What to Do When You Visit
a Healthcare Provider


Ontario has more than 300,000 practising healthcare professionals. They are governed by health regulators called ‘colleges’. It is the job of Ontario’s health regulators to ensure that you are treated with skill and fairness when you receive health care in our province. Here is what they recommend that you should do when you visit a healthcare provider.

Check your healthcare professional’s record

Each college has a public register that you can search on their website. The registers list things like the qualifications of each member, language of practice, where they practice and if limits have been put on their practice because of professional misconduct. You can view a list of all of the college registries here.

Take an active part in your care 

It is your right to ask questions and get clear answers about your health issues and treatment options. Your healthcare provider should also explain costs, fees and anything you are paying for.

After getting all the information you need, you can agree to or refuse any procedure, for any reason, at any time. Your health professional is required to get an informed consent for any treatment or procedure they recommend.

You also have the right to seek advice from another healthcare professional on any issue that pertains to your health, if you wish to do so.

The right to view and get a copy of your own information

The personal health information you disclose to your healthcare providers is confidential. It can only be shared within your own healthcare team to facilitate your care. But, you have the right to view and get a copy of your own information. A fee may be charged for copies of health records.

Express a concern or make a complaint

If you have concerns about the care you have received from any provider in Ontario, you can get help. You can call the healthcare provider’s college to express your concern or to make a complaint. For more information go to http://www.ontariohealthregulators.ca/ and click on Get Help.