How to Access Health Care

Staying healthy and finding the right care at the right time with the right health care provider - that's what primary care is all about. Primary care is a person's first point of contact with the health care system. It involves a range of health services that promote good health, care for common illness and help patients manage ongoing health problems, such as diabetes or asthma. You may access primary care services at a clinic, a family doctor office or a community health centre. Primary care recognizes that many different kinds of health care providers can assist in helping Manitobans to achieve good health.

Doctors

Manitoba Health covers you and your dependents for any medically required doctor services. We pay doctors directly for insured services provided in their office, clinic, hospital or other institution, or in your home. Those services can include routine appointments, emergency care and care while you are in a hospital.

Manitoba Health also covers medically necessary surgery, anesthesia, X-rays and laboratory services when ordered by your doctor.

Family Doctor Finder There is an easy way for you and your family to find a family doctor or nurse practitioner with Manitoba's Family Doctor Finder program.

Simply call or register online and the Family Doctor Finder will help connect you with a health-care professional in your area that best meets your needs.

For more information or to register with the Family Doctor Finder:
Phone: 204-786-7111 (in Winnipeg) OR toll-free: 1-866-690-8260
Online: www.manitoba.ca/familydoctorfinder

QuickCare Clinics

QuickCare clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and registered nurses who can diagnose and treat minor health issues. Anyone can visit a QuickCare clinic, though they're not a replacement for regular visits with your health care provider. However, they are designed to help you access health care you need, when your regular provider may be closed or at a time that is more convenient to you. Information about your visit to a QuickCare clinic can be shared with your regular health care provider to keep your medical records accurate and up-to-date. If you don't have a regular health care provider when you visit one of these clinics, staff can also help you look for one.

Community Health Centres / Access Centres

In clinics, health centres and Access Centres in the community, teams of different health care providers work together to offer medical services, home care, public health and mental health services, depending on the community or neighbourhood. Some centres also work in partnership with the communities they serve to assist in addressing a broad spectrum of needs, such as housing, education, employment and safe neighbourhoods. You can access these services through your Regional Health Authority.

Common Health Concerns

  • Health Links-Info Santé is a telephone health information service staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by knowledgeable, experienced nurses and is free of charge everywhere in Manitoba. Call 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free elsewhere in the province.
  • Your guide to health care contacts