This page is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing a health emergency, please seek medical attention.
Connecting to health care
Navigating the health care system and connecting to appropriate resources can sometimes be difficult and confusing. Are you wondering how to find a family doctor? What the wait time is at your nearest emergency department or medicentre? Looking for a program to support your chronic disease? We are here to help make it easy and connect you with reliable sources for health information and support.
For most people, the best place to start is by finding a family doctor.
Please be aware, this website is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is suffering from a critical mental health event call 911 immediately. The following help lines can also be accessed as additional support.
Scroll down for more medical emergency resourcesNavigating the health care system and connecting to appropriate resources can sometimes be difficult and confusing. Are you wondering how to find a family doctor? What the wait time is at your nearest emergency department or medicentre? Looking for a program to support your chronic disease? We are here to help make it easy and connect you with reliable sources for health information and support.
For most people, the best place to start is by finding a family doctor.
Please be aware, this website is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is suffering from a critical mental health event call 911 immediately. The following help lines can also be accessed as additional support.
Find a family doctor
Having a consistent relationship with a family doctor or health care team can support your health. Not only can they advise you when you’re sick, they can also support you in achieving your personal health goals or refer you to the appropriate specialist, health care provider or community partner. The continuity of care they provide by knowing your history can help reduce the number of times you have to retell your story or undergo duplicate tests. A family doctor can be your trusted health advisor in supporting your physical, emotional and mental health.
Find a family doctorKnow your other options
Sometimes you might have a health concern and can’t see your family doctor right away. It’s important to know your options for getting care when you need it.
Health Link
Health Link plays a key role in decreasing hospital admissions, connecting individuals to doctors when needed and improving health outcomes overall.
If you have questions about your health or want to know what services are available to support you, call Health Link at 811. Health Link offers professional advice from registered nurses 24/7 based on your needs and can also provide guidance after regular business hours.
Did you know?
Of the people calling Health Link about a health concern the following occurred.
48%
were provided information from a medical professional to help them manage their care at home, reducing their need to visit a doctor in person.1
34%
were told to visit their doctor or another health care provider.1
18%
were advised to go to the nearest emergency department.1
Walk-in clinics
When you have a health concern and need to be assessed but can’t get in to see your family doctor right away, a walk-in clinic can help.
Find your nearest walk-in clinic and it’s wait timesPersonalize your health care experience with MyHealth
View lab test results, access immunization information, add and store other health information and more. Bring your health information with you to appointments and share it with different health care providers when needed to advance your care and communicate your health journey.
Access your health information using MyHealthCommon health questions answered
After a conversation with your health care provider, you might be looking for more information. Access easy to understand resources to check your symptoms, learn more about a health condition or find information on a medication. Bring this new knowledge and your questions to your next appointment and take an active role in your health.
Use this interactive tool to check your symptoms if you’re feeling unwell.
Use this tool to learn about medications and what you need to know when taking them.
Referred for a test or treatment by your doctor? Click to learn what your test or treatment is for, what to expect during and what to expect once it’s done.
Learn more about various health conditions including potential causes, symptoms and prevention.
Learn more about vaccines and immunizations from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Visit here to learn more about eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine and where to book your immunization to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Are you an Alberta Blue Cross® member?
Learn more about assessing your health risk, monitoring and scheduling your medications and more by signing in to Balance®, our online wellness program.
Go to Balance®Care in your community
Managing your overall health or specific condition may require additional supports outside of your family doctor. Learn about some of the options available to you in your community that can help you to maintain or improve your health including different care providers, programs and services.
Connect with your local pharmacists
In addition to dispensing medication and ensuring it is safe and effective for you, pharmacists can be a reliable health resource for you and your family. Some pharmacists obtain extra certification in diabetes care, asthma management or travel health to help you with your unique needs. Alberta pharmacists can also provide services to improve your access to care including
- renewing your medication until you can follow up with your primary care provider,
- administering vaccinations, and
- assessing and prescribing for a variety of conditions.
Did you know some pharmacies provide online services? Some will have websites or an app that allow you to fill your prescription, manage your medications, as well as chat with a pharmacist or pharmacy team member if you have questions. Plus, many of them provide free national delivery. If this type of service speaks to you, click below to learn more.
Public resources
Connecting to health programs in your community can help you to take control of your health and learn new techniques to improve your quality of life.
Find a specific health program, service or care provider close to you in Alberta.
Information, education and support to those living with a chronic disease.
Health workshops and services to help you better manage your physical and mental health.
Learn more about living with and managing a chronic disease.
Learn more about understanding mental health and where you can find support for yourself or a loved one.
Medical emergencies
If the above options are not right for you and you are experiencing a medical emergency requiring immediate attention, visit your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Urgent care centres
Local urgent care centres | Alberta Health ServicesUrgent care centres offer extended hours for unexpected health concerns that require same-day treatment but are non-life-threatening, such as broken bones, sprains, cuts and pain.
Emergency rooms
Emergency room wait times | Alberta Health ServicesFind the estimated wait times of nearby emergency departments.
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All information, content, and material contained on this website (including links to other third-party websites) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice on any subject matter, or for any individual case or situation. Nothing on this website is intended to substitute for the advice of a qualified medical professional, and you should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any content included on this website. If you require medical advice, you are advised to consult a qualified medical professional.
[1] Alberta Health Services. Health Link. Available at: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets /healthinfo/link/index.html.