Many patients since the start of the pandemic have postponed or canceled their appointments with their family doctors. Today, general practitioners invite their patients to come back.
At the height of the pandemic, an 80% reduction in consultations with family physicians was noted in Montreal. Patients began to return to the clinics. But the consultation volume is around 30% to 40% compared to the usual volumes.
The latter wishes to reassure patients: "The consultations are safe". Patients who need a medical opinion or examination are invited to call their family doctor, their usual clinic or use appointment booking sites such as Rendez-vous Santé Québec.
To avoid ending up with crowded waiting rooms, telephone triage is performed in several clinics. Telephone, videoconference or face-to-face consultations can then be offered.