Are You a Patient?
Due to the shortage of family doctors and nurse practitioners in Vancouver, the Vancouver Division of Family Practice does not have the ability to match you directly to a primary care provider. However, there are a few tools and resources available to help you in your search.
For patients whose family doctor has retired and did NOT work with the Vancouver Division or who are simply looking for a primary care provider, please visit the resources listed below for some recommendations on finding your own primary care provider in Vancouver, as well as some resources that may be helpful for you to access.
Finding a Primary Care Provider
Consider using your personal network to find a family doctor, a family member or friend may be able to ask if their doctor is taking new patients.
Resources that may be helpful for finding a primary care provider in Vancouver:
- Find a Doctor BC – a website dedicated to helping patients help each other find family practitioners accepting new patients.
- Pathways Medical Care Directory – is a new one-stop online directory to easily find information about doctors and medical clinics in British Columbia.
Receiving Interim Medical Advice
Resources that may be helpful for receiving medical advice in the interim about ongoing symptoms:
- bc211 – is a free 24/7, confidential multilingual service that links people to resources for help, where and when they need it.
- HealthlinkBC – or call 8-1-1, is a free provincial health information and advice phone line. You can speak to a health service navigator who can help you find information and services, or connect you directly to a registered nurse, registered dietitian, qualified exercise professional or pharmacist.
- Medimap – Compare availability and book an appointment with a wide variety of local care providers in one place. Our vision is to be the go-to resource for easy access to care across the globe.
Receiving Urgent Care
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.
Resources for receiving more urgent care:
- Urgent and Primary Care Centres – available with extended hours for same-day, non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.