Minor vs. complex medical consultations: understanding the differences

I'm a family physician and medical director of French origin, having completed my schooling and practiced in France before settling in Quebec. My goal is to help you understand the nuances between minor and complex consultations, so you can better navigate the Quebec healthcare system.

What is a minor consultation?

A minor consultation usually concerns common, non-urgent, easily treatable health problems. These problems are often acute illnesses. An acute illness is characterized by a sudden onset and a relatively short duration. Here are some examples of minor consultations:

1.benign infections: such as an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, conjunctivitis or a sprained ankle.

2Simple dermatological problems: minor skin rashes, warts or mild eczema.

3Mild symptoms: Cough, cold, mild fever, or sore throat with no serious complications.

Minor consultations are generally of short duration, involving rapid assessment and straightforward management.

What is a complex consultation?

On the other hand, a complex consultation concerns more serious, chronic or multisystemic health problems, requiring in-depth assessment and more detailed management. Here are a few examples of complex consultations:

1.chronic illnesses: management of diabetes, hypertension, chronic heart or lung disease.

2.mental health problems: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders requiring regular follow-up.

3Severe or unexplained symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, heavy bleeding, or neurological symptoms such as dizziness or numbness.

4Symptoms involving several organs: Presence of symptoms affecting several body systems, such as chest pain with dizziness, or abdominal pain with shortness of breath.

5.multisystem conditions: patients with multiple comorbidities requiring complex care coordination, such as advanced age, hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, etc.

6Complex post-operative or post-hospitalization or post-emergency follow-up : Follow-up after major surgery, hospitalization or emergency care, requiring careful monitoring and management of potential complications of surgery or illness.

Complex consultations require more time, resources and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure appropriate, personalized patient care.

Why is this distinction important?

Understanding the difference between minor and complex consultations can optimize healthcare, for both patients and healthcare professionals. Minor consultations can often be dealt with quickly, leaving more time and resources for complex cases requiring special attention.

How do I make an appointment?

At AlloDocteur, we offer home visits in Montreal starting at $279, depending on the complexity and location of the consultation. You can book an appointment directly on our website allodocteur.ca.

We hope this information will help you better understand the various consultations and navigate the Quebec healthcare system more easily.