AFAIK that $300 annually should be optional, at least in the case of my doctor's office. Not the same one as you, and they're unfortunately not looking for new patients.
this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2023
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This isn't a good answer, but there's an provincial service to connect you with a doctor called Health Care Connect. You can register online or you can call 811 to register by phone 24/7.
That is a great option. I may need it soon. I still have my doc out in the city I moved from so I'm not allowed to use the service as long as I'm with them.
However, Its 4-5 hours away depending on traffic and I don't own a vehicle. last time I went my appointment was a 5 minute chat to look at a weird lump. I spent 8.5 hours and ~$40 in fares, and a vacation day for that.
They've also told me I'm not allowed to be their patient if I am living in Toronto. They believe I'm just here temporarily but I'm not sure how long that little fib is going last.
I could "dump" them and go for the HCC service but that seems risky. last time I used it, it took 9 months and I got a place that closed down after my first appointment.
considering that the government knows exactly where every MD is working, and how much they are billing (at least via OHIP), the HCC service should be reasonable. However it seems to rely on MDs to request to be on it and who knows how quickly the information gets updated when they do.
Big problem is there aren't enough family practice providers in ontario. Like half the people in ontario do not have family practice provider.
If I was you I would stay with the place you are with if you can avoid paying $300. Just refuse. Can they fire you as a patient for refusing to pay? Fuck that fee shit! They get paid very nicely via OHIP. I don't pay any money for up-charges on family health care even if I can afford because these people should NOT be charging. Greedy shit. And you can know they do not care about you except for your $$$. They will give you too much or too little depending what they think will make them $$$.
Keep asking around and if you find a place that is actually taking patients, then sever ties with the greedy parasites and go with a real health care provider.
Here is what the CPSO suggests: Resources for Finding a New Doctor. I didn't listen but their front page has ‘In Dialogue’ Episode 17: Primary Care Crisis: How Did We Get Here? – eDialogue prominently displayed. For one side of the story.
What does $300 annually mean? For what?