Ontario Family Health Organization (FHO): Benefits for Enrolled Patients

What is a Family Health Organization (FHO)?

A Family Health Organization (FHO) is a model of primary care in Ontario where a group of family physicians work together to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for enrolled patients. Physicians collaborate to improve access to care, offer after-hours services, and focus on preventive medicine and chronic disease management.

Benefits for Patients

A Dedicated Family Physician

You have an ongoing relationship with your family doctor, who knows your medical history, medications, and health goals.

  • More personalized care

  • Better long-term health management

  • Stronger doctor-patient relationship

Improved Access to Care

Our FHO provides care during regular office hours and offers after-hours services through physicians within the group.

  • Same-day or urgent appointments when available

  • Access to another physician in the practice if your doctor is unavailable

  • Reduced reliance on walk-in clinics

For emergencies, patients should always visit the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.

Better Continuity of Care

Your care is coordinated within one medical practice, helping ensure your healthcare team has access to your medical information.

  • More coordinated treatment

  • Fewer duplicate tests

  • Improved communication between providers

  • Better management of chronic conditions

Research consistently shows that continuity with a family physician is associated with improved health outcomes and reduced hospital use.

More Time Focused on Your Health

Because the FHO model emphasizes comprehensive, ongoing care rather than simply the number of office visits, our physicians can focus on:

  • Preventive care

  • Managing complex health conditions

  • Coordinating care across the healthcare system

  • Supporting long-term wellness

How You Can Help Us Provide the Best Care

Patients enrolled in our FHO are encouraged to:

  • Contact their family physician first for non-emergency medical concerns.

  • Use after-hours services offered by the clinic instead of walk-in clinics.

  • Keep appointments and notify the clinic if they need to cancel.

  • Update the clinic with changes to contact information or medications.