Finding and booking a family doctor in Ontario should be simple — yet many patients feel confused about where to start, especially if it’s their first time registering with a clinic or using OHIP coverage.
Whether you prefer in-person visits or the convenience of online appointments, this guide will help you understand how to book a family doctor appointment in Ontario, what to prepare before your visit, and how Viva Health Centremakes the process quick and easy.
Why You Need a Family Doctor
Your family doctor is your first point of contact for almost all medical needs — from preventive checkups and immunizations to chronic condition management and mental health support. Having a dedicated doctor means:
- You build a long-term health record.
- Your care is coordinated across specialists.
- You receive personalized preventive care tailored to your health history.
If you don’t yet have a family doctor or need to switch to a new one, the first step is to book an appointment with a clinic accepting new patients.
Booking a Family Doctor Through OHIP
If you have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, your family doctor visits are completely covered — there’s no cost for standard medical consultations, prescriptions, or referrals.
To book, you’ll need:
- A valid OHIP card number
- Your contact information (phone or email)
- (Optional) Details of your previous doctor or clinic
OHIP does not require any special referral to book a family doctor — you can contact a clinic directly and request an appointment.
How to Book an Appointment (Step-by-Step)
Option 1: Online Booking (Fastest & Most Convenient)
Many clinics, including Viva Health Centre, now offer online booking portals that let you:
- Choose your doctor or practitioner.
- Select an appointment type (e.g., checkup, follow-up, or virtual visit).
- Pick a date and time that works for you.
- Enter your contact and OHIP details.
- Confirm instantly — you’ll receive an email or SMS reminder.
💡 Tip: Online booking is ideal for busy patients, parents, or those who prefer to manage appointments outside clinic hours.
👉 Book a Family Doctor Appointment Online with Viva Health Centre
Option 2: Booking by Phone
If you prefer speaking to a staff member or have specific health concerns, you can:
- Call your clinic during business hours.
- Request to book a family doctor appointment.
- Mention whether it’s a new patient visit or follow-up.
- Confirm your OHIP number and preferred time.
📞 Viva Health Centre’s front desk can guide you through this process and help you choose the right appointment type.
Option 3: In-Person Booking
You can also visit the clinic directly to register or schedule a visit.
This option is useful if:
- You’re bringing required documents for a first visit.
- You want to meet the administrative team in person.
- You’re more comfortable with face-to-face communication.
At Viva Health Centre, our reception team can help you fill out a New Patient Intake Form and secure your first appointment on the same day if slots are available.
Online vs In-Person Appointments — What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Online Appointment | In-Person Appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Book anytime, anywhere | Requires travel to clinic |
| Best for | Follow-ups, test results, prescription renewals | Physical exams, vaccinations, new symptoms |
| Technology needed | Phone, tablet, or computer with camera | None |
| Coverage | Fully covered by OHIP | Fully covered by OHIP |
Virtual (online) visits are conducted via secure video or phone call and are especially helpful for non-urgent consultations.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Whether online or in person, always have:
- Your OHIP card
- A list of current medications or supplements
- Any test results or specialist reports
- Your questions or concerns to discuss
If you’re a new patient, arrive 10–15 minutes early or log in on time to complete intake details.
How to Rebook, Reschedule, or Cancel
Life happens — and clinics understand that. You can easily:
- Reschedule via your confirmation email or by calling reception.
- Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment to free the slot for others.
At Viva Health Centre, online confirmations make this process effortless — no waiting on hold.
Booking for Family Members or Children
Parents and caregivers can book family doctor appointments for their dependents under one family account.
When booking:
- Include the child’s full name and OHIP number.
- Indicate the reason for visit (e.g., checkup, vaccination, illness).
- Bring the child’s immunization record if required.
How to Find a Doctor Accepting New Patient
If you don’t yet have a family doctor, try:
- Health Care Connect: Government service matching you to local doctors accepting new patients.
- Clinic Websites: Many family practices post availability directly online.
- Viva Health Centre: Our clinic in Richmond Hill is currently accepting new patients.
👉 Register or Book a Family Doctor at Viva Health Centre
Benefits of Booking with Viva Health Centre
At Viva Health Centre, we make booking simple, whether online or in person. You’ll enjoy:
– Same-day or next-day appointments (when available)
– Virtual and in-person visits — both covered by OHIP
– Access to a Family Health Team that includes doctors, nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists
– Seamless follow-ups and digital reminders
Our goal is to make healthcare accessible, modern, and patient-focused — all in one place.
- You can book a family doctor appointment in Ontario easily through online portals, phone, or in person.
- OHIP fully covers most family doctor visits.
- Online booking offers convenience and flexibility, especially for routine or follow-up care.
- Viva Health Centre provides both in-person and virtual appointments to suit your lifestyle.
Booking your family doctor appointment shouldn’t be complicated — and at Viva Health Centre, it isn’t. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule your next visit in just a few clicks.
👉 Book Your Family Doctor Appointment Now
Our compassionate healthcare team in Richmond Hill is ready to support your family’s health — both online and in person.
