Asking for a faster referral
Many patients don't know that they have the right to ask their GP to refer them to a specific hospital or clinic — including one with a shorter wait time.
What you can ask for
Under Ontario's patient rights framework, you can:
- Ask your GP which facilities offer the procedure you need
- Request a referral to a facility with a shorter wait time, even if it's farther away
- Ask for your current estimated wait position at any time
How to start the conversation
Bring a printed or digital list of options from MedWait to your next appointment. Try this opening:
"I've been looking at wait times for [procedure] across Ontario. I see that [Facility X] has a wait of about [N] days vs [longer wait] here. Would you be comfortable referring me there instead?"
Most GPs will say yes. The referral process is the same regardless of which facility you choose.
If your GP is hesitant
Some GPs refer to facilities where they have existing relationships. This is normal — but you still have options:
- Ask for the reason — there may be a clinical reason (e.g., they want a specific surgeon)
- Ask for a second opinion — you are entitled to ask for a second GP opinion at any time
- Contact the facility directly — some facilities (especially private ones) allow self-referrals for diagnostics like MRI
Tips for follow-up
- Get the referral number and the facility's contact information
- Call the facility's referral coordinator within 1–2 weeks to confirm receipt
- Ask for your place on the wait list — Ontario Health requires hospitals to provide this on request
Data sourced from CIHI Wait Times for Priority Procedures and Ontario Health public reporting. Last reviewed May 2026.