Your family doctor plays a key role in managing your health — from annual checkups to ongoing prescriptions and referrals to specialists. But sometimes, patients realize their current doctor may not be the best fit anymore. Whether it’s due to relocation, communication issues, or limited appointment availability, switching doctors in Ontario is completely possible and supported under OHIP.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to change your family doctor in Ontario, what to expect during the process, and how to ensure your care continues without interruption.
1. Know When It’s Time to Switch
Before making the change, it’s important to understand why you want a new doctor. Common reasons include:
- Moving to a new city or neighbourhood.
- Difficulty booking timely appointments.
- Feeling rushed, unheard, or dismissed during visits.
- Wanting a doctor with a different communication or cultural approach.
- Your doctor’s retirement or clinic closure.
If you’re unsure, reflect on what’s missing in your current care and what you’re hoping to experience differently. Sometimes, discussing your concerns directly with your current doctor can also help resolve issues before switching.
2. Understand Your Rights Under OHIP
Under Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you have the right to:
- Choose your own family doctor.
- Leave a practice at any time.
- Register with a new doctor when available.
There are no penalties or waiting periods for switching, but it’s important to do it properly so your medical records and ongoing care (like prescriptions or lab requisitions) are seamlessly transferred.
3. Find a New Family Doctor
There are several ways to find a new family physician accepting patients:
Health Care Connect (Government of Ontario Program):
If you don’t currently have a family doctor or want to find one in your new area, register through Health Care Connect. The program connects you with physicians accepting new patients.
Clinic or Family Health Team Websites:
Many clinics, including Viva Health Centre, post online when they are accepting new patients. You can search “family doctor accepting new patients in Richmond Hill” or similar keywords on Google.
Word of Mouth and Local Networks:
Ask family, friends, or colleagues if they recommend a family doctor nearby.
Walk-in Clinics:
Some walk-in doctors may offer to take you on as a regular patient after several visits if they are accepting new patients.
4. Contact the New Doctor’s Office
Once you find a potential new doctor:
- Call or fill out a new patient form (available on many clinic websites).
- Provide your OHIP card information.
- Share your previous doctor’s name and clinic so they can arrange a record transfer later.
- You may be asked for a short intake interview or first-visit appointment to discuss your medical history.
5. Transfer Your Medical Records
This is a key step for continuity of care.
- Your new doctor’s office can request your records from your previous clinic with your written consent.
- Clinics may charge a small administrative fee (typically $25–$50) for copying or transferring files.
- Make sure your records include: medication history, vaccination records, lab and imaging reports, and specialist referrals.
Tip: Keep a personal copy of essential documents or test results whenever possible.
6. Schedule Your First Appointment
Once accepted as a new patient, schedule your first comprehensive visit. Bring:
- Your OHIP card
- A list of current medications
- Any referral letters or lab reports
- Your medical concerns or ongoing conditions
This first meeting helps your new doctor understand your medical history, discuss preventive care, and set up ongoing prescriptions or follow-up appointments.
7. Confirm Deregistration from Previous Doctor
When you officially register with a new doctor, OHIP automatically updates your roster. However, if your old doctor was part of a Family Health Organization (FHO) or Family Health Team (FHT), it’s good practice to notify them directly that you’ve switched.
This avoids confusion about patient rosters and ensures all future billings go through your new clinic.
8. Keep Your Care Continuous
To avoid any disruption in your healthcare:
- Refill prescriptions before switching.
- Inform specialists or labs about your new doctor.
- Update your contact information with your pharmacy and any ongoing programs (like diabetes or asthma clinics).
9. What to Expect After Switching
It can take a few weeks for your medical records to be transferred. During this time:
- Keep copies of essential documents for emergencies.
- Be patient as your new doctor gets to know your health history.
- Communicate openly — this builds trust and helps establish a strong doctor-patient relationship.
10. Why Choose a Family Health Team
If you’re switching doctors, consider joining a Family Health Team (FHT) like Viva Health Centre.
These teams include family doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists, and counsellors who work together to provide coordinated, preventive care — all covered by OHIP.
This model ensures you get comprehensive, continuous support for your long-term health.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your family doctor anytime in Ontario — it’s your right under OHIP.
- Use Health Care Connect or local clinics to find doctors accepting new patients.
- Ensure your medical records are transferred to avoid gaps in care.
- Communicate openly with your new doctor to build a strong and lasting partnership.
- Consider a Family Health Team for more holistic, collaborative care.
Switching your family doctor doesn’t have to be stressful. With clear steps and the right clinic support, you can make a smooth transition and continue receiving quality care that meets your needs.
If you live in Richmond Hill or nearby areas, Viva Health Centre is accepting new patients and offers a team-based approach to care.
👉 Contact us today to learn more or book your first visit.
