Public Health Care Providers

Under the Canada Health Act, primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and dental surgery are all covered by provincial insurance policies.

Primary care physicians are the forefront of Canadian health care. There are currently about 30000 primary care doctors in Canada, and they account for just over half of all physicians. They provide basic medical treatments and preventative care.

Specialists are provided for services outside the scope of primary care physicians. Typically, an individual's physician will refer them to specialists as needed. There are currently about 28000 specialist doctors working in Canada.

Hospitals operate both with referrals from physicians as well as on an emergency basis. Ambulatory services are provided for those unable to transport themselves to a hospital in the event of an emergency.

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