More than 1.5 million Quebecers do not have a family doctor. This is a figure that regularly comes up in the news, but behind this statistic are real people who don't know who to turn to when something goes wrong, who postpone their preventive health check-ups, or who end up in emergency rooms for situations that could have been managed in primary care.
Not having a family doctor does not mean you don't have access to care. Options exist. They are less known than they should be.
First-line access points
The First Line Access Point, or GAP, is a mechanism put in place by the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services to guide people without a family doctor to available resources based on their needs. By contacting 811 (Info-Santé), Quebecers can be directed to the GAP in their territory, which can then refer them for a consultation with a doctor or an NP within a reasonable timeframe for non-urgent needs.
This mechanism is useful for common needs, but timelines and availability vary by region and the nature of the request. For those who want quick access or structured follow-up, other options are available.
Walk-in clinics and family medicine groups
Walk-in clinics offer consultations for non-urgent acute issues: infections, sprains, emergency prescription renewals, symptomatic assessments. They generally do not allow for longitudinal follow-up, but they are an accessible safety net for one-off situations.
Family medicine groups, or FMGs, are clinics that bring together family doctors and health professionals. Some FMGs accept patients without a designated doctor for occasional consultations or, in some cases, for more regular follow-up depending on doctor availability.
Private medical clinics and teleconsultation
Private medical clinics, particularly hybrid clinics that combine RAMQ access with private services, often offer significantly shorter waiting times than the public sector. For those who can afford to pay for certain uncovered services, access to a comprehensive health check-up, chronic disease management, or a consultation for a common issue can be obtained within days of making an appointment.
Teleconsultation significantly expands options for people without a family doctor. A video or phone consultation with a doctor or nurse practitioner allows for a medical assessment, a prescription, a treatment renewal, or a referral to a specialist, from anywhere in Quebec.
Pharmacies and other healthcare professionals
Since 2023, Quebec pharmacists can initiate certain treatments for common conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections, superficial skin infections, oral contraception, and certain respiratory infections, without a prior medical prescription. This expanded scope of practice makes pharmacies an accessible first point of contact for many common situations.
Nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers are other resources accessible without a family doctor for specific needs within their respective areas of expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accessing Care Without a Family Doctor
How to register for a family doctor's waiting list?
Registration is done through the Family Doctor Access Point (GAMF), accessible online on the MSSS website or via 811. Waiting times vary depending on the region and doctor availability.
Can you have a health checkup without a family doctor?
Yes. A private medical clinic or an NP can perform a complete health assessment without requiring a designated family doctor. The ordering of tests, their interpretation, and follow-up can be handled by the consulting professional.
Are preventive care services accessible without a family doctor?
Yes. Health check-ups, recommended screenings, vaccinations, and preventive consultations are all accessible through the options described in this article, without a family doctor being mandatory.
When to consult a healthcare professional
If you don't have a family doctor and have medical needs, whether for a preventive check-up, chronic condition management, or a consultation for symptoms, you have more options than you might think.
Clinique Omicron offers accessible medical and nursing consultations without a family doctor at its service points in Quebec and in teleconsultation anywhere in the province. To make an appointment, visit cliniqueomicron.ca.
Medical consultation | Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
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Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
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