Family Doctors in Ontario

Family doctors in Ontario act as primary care providers who manage your overall health. They see patients for both routine checkups and ongoing medical concerns. Family doctors provide continuity of care by building a long-term relationship with you, monitoring changes over time, and coordinating treatment when other specialists are involved. Family doctors also take responsibility for long-term health management and chronic conditions.

There are two types of family doctor practices, traditional family doctors and family health teams.

Family Doctor Practices

Traditional family doctor practices operate under a fee-for-service model, meaning doctors are paid for each visit. This structure can lead to fully booked schedules, as physicians often see as many patients as possible. These practices give you the advantage of consistency, since you generally see the same physician each visit. However, the demand for appointments can make it difficult to secure timely access when you need care.

Family Health Teams

Family Health Teams are collaborative practices funded by the government to provide care for a roster of patients. These teams are made up of family physicians working alongside nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians, and other allied health professionals. The team model ensures availability of care within the group and discourages the use of walk-in clinics, since funding is tied to providing comprehensive care internally. For you as a patient, the main difference is that you may see different professionals within the team depending on your needs, but your care remains coordinated.

How To Find a Good Family Doctor

Finding a family doctor in Ontario can be challenging because many practices fill up quickly. The process depends on availability, since some doctors choose to roster new patients while others do not. A good family doctor will be someone you can see regularly, who understands your medical history, and who is available when you need care.

Looking for a Family Doctor

1. Check local listings, signs, or online directories like the Ontario Medical Association or regional resources to see which practices are accepting new patients.
2. Call the office directly and ask if they are currently rostering family medicine patients.
3. Ask friends, family, or community members for recommendations, since word of mouth can help identify reliable practices.
4. Consider if you prefer a solo practice or a Family Health Team, as this may affect how care is delivered.
5. Be prepared for limited openings, as spots for new patients can sometimes fill in minutes.

Signing Up with a Family Doctor

1. Call the clinic and state that you are looking to sign up with a family doctor.
2. Book an intake appointment, where the doctor may review your medical history and current needs.
3. Attend the appointment so the physician can decide if they will accept you as a patient.
4. If accepted, complete the necessary paperwork to become rostered under that doctor or Family Health Team.
5. Once registered, use the practice for regular care, follow-ups, and referrals when needed.

Family Doctor Directories You Can Use for Your Search

Finding a family doctor in Ontario is easier when you know where to search. Several official and regional directories provide up-to-date information about doctors, their locations, and whether they are accepting new patients. Below are key resources you can use:

Ontario and Canada Directories

• Health Care Connect – Ontario.ca –A provincial program that matches people without a family doctor or nurse practitioner to providers who are accepting new patients.
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) Doctor Search – The regulatory body’s official directory, allowing you to search for physicians by name, specialty, or location and check if they are taking new patients.
• College of Family Physicians of Canada – Member Directory – A national directory that lists certified family physicians, with filters for province and practice information.
• Ontario Health Services Directory – A government resource that lists clinics, hospitals, doctors, and community health programs across the province.

Toronto and GTA Directories

• Toronto Central Health Line — Family and General Practitioners – A Toronto-specific directory with listings of family doctors and general practitioners across the central city.
• Humber River Hospital – Family Doctors Accepting New Patients (North York / Downsview) – A hospital-published list of family doctors in the North York and Downsview areas who are accepting new patients.

• Halton Physicians Accepting New Patients – A list of family doctors in Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville who are currently accepting new patients.

London Area Directories

• London & District Academy of Medicine – Find a Doctor – A regional directory specifically for the London area, showing family doctors currently accepting patients.

Is It Possible to Switch Family Doctors? – Yes

Switching family doctors in Ontario is possible, though it involves a formal process. The Ministry of Health oversees the switch, and paperwork is submitted by your new doctor to complete the transfer. As a patient, you have the right to choose another provider if you are not satisfied with your current care. The challenge lies in finding a new doctor, since openings are limited and many practices are full. Because of this, some people stay with their current doctor even when they would prefer to change.

Alternatives If You Can’t Find a Family Doctor

If you cannot find a family doctor, there are still other ways to get medical care. Walk-in clinics are the most common option, offering treatment for non-emergency issues, prescription refills, and routine checks. Pharmacists in Ontario can now diagnose and prescribe for about 14 minor conditions, including pink eye and urinary tract infections. Specialists can manage chronic conditions if you receive a referral from a walk-in or emergency physician. In urgent cases, emergency rooms remain open at all times. These alternatives can help bridge the gap until you secure a family doctor.

Book a Same-Day Walk-in Appointment at Infinity Health

At Infinity Health, we understand how stressful it can feel when you need care but don’t have a family doctor available. That’s why our walk-in clinics in Toronto and Oakville offer same-day appointments for non-emergency medical issues. We provide timely access to doctors who can help with minor illnesses, medication refills, and routine health concerns.

We encourage you to book a same-day walk-in appointment with us if you need medical help. Our clinics are designed to give you quick, reliable care when you need it most, without the long waits of emergency rooms. Whether you’re dealing with a new problem or need follow-up support, we are here to help. Book today and let us take care of you.

Infinity Health Locations

Toronto: 39 Lower Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6

Oakville (Bronte Village): 2441 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville, ON L6L 5V5

Book An Appointment Today