Kennedy Medical CentreBrampton

PATIENT GUIDE

What "rostering" with a family doctor means in Ontario

What you sign when you register with a family doctor, and why it matters where you get care.

Reviewed by a KMC physician · Last reviewed · 5 min read

When you register with a family doctor in Ontario, you will usually sign an enrolment form. Doctors often call this "rostering." Here is what it means for you.

What rostering is

Rostering is a simple agreement between you and your family doctor:

  • Your doctor agrees to provide your ongoing primary care, including after-hours options through their group.
  • You agree to go to your doctor's practice first when you need care, instead of other clinics.

It is free, it is voluntary, and you can leave at any time. It does not change what OHIP covers.

Why it matters where you go for care

Many family doctors in Ontario work in groups called Family Health Organizations (FHOs). Kennedy Medical Centre's physicians are part of the Wise Elephant FHO.

In this model, the practice is funded to look after you as a whole. When a rostered patient visits an outside walk-in clinic for something the practice could have handled, it counts against the practice. More importantly, your care gets split across records, and your doctor may never hear about the visit.

So, once you're rostered:

  • Call your own clinic first for new problems.
  • Use your clinic's walk-in hours, if it has them. At KMC, they're on our walk-in page.
  • Use your group's after-hours clinic in the evening and on weekends.
  • Go to urgent care or the ER for urgent problems and emergencies. That is always the right choice when you need it, and it does not count against you.

What is on the enrolment form

The form asks for your name, health card number and contact details, and confirms that you agree to be enrolled with your doctor. It also lets your doctor's practice receive information about care you receive elsewhere, so your record stays complete.

How to leave a practice

If you move or want a different doctor, tell your current practice in writing. You can then enrol with a new doctor. You can only be rostered with one family doctor at a time.

Ready to register?

Kennedy Medical Centre is accepting new patients. Apply online and our staff will call you within 48 hours.

Next step at KMC

Apply as a new patientCall 905-459-4385

Common questions

Related guides

This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.