How do I consult a specialist in Montreal?
When you arrive in Montreal, especially as a French person accustomed to a structured health care system with a primary care physician and easy access to certain specialists, you can quickly feel lost in the Quebec system. Here, waiting times to consult a specialist are often long, and the process can seem complicated. So how do you get an appointment with a specialist in Montreal quickly? Here's a practical guide to help you navigate the system.
Who am I to tell you?
I'm Dr. Aurélia Nha-Huyen Nguyen Gouez, a family physician and medical director originally from France. I completed my schooling and practiced in France before moving to Quebec in 2016. After several years in a CLSC providing home care, I decided to move into private practice to offer patients faster access to care.
With my team, we launched Allodocteur.caa private medical clinic that facilitates access to a family doctor and home care in Montreal. Our goal is to make medicine faster and more accessible, by offering same-day consultations, similar to the French system.
Getting a consultation with a specialist through RAMQ
In Quebec, to see a specialist in the public network, a referral from a family doctor is mandatory. Unlike France, where certain specialists are accessible directly (gynecologists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians), in Quebec you have to go through a general practitioner.
Your family doctor assesses your state of health and decides whether a specialist consultation is necessary. He or she will then refer you to a specialist via the Center de répartition des demandes de services (CRDS)which organizes appointments according to availability. Waiting times vary depending on the specialty, but can be several months or even more than a year.
If you don't have a family doctor, you can consult a doctor at a walk-in clinic, who will be able to provide you with a referral. Another option is to call the Guichet d'accès à la première ligne (GAP) at 811, who can help you arrange a consultation with a doctor to assess your needs.
💡 Need a reference fast? Visit Allodocteur.cawe offer consultations with family doctors who can refer you to a specialist, if necessary. Our doctors assess your condition and give you the best recommendations for your health.
Consult a specialist in a private clinic
To get around the long waiting lists in the public network, some patients choose to consult a specialist in a private clinic. The main advantage is speed: you can get an appointment in a few days or weeks, often without a referral. The downside is that these consultations are not covered by the RAMQ.
For example, a consultation with a dermatologist or gynecologist in a private clinic generally costs between $200 and $500, depending on the complexity of the case and the examinations required. This is a good option if you want fast, personalized care.
Specialties accessible without reference
Some specialties are directly accessible, whether in public or private clinics. These include optometrists for eye examinations, psychologists and psychotherapists, physiotherapists and osteopaths, and chiropractors. For other specialties, a referral is generally required.
How can I get a reference faster?
If you'd like to speed up your treatment, you have several options. You can make an appointment with a doctor in a private clinic for a rapid assessment and, if necessary, a medical referral. Platforms such as RVSQ can also help you find an appointment more quickly in the public sector. Some private clinics also offer the possibility of consulting a specialist without a referral.
At Allodocteur.caour family doctors are available to see you quickly at home and provide you with a referral, if necessary. We know the wait can be long, which is why we offer a faster, more accessible alternative.
What if your condition worsens before your appointment?
If your health deteriorates before your appointment with a specialist, you can return to see a family doctor, who can reassess your situation and prioritize your case. You can also contact the CRDS to see if you can get an earlier appointment. In the event of a critical situation, it is always advisable to go to the emergency room.
What's the best option for you?
The choice between the public and private network depends on your situation and your budget. If you can wait and have a family doctor, going through the CRDS is the best option. If you're in a hurry and willing to pay, consulting a private clinic may be a good alternative.
If you're looking for a family doctor quickly, for a follow-up, a prescription refill or a referral to a specialist, Allodocteur.ca offers same-day home consultations in Montreal. You can book an appointment easily online and avoid long waits.
📅 Need a doctor fast? Book an appointment now on Allodocteur.ca.
