According to a published report, the Ontario government has established a hotline that will link up residents with an MD in their area.
Around 500,000 people in the province are without a family physician, forcing emergency rooms to deal with problems that may not be emergencies and leading to overcrowded walk-in clinics.
Starting in February, residents can call the toll-free number, answer several questions about their health history, and then be linked up with a doctor.
That is, if they can find one.
Critics argue that a shortage of professionals is the real reason behind the gap and that every person who calls may not find a convenient practitioner.
But there is an incentive: doctors who take on new patients will receive a cash bonus.
The number will supplement Telehealth Ontario, a 24-hour phone line where Registered Nurses dispense health advice and information free of charge.
Until then, you can call Telehealth directly, or look for a physician online.
Find a local family doctor: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
TTY : 1-866-797-0007
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Quelle/Source: CityNews, 26.01.2009
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