There are efficient alternatives to the emergency room. For greater efficiency, find the right service, by the right person, at the right time.
Before consulting, and depending on your symptoms, self‑care at home is recommended. For advice, go to the Flu‑like symptoms and gastroenteritis page.
Online services
If you or a family member has a health or psychosocial problem, various resources can help you. Online services help you to find the resource that best meets your needs and, if necessary, to get a medical appointment.
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Accessing the Primary Care Access Point (GAP) to get advice
Use the Digital GAP to get recommendations that best meet your needs.
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Scheduling an appointment online
Whether or not you have a family doctor, you can schedule an appointment online.
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Finding a clinic that offers same-day or in the following days medical appointments
Discover the clinics that offer same-day or next-day medical appointments, whether or not you have a family doctor.
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Registering with a family doctor
Register on the waiting list through the Québec Family Doctor Finder (Guichet d’accès à un médecin de famille, GAMF).
811 telephone services: four options for different needs
811 is a free and confidential telephone counselling hotline. Four options are available to meet your specific need.
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Health advice for everyone: 811 (option 1)
An Info-Santé nurse provides recommendations for self-care at home or finds the service that best meets your needs.
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Pediatric line through 811, option 1, then option 2
You can talk with a nurse to get advice about your children aged from 0 to 17 years. If necessary, the nurse will give you an appointment with a doctor.
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Psychosocial and mental health advice: 811 (option 2)
If you want to chat about a psychosocial or mental health issue, an Info-Social counsellor is available.
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Services for people waiting for a family doctor: 811 (option 3)
If you are waiting for a family doctor or are registered with a family medicine group, this line is reserved to refer you to the service that best meets your needs.
Last update: February 14, 2025