Quick access to a specialist: the solution of hybrid private clinics

Waiting 18 months to see a dermatologist. Two years for a rheumatologist. Several months for a diagnostic gastroscopy. These delays, well-documented in the Quebec healthcare system, have real consequences on the health of patients who are waiting: worsening conditions, diagnoses made too late, anxiety in the face of uncertainty. The problem is systemic and has no simple short-term solution.

What many Quebecers don't know is that there are ways to speed up access to a specialist without necessarily paying prohibitive amounts or completely giving up public coverage.

Why are the wait times so long in Quebec

Quebec has some of the longest specialist wait times in Canada. The causes are multiple: a shortage of specialist physicians in several disciplines, a concentration of resources in urban centers, an aging population that increases demand, and a system organization that funnels referrals to hospital waitlists without effective triage options.

For a patient waiting for a dermatology consultation for a suspicious lesion or a gastroenterology consultation for chronic symptoms, these delays represent months of medical uncertainty and sometimes a progression of the condition without treatment.

The RAMQ and private hybrid model

Hybrid medical clinics combine access to care covered by the RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance Board) with private services available on significantly shorter wait times. In this model, first-line consultations, lab tests, and some follow-ups are covered by the RAMQ, while certain specialized consultations or value-added services may involve private fees.

For the patient, this means the ability to get a full medical consultation in a few days rather than several weeks, a thorough health assessment with rapid interpretation of results, and in some cases, an accelerated referral to specialists who also practice privately.

The disciplines where private access makes the biggest difference

Dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, and psychiatry are among the specialties with the longest public wait times, where private access represents a realistic option for those who can afford it. Private endoscopy clinics, for example, allow for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy to be performed within weeks rather than several months.

For individuals with supplementary insurance, a portion or all of these costs may be reimbursed according to the terms of the insurance policy. Checking your insurance coverage before booking an appointment at a private clinic is a useful step.

Frequently Asked Questions about Access to Specialists

Can one consult a specialist privately without a medical referral?
Yes, for some specialties. Dermatology, ophthalmology, and some aesthetic medicine clinics accept patients without a referral. For other specialties, a referral from a physician or an NP is generally required, even in private clinics.

Are the results of a private consultation shared with the family doctor?
With the patient's consent, yes. Good communication between healthcare professionals, whether they work in the public or private sector, is in the patient's best interest. It is recommended to request a consultation report to forward to the primary care physician.

Can public sector waiting lists be shortened by consulting privately first?
Not directly. However, getting a report and evaluation at a private clinic can help you arrive at a public specialized consultation with a more complete file, which can speed up clinical decision-making and reduce the number of visits needed.

When to consult a healthcare professional

If you've been waiting a long time for a specialist referral, if your condition is worsening while you wait, or if you want to explore rapid access options, a hybrid clinic medical consultation is recommended.

A doctor or a nurse practitioner specializing in your condition can assess your situation, initiate the appropriate assessment, and facilitate access to specialists based on your needs. An in-person or virtual consultation teleconsultation at one of our Omicron Clinic in Quebec gives you quick access.

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