More than 1.8 million Quebecers do not have a family doctor assigned to them, according to the latest data from the RAMQ. Waiting lists are growing, the delays for a first consultation are lengthening, and the problem is not new.
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for any health concerns.
Several factors explain the situation. The Quebec population is aging, and its healthcare needs are increasing. A good proportion of doctors are nearing retirement. Training new general practitioners takes time, and medical school spots remain limited. The administrative burden doesn't help either, with many doctors spending a significant portion of their time on paperwork rather than with patients.
The Family Doctor Access Desk (GAMF)
If you do not have a family doctor, the first step is to register with the Family Doctor Access Point, managed by Santé Québec. The platform centralizes requests from patients without a doctor and matches them with doctors who have availability in their region.
Registration is done on the Santé Québec website or by phone. You will need your health insurance number. It's free.
Timelines vary depending on region, age group, and risk factors. In some urban areas, waitlists are very long. Individuals with complex or chronic health conditions are generally prioritized.
Not having a family doctor doesn't mean you won't receive care. Several resources are available.
Family Medicine Groups (FMGs) bring together doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and social workers. They reserve time slots for patients without doctors in their area. For occasional needs, such as an infection, minor injury, or prescription renewal, walk-in clinics offer quick access without requiring long-term follow-up.
Telemedicine allows you to see a doctor online, from home, for common issues: infections, skin problems, prescriptions, medical certificates, and some mental health concerns. It doesn't replace a complete follow-up, but when you don't have a designated doctor, it's often the quickest solution.
Registered nurses (RNs) in primary care can also diagnose and treat certain conditions, prescribe medications and tests, and provide follow-up care comparable to that of a family doctor for several common situations.
In case of emergency
For immediate care, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or stroke symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room. For less urgent situations that cannot wait, call 811 (Info-Santé) to speak with a nurse, 24 hours a day.
Keep a medical history even without a family doctor
When you consult in different places due to a lack of a dedicated doctor, it's worth keeping a personal history: consultations, medications, allergies, exam results. Each new doctor you see will ask you the same questions; having everything noted down somewhere saves you time and reduces the risk of forgetting something important.
Our service points in Quebec offer medical consultations for patients with or without a family doctor — for one-time issues, health checks, prescription renewals, and teleconsultations. Services covered by the RAMQ and private services are available.
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.
