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Most Ontario residents have a family doctor. A family
doctor is usually the first medical professional you see
if you are ill or require medical help or advice. A family
doctor will refer you to a specialist if you require more
specific expertise. To see a family doctor, you usually
have to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
In some parts of Ontario, finding a family doctor who
is taking new patients may be difficult. Start looking
for a family doctor as soon as you arrive. You can use
the Doctor Search service by calling 1-800-268-7096
ext. 626, look in the Yellow Pages of the phone book
under “Physicians”, or search for doctors at
www.
cpso.on.ca/docsearch/
. You can also ask your friends
and relatives if their family doctors are accepting new
patients.
Ontario Day to Day
Workbook 2010
22
LOOKING FOR A FAMILY DOCTOR
1. Go to this website: www.ontario.ca
2. Scroll down the page and click “ServiceOntario Locations” under “Contacts”
3. Click on “ServiceOntario Centres”
4. Select the city where you live or one that is nearest to you and click “go”
5. Write down the address and phone number of your nearest ServiceOntario Centre
below:
Find your nearest ServiceOntario Centre.
If you do not have a family doctor or your family doctor
is not available, and you require medical attention, you
can go to a walk-in clinic. These clinics have doctors
and nurses who provide medical care. You do not need
to make an appointment, but you might have to wait
for a long time to see a doctor. To find a walk-in clinic in
your area, look in the Yellow Pages of your local phone
book under “Clinics-Medical”.
WALK-IN CLINICS
For serious medical emergencies, call 911 for an
ambulance. If you are able, you can also go to the
Emergency Room of the nearest hospital. Emergency
Rooms are usually open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The
emergency room is often very busy. Depending on the
urgency of your health problem and the the number of
others waiting, you may be seen right away or have to
wait for several hours.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
If you are ill and are not sure whether you need to see
a doctor or go to an emergency room, call Telehealth
Ontario toll-free at 1-866-797-0000. You can speak to
a registered nurse and get advice about your health
concern. Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential
service, available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Important: Always carry your OHIP card
with you. Each time you see your family
doctor, go to a walk-in clinic or visit an
emergency room you will need to show
your OHIP card.
TELEHEALTH ONTARIO
ServiceOntario provides access to Ontario government information and services online, in person, and by phone.
ServiceOntario centres are located in 70 communities across the province and offer assistance in person. They of-
fer services ranging from birth and marriage certificates to registering a business. ServiceOntario can also help you
find the nearest OHIP office, driver and vehicle license offices, and other services.
For more information, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 or visit
www.ontario.ca
SERVICE ONTARIO
EXERCISE