Every year, millions of Quebecers ask themselves the same question when faced with a worrying symptom: do I go to the emergency room, or do I call a clinic? The answer isn't always obvious - and a wrong decision either way can have far-reaching consequences.
Going to the emergency room for a non-urgent problem means facing a median wait of 5 hours 23 minutes in Quebec emergency rooms - the worst in Canada, according to the Montreal Economic Institute. It also means mobilizing resources needed by critically ill patients. In 2024-2025, 41 % of emergency room visits in Quebec were for cases that could have been managed in a clinic or by teleconsultation.
Conversely, downplaying a serious symptom and waiting for a clinic appointment when an emergency arises can cost precious hours - sometimes more.
This practical guide gives you a clear decision chart, a list of what Clinique Omicron can treat in less than 24 hours, and the signs that absolutely require an emergency or 911.
Decision chart - what to do about symptoms
The following table is a general orientation tool. If in doubt, call 811 - the 24-hour nurses can help you assess your situation.
| Symptom or situation | Emergency (911 or ward) | Clinic / Teleconsultation | Family doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest pain, pressure in the chest | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Severe difficulty breathing | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Signs of stroke (slumped face, weak arm, slurred speech) | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Loss of consciousness | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Uncontrollable heavy bleeding | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Severe trauma, open fracture | ✅ Emergency | — | — |
| Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Convulsions | ✅ 911 immediately | — | — |
| Mild chest pain, palpitations without distress | ✅ Emergency | Possible depending on assessment | — |
| Simple fracture possible (pain, swelling) | ✅ Emergency (radio) | — | — |
| Very high fever with nuchal rigidity | ✅ Emergency | — | — |
| Urinary tract infection | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Respiratory infections, colds, flu | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Otitis, sinusitis | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Conjunctivitis | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Prescription renewal | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Medical certificate | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Muscle pain, mild sprain | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Non-urgent dermatological problems | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Anxiety, stress, non-urgent mental health | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Chronic disease monitoring (diabetes, hypertension) | — | ✅ Clinical | ✅ |
| ADHD assessment | — | ✅ Clinical | ✅ |
| Nausea, vomiting without severe dehydration | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Non-emergency recurring headaches | — | ✅ Clinic / Teleconsultation | ✅ |
| Minor skin injury, superficial wound | — | ✅ Clinical | ✅ |
| Preventive consultation, health check-up | — | ✅ Clinical | ✅ |
What Clinique Omicron can treat in less than 24 hours
The vast majority of the reasons that drive Quebecers to the emergency room can be quickly managed in a clinic - in person in Brossard or Saint-Hubert, or by teleconsultation anywhere in Quebec. Here are the conditions and situations our doctors commonly treat with 24-hour availability:
Infections and acute illnesses Urinary tract infections, upper and lower respiratory infections, otitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, mild to moderate skin infections, gastroenteritis.
Prescription renewals and adjustments Urgent renewals for chronic medications (antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antidepressants, contraceptives, etc.), dosage adjustments, new prescriptions.
Non-emergency pain Muscle pain, mild sprains, backache, recurrent headaches, joint pain, mild to moderate abdominal pain.
Mental health Anxiety, situational stress, insomnia, mild to moderate depression, initial consultation, referral to appropriate resources.
ADHD assessment and follow-up Initial assessment for adults and children, medication renewal and adjustment, treatment follow-up.
Documents and medical certificates Medical tickets for employer or school, sports fitness certificates, insurance certificates, third-party forms.
Preventive care and check-ups Complete health check-up, chronic disease screening, cardiovascular risk factor assessment, vaccination.
Common dermatology Eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections, warts, cysts, skin lesions to be assessed.
Home Care For patients unable to travel, Clinique Omicron offers home nursing care. See our website for availability details.
Aesthetic medicine Botox, fillers, skin treatments, aesthetic consultations - by appointment with availability within 48 to 72 hours, depending on service.
What absolutely requires urgency
Some situations leave no room for hesitation. If you or someone you know shows any of the following signs, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room without delay.
