by a set of laws and regulations that protect both patients and the integrity of the healthcare system.
The Act respecting health services and social services (LSSSS) constitutes the basic legislative framework. It defines the fundamental rights of patients, the obligations of healthcare providers, rules for access to medical records and complaint mechanisms. All clinics - public and private - must comply.
The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) provides a framework for medical practice, wherever it takes place. A physician in private practice is subject to the same ethical rules, continuing education obligations and disciplinary mechanisms as a hospital doctor. The CMQ carries out regular professional inspections and can sanction any doctor whose practice fails to meet the required standards.
Billing rules strictly regulate what a clinic can charge. Physicians participating in RAMQ cannot bill their patients for procedures covered by RAMQ - even if they practice in a private clinic. On the other hand, non-covered procedures can be billed directly, provided that the fees are clear and communicated before the consultation.
Private clinics can also be inspected by RAMQ. The aim is to ensure that billing is compliant, that billed procedures have been rendered, and that no fraudulent or abusive practices are taking place. Inspections may be triggered by a complaint or on a random basis.
Privacy legislation are fully applicable to private clinics. Bill 25 (An Act to modernize legislative provisions respecting the protection of personal information) imposes strict obligations on the collection, use, retention and destruction of patients' personal data. Your medical record is protected. No one can access it without your consent, except as provided by law.
To sum up: operating a private clinic does not mean operating without rules. The same protections that apply in the public network also apply in a private clinic - sometimes with additional requirements linked to data protection laws.
What services are covered by RAMQ in private clinics?
This is the question we receive most often. The short answer: it depends on the doctor and the type of procedure.
The procedures covered by the RAMQ are the same, regardless of where you go for treatment. - provided the physician is a RAMQ member. The list of covered procedures is defined in the RAMQ's Manuel des médecins omnipraticiens and in the Manuel des médecins spécialistes. It includes :
- General medical consultations (acute problems, chronic illnesses, follow-up)
- Prescription renewals
- Health check-ups
- Annual physical examinations
- Coverage of new medical conditions
- Numerous diagnostic procedures (ECG, spirometry, certain samples)
- Mental health consultations (under certain conditions)
Procedures not covered by RAMQ, which may be offered in private clinics and billed directly to the patient, include :
- Aesthetic medicine (Botox, fillers, skin treatments)
- Certain complete check-ups with specialized analyses
- Private ADHD evaluations (when outside the public network)
- Medical examinations for non-therapeutic purposes (immigration, aviation, driver's license, sports)
- Certain vaccines and medications not covered
- Home nursing care not included in the RAMQ basket
- Telecare in certain private settings
- Medical certificates for employers, insurance companies or third-party organizations
An important detail about receipts. For procedures not covered by RAMQ, you will receive an official receipt from the clinic. This receipt can often be submitted to your private insurance (group insurance, life insurance with complementary medical coverage) for partial or total reimbursement. In some cases, it can also be used for tax purposes. Always keep your medical receipts.
At Clinique Omicron, fees for all non-covered services are publicly posted on our website. You know exactly what you'll pay before you book an appointment.
Your rights as a private hospital patient
Consulting a private clinic in no way diminishes your rights as a patient. The Act respecting health services and social services guarantees the same basic protections, regardless of where you receive your care.
The right to information. You have the right to be informed about your state of health, the proposed treatments, their risks and alternatives, and the associated costs - before you consent to anything. A doctor cannot perform a procedure without your informed consent.
The right to confidentiality. Your medical file is strictly confidential. No one - not your employer, not your family, not your insurer - can obtain information about your state of health without your explicit authorization. The only exceptions are defined by law (life-threatening emergencies, mandatory reporting of infectious diseases).
The right to access your medical file. You can request a copy of your medical record at any time. The clinic must give you access within a reasonable time. A small administrative fee may apply for the reproduction of the file.
