🚦 Where Should You Go?
Answer one question and we'll point you to the right door.
📖 Your Playbooks
💊 The Alberta Pharmacist Advantage
Alberta pharmacists have the broadest prescribing scope in Canada. For many common problems, you can walk into any pharmacy — no appointment, no wait, no clinic visit needed.
🔍 The Unattached Patient Playbook
Over 800,000 Albertans don't have a family doctor. You're not alone, and you're not stuck. Here's your action plan.
This is the official provincial waiting list. When a family doctor near you has an opening, they'll contact you directly.
How to register:
1. Call Health Link 811
2. Say: "I'd like to be added to the Alberta Find a Doctor registry."
3. Have your Alberta Health Care card number ready.
4. They'll ask for your preferred location and any language needs.
⏱ Wait times vary widely by area. Rural areas can be faster. Being on this list does NOT mean you have to stop using walk-in clinics in the meantime.
Several virtual clinics are fully covered under your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. No out-of-pocket cost.
Options:
📱 Telus Health MyCare — Download the app, book a video appointment. Often same-day.
📱 Maple — On-demand virtual visits. Available via app or web browser.
📱 Tiahealth — Virtual walk-in visits, often available within hours.
What they can do: Prescriptions, referrals, sick notes, lab requisitions, mental health assessments.
💡 These work great for non-emergency issues when walk-in clinics are full or closed.
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) run special clinics just for people without a family doctor. These offer more than a typical walk-in because they're designed to provide ongoing care.
How to find one:
1. Visit primarycarealberta.ca and click "Find Healthcare"
2. Or call 811 and ask: "Are there any PCN clinics for unattached patients in my area?"
What you get: A team of nurses, dietitians, and social workers — not just a doctor. Many PCNs offer chronic disease management, mental health support, and preventive care.
You don't need a family doctor to access many services. Build a team around you:
💊 Pharmacist — Prescribes for minor conditions, manages medication renewals
🧠 Access Mental Health — Free counselling, no referral needed
🏥 Consistent walk-in clinic — Try to use the same one. Ask if they keep records for returning patients.
📱 MyHealth Records — Track your own lab results and visits
💡 Tip: Keep a personal health file on your phone. Note your medications, allergies, and past test results. This makes every visit faster and safer.
🧠 Mental Health Navigation
You do NOT need a doctor's referral. You can call directly. Here's what to expect and exactly what to say.
Free. Confidential. No referral needed. Available to all Albertans.
📝 Your "What to Say" Script
When you call, a triage clinician will ask you some questions. Here's how the call typically goes, and what to say to get the best help.
"Hi, I'd like to access mental health services. I don't have a referral — I'm self-referring."
Be honest. You don't need clinical language. Simple is good:
"I've been feeling [anxious / depressed / overwhelmed / unable to cope] for about [timeframe]. It's affecting my [sleep / work / relationships / daily life]."
This is routine — they ask everyone. Answer honestly. If you're in crisis, they'll connect you to immediate support.
"I'd like to be connected with a counsellor or therapist. I'm open to [individual counselling / group therapy / both]."
They'll either book you directly with a therapist, add you to a short waitlist, or direct you to a program that fits your needs. Many people get a first appointment within 2-4 weeks.
🆘 If You Need Help Right Now
📱 Digital Health Sovereignty
Stop waiting for the clinic to call you. See your own lab results, imaging, and health records directly.
What you see: Lab results (bloodwork, urine), immunization records, medication dispensing history, and some diagnostic imaging reports.
How to sign up:
1. Go to myhealth.alberta.ca
2. Click "Create Account" — you'll need your Alberta Health Care number
3. Verify your identity (online or by mail)
4. Once verified, results start showing up automatically
💡 Pro tip: Lab results often appear here before your doctor reviews them. You can see what's normal and what's flagged without waiting for a phone call.
What it is: If you've been seen at an AHS facility (hospital, specialist, or AHS-operated clinic), you may have a MyChart account. This shows more detailed records than MyHealth.
What you see: Appointment details, doctor's notes (after-visit summaries), detailed imaging reports, upcoming appointments, and even messaging with some care teams.
How to get it:
1. Ask any AHS facility: "Can I get a MyChart activation code?"
2. Download the MyChart app (by Epic)
3. Enter your activation code and set up your account
4. Connect a wearable (blood pressure monitor, Apple Health) if you want to share data with your care team.
⚠ Not all clinics are on Connect Care yet. This works best if you've been seen at an AHS hospital or specialist clinic.
Before any walk-in visit: Open MyHealth and screenshot your recent lab results and medication list. Show the doctor — it saves them time looking things up.
After any ER visit: Check MyChart within 48 hours. Your after-visit summary will explain what they found and what to do next. Don't rely on remembering what they said.
For prescription renewals: Screenshot your medication list from MyHealth. Take it to any pharmacy. The pharmacist can renew most prescriptions on the spot.
Track trends: Lab results show a history over time. If you see a value moving in the wrong direction over several months, bring it up at your next visit.
📋 Visit Maximizer
Fill this out while you wait. It creates a clear "Doctor Brief" so you both make the most of your visit time.
📊 System Reality Check
What each visit costs Alberta's healthcare system — and how long it takes. Choosing the right door saves everyone time and money.
Cost estimates based on CIHI (Canadian Institute for Health Information) historical Alberta data. Figures are approximate system costs, not out-of-pocket charges. Most visits are covered by AHCIP for Alberta residents.