Signs of stroke - memorize FAST : Face slumped to one side, Inability to raise both arms, Sudden loss of speech or comprehension, Time to call 911. Every minute counts - an untreated stroke destroys millions of neurons every hour.
Infarction and cardiac emergencies: Pain or pressure in the chest lasting more than a few minutes, pain radiating to the left arm, jaw or back, cold sweat, sudden nausea accompanied by chest pain, palpitations with loss of consciousness or shock.
Severe respiratory distress : Difficulty breathing at rest, bluish lips or fingernails, inability to complete a sentence, intense wheezing.
Major trauma : Fall from height, road accident, blow to the head with loss of consciousness or confusion, open fracture, deep wound with uncontrollable heavy bleeding.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) : Rapid swelling of the face, throat or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing following a sting, food or medication - use an EpiPen if available and call 911.
Other absolute emergencies : New or prolonged convulsions, unexplained loss of consciousness, suicidal ideation with plan or intention, severe intoxication (medication, alcohol, drugs), very high fever with stiff neck and sensitivity to light (possible meningitis).
A simple rule to remember: if you're wondering if it's an emergency and you're not sure whether to call 911 or wait, call 911. Paramedics prefer to intervene for nothing rather than too late.
The alternative to the emergency room for overnight or weekend care
One of the most common problems in Quebec is that a non-urgent health problem arises in the evening, at night or on weekends - when most clinics are closed. Faced with this void, many Quebecers end up in the emergency department by default, for want of a known alternative.
Clinique Omicron offers a concrete solution to this problem.
Teleconsultation 7 days a week
Our teleconsultation service is available evenings and weekends throughout Quebec. From your home, cottage or anywhere in the province, you can consult a licensed physician via videoconference for non-urgent situations that can't wait until Monday morning. Infections, aches and pains, prescription refills, dermatological problems, mental health, medical tickets - all can be assessed and treated remotely, in a matter of tens of minutes.
The consultation is conducted in French. Prescriptions are sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice. Documents are sent by e-mail. No travel required.
Home nursing care
For patients who can't get around - the elderly, convalescents, patients with reduced mobility, young children - Clinique Omicron offers home nursing care on Montreal's South Shore. See our website for details and availability in your area.
Make an appointment before the situation worsens
The most important message of this article is this: don't go to the emergency room by default. If your situation isn't a real emergency - and in 41 % of cases in Quebec, it isn't - there are faster, less stressful and equally effective options. Clinique Omicron is one such option, available face-to-face in Brossard and Saint-Hubert, and by teleconsultation throughout Quebec.
Book online at cliniqueomicron.ca - availability displayed in real time, no prior registration required.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my symptom requires an emergency room or a clinic?
The general rule: if your symptom is potentially life-threatening or causes severe and rapid physical distress, go to the emergency room or call 911. If the problem is uncomfortable but stable - infection, moderate pain, prescription refill, skin problem - a clinic or teleconsultation is the right option. If in doubt, call 811 24 hours a day.
Can Clinique Omicron treat my child?
Yes, our doctors see patients of all ages, including children, both face-to-face and via teleconsultation. For infants under 3 months with fever, consult a doctor immediately or go to the pediatric emergency department.
What if I'm not sure what I've got?
Start by calling 811 if you need a quick referral. Otherwise, make an appointment at Clinique Omicron - our doctors are trained to assess, diagnose and refer. If your situation is deemed urgent, you'll be referred immediately.
Is teleconsultation as effective as a face-to-face consultation?
For the vast majority of non-emergency situations, yes. Infections, renewals, dermatological problems, mental health, medical certificates and tickets can all be handled efficiently via videoconferencing. Some situations require a physical examination - in this case, your doctor will ask you to come to the clinic.
Can I consult Clinique Omicron if I don't have a family doctor?
Yes, no strings attached. Clinique Omicron accepts patients with or without a family doctor, without prior registration. Real-time availability on cliniqueomicron.ca.
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
Insurance receipts. 7j/7. No family doctor required.
