Patients who don’t have a family physician are called “unattached” patients. The CWC PCN is committed to ensuring patients have access to a physician, and works closely with HealthLink Alberta to identify patients who need to be connected with a physician.
The program works by collecting information about unattached patients through both an online registry and the HealthLink Alberta phone line. Patients with chronic diseases or significant medical problems are placed at the top of the list and are “attached” to a physician as quickly as possible.
The registry data is also used to identify trends in the unattached patient population (e.g., are most unattached patients new to Calgary? Mostly teens? Mostly patients with mental illness?). This information can be useful as the PCN and the city plan to meet future demands on the health care system.
CONTACT: To register online, visit www.needadoctorcalgaryandarea.ca. For phone registration, contact Health Link Alberta at 403.943.LINK (5465) or toll-free at 1.866.408.LINK (5465).