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How to Get a Family Doctor in Quebec: Using the Official Waiting List

This article explains how to register on Quebec's official family doctor waiting list (Québec Family Doctor Finder), eligibility criteria, waiting time information, and how to access care while waiting.

Health careStatus

What is the Québec Family Doctor Finder?

The Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF) is the official waiting list managed by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux to help people without a family doctor get one. Once registered, you may be contacted when a family doctor, specialized nurse practitioner in primary care (SNPPC), or group of doctors is accepting new patients.

Eligibility

To register, you must:

  • Have a valid health insurance card.
  • Not already be registered with a family doctor or SNPPC. If your current provider can no longer see you or you wish to change, follow the instructions on the page "Registering with a family doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner in primary care".
  • Live at the address on file with the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). If not, update your address first.
  • Be 14 years or older. If under 14, someone 14 or older must register on your behalf.
  • Live in Québec with a valid postal code recognized by Canada Post.

Note: Doctors and SNPPCs in Nunavik and the Cree Territory of James Bay cannot register patients. Residents there must contact their health centre: Nunavik at 819-964-2905, ext. 344; Cree Territory of James Bay at 819-855-2744.

How to Register

You can register in three ways:

  • Online through the GAMF website.
  • Online through the Québec Health Booklet.
  • By phone, by contacting your territory waiting list (Guichet d’accès pour la clientèle orpheline, GACO).

You can also search for a family doctor or SNPPC on your own. See the page "Registering with a family doctor or a specialized nurse practitioner in primary care".

Waiting Time and Priority

After registration, your request is evaluated and priority is assigned based on your health. The official page states that it is impossible to determine exactly how long you will wait. Waiting time varies depending on the availability of doctors and SNPPCs in your region and the number of people on the list.

Updating Your Registration

Keep your phone number and email up to date so you can be reached. If you cannot be reached, your request may be suspended. Update online via GAMF, via the Health Booklet, or by phone through GACO.

For address changes, use the Service québécois de changement d’adresse (SQCA). Your new address will be automatically updated in GAMF. Keeping your registration current maintains your place on the list.

Reporting Health Changes

You can report changes to your health online via GAMF. You may also request a nurse evaluation through GACO if available; the nurse will update your priority based on your health.

Getting Care While Waiting

While on the waiting list, you can contact the Primary Care Access Point in your region to get a medical appointment. They will refer you to the appropriate service. If you are cared for by a group of doctors, contact the Primary Care Access Point when you need an appointment.

Official Source

Official sources

Rules and fees change. Check the official pages below before you act — they are what this guide was written from.

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