Primary-care access point | GAP Estrie
You don't have a family doctor and need to consult a health-care professional for a health problem?
The Primary Care Access Point is YOUR GATEWAY for:
- health problems (pain, injury, infection, etc.)
- medication refills
- infectious diseases, skin rashes, etc.
- having a health form filled out by a health-care professional
- And more
Get in touch with us!
There are two ways to reach us:
Online (digital GAP)*
By telephone
*If you have a family doctor, you can use the digital Primary Care Access Point to get recommendations tailored to your needs and the options available. You may be referred to a pharmacist, discover a support program or be informed about the best home care.
What happens once you have made your request by telephone or online?
Depending on your situation:
- You'll get health advice.
OR
- You will be directed to a point of service accessible without a referral (e.g., pharmacy, CLSC, planning clinic, etc.).
OR
- You will be referred to a health-care professional (for people without a family doctor only).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GAP (Primary Care Access Point)?
The GAP is a service for people who do not have a family doctor but need to consult a health-care professional for an active health problem. It provides access to a range of services offered by a large team of professionals, including nurses, doctors, social workers, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. The service can be reached by calling 811 and selecting option 3.
Can I use the GAP to get a checkup like I would if I had a family doctor?
A call to the GAP could provide solutions to meet a specific health need. Generally speaking, the GAP does not make referrals for health checkups.
If I'm under the care of a specialist, can I call the GAP about a health need outside of my specialist's area of expertise?
You can contact the GAP for a health problem that does not fall within the scope of your specialist's expertise.
Do I have to be registered on the Québec family doctor Finder to use the GAP?
To access GAP services, you must be registered on the Québec Family Doctor Finder. Visit Registering with a family doctor.
Will I be guaranteed an appointment with a family doctor or health-care professional?
The staff members who answer the calls assess the person's health needs in order to offer the best available option, which is not necessarily a consultation. A call does not always lead to an appointment with a family doctor. Other health-care professionals—such as nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and pharmacists—are sometimes more appropriate for the health need.
How soon can I expect an answer?
For a simple health problem, the agent can give you advice. Otherwise, a nurse will call you back within 48 to 72 business hours* to offer advice, refer you to a resource, or give you an appointment.
If an appointment is given, it can take from 24 hours for a priority consultation to a few weeks in some cases.
* Times may vary depending on the number of people being seen.
What if I have to cancel an appointment?
When an appointment is booked, a system sends you a confirmation e-mail that includes the address of the location where you are to go. Call there if you have to cancel your appointment. Do not call the GAP to cancel an appointment.
Will my appointment location be far from my home?
The staff always tries to meet your needs close to home. If that is not possible, you will be offered you another choice in Estrie.
Is it true that only one problem can be addressed during a medical consultation?
It's important for patients to discuss all their active health issues with GAP staff so that they can then be referred more quickly to the right professionals, self-care, or community organizations.
Patients can mention different needs during he appointment, but they must agree with the professional on the priority health need.
I have a family doctor, but I can't get an appointment with him. Can I use the GAP?
If you cannot get an appointment your family doctor, talk to your medical clinic to find out about your consultation options.
Additional Services
- In the event of a serious or urgent problem: call 911 or go to an emergency room.
- For advice on your physical or psychological health, call 811, option 1 (Info-Santé), or 811, option 2 (Info-Social).
- To find the RIGHT health resource for a specific need, visit the Finding a health resource page
- If you would like general information about the GAP, call Services Québec at 1-877-644-4545.