Rendezvous-free care in Quebec: a solution for emergency care, but at what price?
Introduction
As a French-born family physician and medical director who has practiced on both sides of the Atlantic, I've noticed some major differences between the Quebec and French healthcare systems. One of these is the frequent use of walk-in (or "sans RV") clinics in Quebec, a popular solution for quick access to medical care. But how do these clinics work, and are they really adapted to all patient needs?
What is a walk-in clinic?
Québec's walk-in clinics enable you to see a doctor without having to make an appointment in advance. Their main purpose is to meet urgent or semi-urgent needs for minor health problems: respiratory infections, minor aches and pains, superficial injuries, etc.
These clinics are often attached to Family Medicine Groups (FMGs) or private clinics, and their popularity is based on their relative accessibility, particularly in a context where many Quebecers have difficulty obtaining a family doctor.
The impact of the pandemic: towards the end of true walk-in business
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many clinics have abandoned the traditional "walk-in" model in favor of an emergency appointment system, often accessible by telephone or internet. This transition has been put in place to better control patient flow and reduce the risk of spreading infections in waiting rooms.
However, even with these adaptations, it remains difficult for patients to get an appointment quickly. Available slots are often snapped up as soon as they open, leaving many people without an immediate solution. This situation reflects the structural challenges of the Quebec healthcare system, where access to a doctor remains a recurring problem.
Advantages of walk-in service
1.rapid access (theoretical): Walk-in clinics or clinics with emergency appointments offer an alternative to long waits in the ER for non-vital problems.
2Accessibility: They remain open to all, whether or not you have a family doctor.
3Flexibility: Booking appointments online or by phone can simplify the process for some patients, although it doesn't solve the problem of delays.
The continuing challenges of walk-in
Despite their advantages, walk-in clinics and their adapted post-pandemic version have several limitations:
1.variable waiting time
Even with an appointment, patients can wait a long time in clinics or on telephone lines to get a slot.
2.limited number of places
Available slots are often insufficient to meet growing demand, especially in urban areas like Montreal.
3.limited follow-up
Unlike scheduled consultations with a family doctor, walk-in or emergency clinics don't always offer personalized follow-up, which can be a problem for chronic illnesses or complex cases.
4.accessibility problems for non-registered RAMQ members
Patients without a health insurance card (RAMQ), such as new arrivals or temporary workers, often have to pay high fees to access these clinics.
An alternative: private clinics like Allodocteur.ca
Faced with the limitations of public walk-in clinics, more and more Quebecers are turning to private clinics. At Allodocteur.ca, we've sought to combine the speed and simplicity of the walk-in model with more comprehensive, personalized care.
We offer home visits and same-day appointments to make care accessible quickly, but without sacrificing quality or patient follow-up.
Comparison with France: different alternatives
In France, GPs are often available within 24 hours, with or without an appointment, thanks to a dense network of practices. Home visits are also more common, and play a key role in avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits.
In Quebec, the walk-in system partly fills this gap, but it could be improved with solutions inspired by this French model, such as :
- Better integration of clinics in long-term follow-up.
- More flexible working hours for doctors.
- An increase in the number of doctors available to meet demand.
Conclusion
Walk-in care in Quebec, as it exists today, is undergoing a major transformation. While the pandemic has prompted clinics to adopt emergency appointment systems, these changes have not eliminated the challenges of rapid access to care. For patients, a diversity of options is essential: RV clinics, FMGs, private services such as Allodocteur.ca.
As a family doctor, I believe that the future lies in striking a balance between rapid accessibility and quality of care, in order to offer comprehensive and humane care.
If you're looking for an alternative for fast, personalized care, consider Allodocteur.ca, where we strive to make family medicine more accessible, like in France, with same-day home visits.
Book an appointment easily online at Allodocteur.ca or contact us at (438) 942-8479.