The right to lodge a complaint. If you're unhappy with your care or experience, there are a number of things you can do. First, contact the clinic directly - most situations are resolved at this level. If you are not satisfied with the internal approach, you can contact the Syndic's Office of the Collège des médecins du Québec for a complaint concerning a physician. For questions related to the clinic's services, the Patient Ombudsman can direct you to the appropriate resources.
The right to a fair cancellation policy. A private clinic may require reasonable notice of cancellation. However, this policy must be clearly communicated before the appointment is made. You cannot be charged a cancellation fee without prior notice.
The right to change doctors. You are free to consult the doctor of your choice. If you wish to change doctors within a clinic, or consult another clinic, you are free to do so. You are under no obligation of loyalty to a private clinic.
Why choose a private clinic over an emergency room?
This question deserves a straightforward answer, based on the realities of the current Quebec system.
Quebec's emergency departments are undersized to meet current demand. A significant proportion of ER visits concern problems that could be effectively treated in the clinic - minor infections, urgent prescription renewals, medical tickets, non-urgent pain, dermatological problems, anxiety disorders in mild crisis. According to Ministry of Health data, between 30 and 40 % of ER visits are classified as non-urgent or semi-urgent.
The real cost of an emergency visit is often underestimated. Even if the visit is technically «free» for you, the cost in time is considerable. An average wait of 4 to 10 hours for a non-urgent problem represents a day's lost work, a child's absence from school, and unnecessary stress. Not to mention exposure to other potentially contagious patients in a crowded waiting room.
A private clinic can treat most of the problems people bring to the ER, often in less than an hour and with an appointment booked within 24 to 72 hours. Urinary tract infections, ear infections, pharyngitis, sinusitis, minor injuries, musculoskeletal pain, non-urgent mental health problems, prescription refills - all these problems can be effectively managed in our clinic.
When should I go to the emergency room? Chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden paralysis, loss of consciousness, serious injury, uncontrollable heavy bleeding, signs of stroke (FAST: face slumped, arm weak, speech impaired, time to call 911). In these cases, the emergency room is the right destination - not the private clinic.
The private clinic also offers something that the ER cannot: continuity. By consulting the same clinic on a regular basis, you build up a coherent medical file, with doctors who know you, and a structured follow-up of your chronic conditions. For patients without a family doctor, this is often the first step towards long-term care.
Frequently asked questions about private medical clinics in Quebec
Can a private clinic refuse to treat me because I can't afford to pay?
For procedures covered by RAMQ, a clinic whose doctors are RAMQ participants cannot refuse you care for financial reasons - these procedures are billed directly to RAMQ, not to you. For procedures not covered by RAMQ, the clinic is free to require advance payment, but must inform you before the consultation. Nor can a private clinic refuse you emergency care for financial reasons if your life is in danger.
Can I have a family doctor in a private clinic?
Yes, some private clinics offer family medicine follow-up to their regular patients. This is not done by registering with the Guichet d'accès à la première ligne (GAP), but directly with the clinic. If you visit us regularly and your medical situation warrants it, we can discuss the follow-up options available.
Are drugs prescribed in private clinics covered by RAMQ?
Yes, RAMQ drug coverage (Régime général d'assurance médicaments) is independent of where you consulted your doctor. If a drug is on the RAMQ list of reimbursed drugs, it's covered whether your prescription comes from a hospital, CLSC or private clinic.
Can I use my private insurance in a private clinic?
In most cases, yes. Private insurance (group insurance, individual insurance) often covers some or all medical procedures not covered by RAMQ, as well as laboratory tests, consultations with paramedical specialists and certain medications. Ask for a detailed receipt from the clinic and submit it to your insurer according to the usual procedures.
How do I know if a doctor in a private clinic is licensed in Quebec?
You can check the status of any physician in Quebec on the Collège des médecins du Québec's public website at cmq.org, in the «Find a doctor» section. You'll find their license number, specialty, status (active, suspended, struck off), and any conditions on their license. This information is public and accessible to all.
Omicron Clinic
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