Why More Ontarians Are Moving Toward Collaborative Care in 2025
When choosing a primary care provider, most people ask:
Should I go with a solo doctor or a clinic with a full care team?
While both options have their pros, Ontario’s Family Health Teams (FHTs) offer a more comprehensive, collaborative, and convenient approach to healthcare — especially for patients managing chronic conditions, complex health needs, or simply wanting better continuity of care.
At Viva Health Centre in Richmond Hill, we believe that team-based care is the future of medicine — and our patients experience the benefits every day.
This blog post breaks down the key differences between solo practitioners and Family Health Teams, helping you make an informed choice that supports your long-term health and lifestyle.
What Is a Family Health Team?
A Family Health Team (FHT) is a group of healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients. This team typically includes:
- Family doctors
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Dietitians
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Administrative staff
FHTs are part of a publicly funded model supported by the Ontario government and designed to give patients better access to care with longer appointment availability and wraparound support.
Solo Doctor vs. Family Health Team: Key Differences
| Feature | Solo Doctor | Family Health Team (FHT) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of care | One physician | Multi-disciplinary team |
| Appointment access | Often limited | Broader availability |
| Services offered | General care | Chronic care, mental health, diet, more |
| Collaboration | Minimal | High – team-based decision-making |
| Coverage | OHIP | OHIP |
| Technology | Varies | Often more integrated EMR systems |
| Continuity | Risk of gaps when doctor is unavailable | Ongoing support from team members |
7 Key Benefits of Choosing a Family Health Team
1. Comprehensive Care in One Place
With a solo doctor, you may need to be referred externally for dietary advice, mental health, or medication review.
With an FHT:
- You can see a dietitian for diabetes management
- Meet with a nurse practitioner for routine checkups
- Consult a pharmacist about medication side effects
- Access mental health professionals for short-term support
Viva Health Centre offers all these services under one roof — making your care more convenient and better connected.
2. Improved Access and Shorter Wait Times
FHTs often offer:
- Same-day or next-day appointments
- Extended hours or weekend availability
- Access to other team members when your doctor is unavailable
This means you’re less likely to wait weeks for a routine checkup or urgent concern.
3. Collaborative Decision-Making
When you choose a Family Health Team, your care is discussed among experts — not handled in isolation.
For example:
- A nurse might flag a change in your blood pressure
- The dietitian may suggest nutrition changes
- Your doctor reviews everything and adjusts your treatment
This collaborative model reduces oversights and improves outcomes — especially for seniors and those with chronic illness.
4. Better Chronic Disease Management
Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or mental health issues require long-term monitoring. FHTs offer:
- Personalized care plans
- Regular check-ins from nurses
- Lifestyle counseling
- Education programs and workshops
This proactive approach leads to fewer ER visits and better quality of life.
5. Increased Focus on Preventive Care
FHTs are built around keeping you healthy — not just treating illness.
You’ll receive reminders and support for:
- Cancer screenings
- Annual physicals
- Childhood vaccinations
- Prenatal care
- Nutrition and wellness coaching
At Viva Health Centre, our patients benefit from care coordination that helps catch issues early.
6. Support for the Whole Family
Whether you’re a new parent, senior, or somewhere in between, an FHT can address your entire family’s needs, including:
- Pediatrics
- Women’s health
- Prenatal/postnatal care
- Men’s health
- Mental wellness
This “whole family” approach is difficult for most solo practices to match.
7. Consistency and Continuity
If your solo doctor is away, you may be left without care.
With a Family Health Team:
- You can still be seen by another provider on the team
- Your records are accessible through a shared electronic medical system
- Your care continues without interruption
What About OHIP Coverage?
The good news: All FHT services are covered by OHIP.
That means:
- No out-of-pocket fees for team-based care
- Access to nurses, dietitians, mental health services (short-term), and more
- Support navigating referrals and specialty care
Just bring your valid OHIP card to each visit.
Why Choose Viva Health Centre in Richmond Hill?
At Viva Health Centre, we’re proud to operate as a Family Health Team. Our patients benefit from:
- Expert family physicians
- Access to a bilingual care team
- Dietitians, mental health clinicians, and pharmacists on site
- Personalized chronic disease programs
- Friendly and welcoming staff
📍 Visit us at:
9580 Yonge St Unit 5, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1V6
📞 (905) 237-5567
🌐 vivahealthcentres.com
What Patients Say
“Having access to a nurse and dietitian without going elsewhere has been a game changer for my diabetes.”
— Patient at Viva Health Centre
“I switched from a solo doctor to Viva, and now I feel supported even when my doctor’s away.”
— Richmond Hill Resident
Final Thoughts
In today’s healthcare landscape, patients want more than just 10 minutes with a doctor. They want care that is:
- Personalized
- Collaborative
- Accessible
- Preventive
That’s exactly what a Family Health Team provides — and why more Ontarians are making the switch.
If you’re looking for a family doctor in Richmond Hill and want the support of an entire care team, Viva Health Centre is here for you.
