Waiting 18 months to see a dermatologist. Two years for a rheumatologist. Several months for a diagnostic endoscopy. These wait times, which are well documented in Quebec’s healthcare system, have real consequences for the health of patients who are waiting: conditions that worsen, diagnoses made too late, and anxiety caused by 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 exorbitant fees or giving up public coverage entirely.
Why are the wait times so long in Quebec
Quebec has some of the longest wait times for specialists in Canada. There are multiple causes: a shortage of medical specialists in several fields, a concentration of resources in urban centers, an aging population that increases demand, and a system structure that channels referrals to hospital waiting lists without an effective triage system.
For a patient waiting for a dermatology appointment due to a suspicious lesion or a gastroenterology appointment due to chronic symptoms, these delays mean months of medical uncertainty and, in some cases, a worsening of the condition without treatment.
The RAMQ and private hybrid model
Hybrid medical clinics combine access to care covered by the RAMQ with private services that offer significantly shorter wait times. Under this model, primary care visits, tests, and some follow-up care are covered by RAMQ, while certain specialist visits or value-added services may involve private fees.
For the patient, this means the opportunity to receive a comprehensive medical consultation within a few days rather than several weeks, a thorough health evaluation with prompt interpretation of the results, and, in some cases, expedited referrals to specialists who also practice privately.
The fields 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 care is a realistic option for those who can afford it. Private endoscopy clinics, for example, allow patients to schedule a colonoscopy or gastroscopy within a few weeks rather than several months.
For people with supplemental insurance, some or all of these costs may be reimbursed depending on the terms of the insurance policy. It’s a good idea to check your insurance coverage before making an appointment at a private clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Access to Specialists
Can one consult a specialist privately without a medical referral?
For some specialties, yes. Dermatology, ophthalmology, and some cosmetic medicine clinics accept patients without a referral. For other specialties, a referral from a doctor or a healthcare professional is generally required, even at private clinics.
Are the results of a private consultation shared with the family doctor?
With the patient’s consent, yes. Effective communication among 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 be forwarded to the patient’s primary care physician.
Can public-sector waiting lists be shortened if people seek private care first?
Not directly. However, getting an assessment and evaluation at a private clinic can allow you to arrive at a public specialist appointment with a more complete medical record, which can speed up the clinical decision-making process and reduce the number of visits needed.
When to consult a healthcare professional
If you have been waiting a long time for a referral to a specialist, if your condition worsens while you wait, or if you would like to explore available options for expedited care, a medical consultation at a hybrid clinic is recommended.
A doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner can assess your situation, initiate the appropriate evaluation, and help you access specialists as needed. An in-person or teleconsultation at one of the service locations of Omicron Clinic in Quebec allows you to access it quickly.
Medical consultation | Clinique Omicron
Omicron Clinic
Need to consult a doctor?
In-person or via telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
We accept insurance. Telemedicine consultations available 7 days a week. No family doctor required.
