Do you have to pay to see a specialist in Canada?

If you do not qualify for provincial healthcare in Canada and do not have another form of insurance, you must pay the going rate costs for all treatments and appointments. This can be extremely expensive, so it is important that you have adequate insurance.

Do you need a referral to see a specialist in Canada?

In Ontario, the province’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care doesn’t place a limit on the number of second opinions patients can seek for a medical condition. But patients must first get a referral from their family physician or a specialist they have seen in the past year.

Can you go to a specialist directly?

Nowadays, many people go directly to specialists, without a referral from another physician. It may not be unusual for someone to see a cardiologist if they are worried about a heart symptom, for example, or to go to the neurologist that helped a friend tackle migraines.

What if my GP won’t refer me?

If a GP is unsure about a diagnosis, they could be found negligent if they failed to refer you to a specialist and you suffered as a result of this. If you have not been referred for a second opinion and have suffered as a consequence, you may wish to complain.

What to do when your doctor will not give you a referral?

When a patient refuses to be referred to another physician, the attending physician should find out why and attempt to correct any problem. If the patient is opposed to the specific physician recommended, another physician should be sought.

Do all specialists require referrals?

In order to see a specialist, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician, except in an emergency. Without a referral, your insurance won’t cover the cost of your care.

Can I get a referral over the phone?

For those on the type of insurance plan that requires a doctor referral for a specialist, you’ll need to go see your primary care physician first. In some cases, your physician may provide a referral based on a phone call, but many providers will require that you come into the office for a consultation first.

How do physicians in Canada accept new patients?

As with all physicians, specialists’ acceptance of new patients is guided by ethical responsibilities, as outlined in the Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics and Professionalism 1, and by professional responsibilities, as stated in the policies of the provincial and territorial medical regulatory authorities (Colleges).

Can a family doctor refer you to a medical specialist?

The family doctor will assess your health and refer you to a medical specialist if necessary. If you do not have a family doctor, you can Find a Resource Offering Medical Consultation On The Same or Next Day. You can also register with the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF). Urgent Consultation with a Medical Specialist

Why choose the Specialist Referral Clinic?

The highly trained team at SRC takes great care to ensure you are seeing the RIGHT SPECIALIST for the RIGHT PROBLEM. With over 40 specialists, and years of experience within the support team , the Specialist Referral Clinic is one of Canada’s premiere private health facilities. Click to view our Specialists

Can I request an appointment with a different specialist?

The CRDS will cover requests for appointments with other specialists in the coming months. If the family doctor refers you to a specialist who is not on the list of specialists covered by the CRDS, you will have to make your appointment yourself. The family doctor will give you a prescription for this.