June 30, 2015
Story by Lisa Sutherland, photo by Neil Zeller
Patients looking for a family doctor in the Calgary area can now find one at the click of a mouse, thanks to the launch of an interactive new website.
“We are hopeful this service will help all Calgarians looking for a family doctor access the care they require,” said Julie Kerr, Senior Operating Officer, Community, Rural & Mental Health Calgary Zone. “It will help patients find a family doctor who is a good fit for them in terms of location, gender and language. Patients can also access the service by calling Health Link at 811.”
Developed by seven local Primary Care Networks and doctors in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS), calgaryareadocs.com allows patients to search which physicians and clinics in Calgary and surrounding communities are accepting new patients.
More than 239 family doctors are currently taking new patients and more than 1,200 physicians are listed on the site.
On the new website, patients are able to search for a doctor where they live or work, or wherever is most convenient. There are no delays or long waits. Once patients find a doctor accepting patients in their area, they can call the clinic and request an appointment.
“Family physicians play a key role in keeping Albertans healthy and they are often a patient’s first line of contact with the health system,” says Dr. Francois Belanger, Vice President and Medical Director for AHS Calgary Zone. “This website is an easy and reliable way for the public to find a family doctor and ensure they and their loved ones receive the care they need.”
The new user-friendly Find-a-Doctor service is one of two options available to visitors to the website. Patients can also fill an online form and ask a PCN to find them a family doctor.
The listings on the website are updated a minimum of once a month and in urban areas they are typically verified at least once a week to ensure the data is as up-to-date and as accurate as possible. The seven Calgary area PCNs serve patients in urban Calgary and surrounding communities including Airdrie, Okotoks, Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.
Patients looking for a doctor in the Edmonton area can visit edmontonareadocs.com. For communities elsewhere in Alberta, patients can visit http://www.pcnpmo.ca/alberta-pcns/Pages/map.aspx.
