FAMILY HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Why do I need a family physician?
In Canada, your family doctor is your main entry point to the healthcare system. Family doctors have expert knowledge of the wide range of common problems experienced by patients. They recognize and consider personal and professional stress that may affect you. They know that providing you with the best care requires us to diagnose and treat your condition and understand who you are and how your illness affects you. They want to help work with you to prevent chronic illness and support a healthy, functional and fulfilling lifestyle. They work with other specialist physicians and allied health professionals such as nurses, social workers, dieticians, pharmacists and therapists to provide the best healthcare services.
How can I get a family physician?
If you do not have a family physician, you can find one through Ontario's Online Portal or by searching the CPSO database. Please note we are not accepting patients at this time and our current waitlist is over 3500 patients. Please contact your local MPP and ask why it is so difficult to obtain a family doctor.
Why is it so hard to get a family doctor in Ontario?
Access to family doctors in Ontario is a growing crisis, with an estimated 4 in 10 Ontarians’ lacking access to appropriate care. This shortage is driven by a continuous lack of government focus, underpayment, rising overhead costs, and a wave of retiring physicians with over 30% of current family doctors expected to retire in the next 5 years. Family doctors have faced stagnant compensation despite growing patient needs, while overhead expenses have increased dramatically taking up to 40% of their earnings. In a Family Health Organization model, a regular visit to your family doctor pays $7.80 during business hours and $19.50 after 5 pm. This is prior to paying for overhead including rent, staff, equipment and the growing cost of maintaining your medical record. Fewer new doctors are entering family practice, favoring roles with better pay, appreciation and work-life balance. These challenges are leaving millions without critical physician lead primary care.
I have a family physician, but I’m interested in being seen at Unify Health
Patients may wish to switch or transfer to a new family physician for various reasons. It is in the interest of everyone involved that the patient/doctor relationship be positive. If patients are unhappy with their current family physician, they are encouraged to speak with their family doctor directly about any concerns. There is currently an extensive waitlist for family physicians at our clinic. However, if you want to be seen by one of our specialists, please see your family physician to discuss and if deemed appropriate, obtain a referral.
Can my wife and kids have the same family physician as me?
Of course! There are some significant advantages to having the entire family be cared for by the same family physician. The doctor would still treat everyone confidentially as required but would understand the many interconnected social and emotional aspects affecting your family’s wellness. Speak to your family physician and you can ask if they can accept to have your family members enrolled as patients. Most family doctors have full practices and are not accepting patients at this time.
I have a medical issue, and it's urgent but not an emergency. Can I be seen?
Please call 911 or go to your local emergency department for any emergency. For urgent issues, we run a same-day appointment-based walk-in service for patients who are registered with our family practice. Examples of issues commonly seen are urinary infections, sore throats, joint pain, rashes and small cuts requiring stitches. Click the “Make an Appointment” button below to make an appointment to be seen.