Can I get a diagnosis from a health care professional in Canada if I don't have permanent residence?

[formertemporaryresident]

Can I get a diagnosis for something in Canada if I pay for it out of pocket?
I got my degree in Canada, then left after my student visa because grad school would have been too expensive as a temporary resident. I'm now back in Europe and don't have permanent residency/citizenship in Canada. Can I see a Canadian health care professional for a (potential) diagnosis I am seeking? In my country, what I'm suspecting I have is not well understood in my demographic and often wrongly stereotyped while North American perspective and research on it is a bit more advanced (I know, I studied it). Moreover, an assessment for it is not covered by health insurance anyway - in no country. I found a Canadian provider who seems informed and is herself diagnosed with what I'm trying to get an assessment for. To border control, I would pretend to be a "tourist", so they will never know. Financially, I can afford it. Is there anything else in my way as a foreigner that prevents me from seeking a diagnosis in Canada? Thanks.

 

[scylla]

Can I get a diagnosis for something in Canada if I pay for it out of pocket?
I got my degree in Canada, then left after my student visa because grad school would have been too expensive as a temporary resident. I'm now back in Europe and don't have permanent residency/citizenship in Canada. Can I see a Canadian health care professional for a (potential) diagnosis I am seeking? In my country, what I'm suspecting I have is not well understood in my demographic and often wrongly stereotyped while North American perspective and research on it is a bit more advanced (I know, I studied it). Moreover, an assessment for it is not covered by health insurance anyway - in no country. I found a Canadian provider who seems informed and is herself diagnosed with what I'm trying to get an assessment for. To border control, I would pretend to be a "tourist", so they will never know. Financially, I can afford it. Is there anything else in my way as a foreigner that prevents me from seeking a diagnosis in Canada? Thanks.

There is nothing stopping you from seeing a general practitioner in Canada (i.e. family doctor). As you've said, you would have to pay for this service but nothing stopping you from doing that and going to a walk-in clinic. It sounds like there is a specific specialist you want to see. You cannot see a specialist directly but have to be referred to that specialist by a GP first. You'd obviously have to pay for the specialist consult in addition to the GP. The one wrinkle I see is that it can take a while to get an appointment after a referral (months). So after you see the GP and get a referral, you may be waiting quite some time to see the specialist. Clinics are also often prioritizing those who are Canadian or have health care coverage through their temporary status (e.g. work permit). So your wait may be longer.

 

[formertemporaryresident]

There is nothing stopping you from seeing a general practitioner in Canada (i.e. family doctor). As you've said, you would have to pay for this service but nothing stopping you from doing that and going to a walk-in clinic. It sounds like there is a specific specialist you want to see. You cannot see a specialist directly but have to be referred to that specialist by a GP first. You'd obviously have to pay for the specialist consult in addition to the GP. The one wrinkle I see is that it can take a while to get an appointment after a referral (months). So after you see the GP and get a referral, you may be waiting quite some time to see the specialist. Clinics are also often prioritizing those who are Canadian or have health care coverage through their temporary status (e.g. work permit). So your wait may be longer.

Thanks. Is this only true for medical doctors that you need a GP referral first or also for psychologists? I'm looking to see a clinical psychologist (just for diagnosis, no treatment). Waiting time would be no problem at all, I just hope to not see a GP first as they often lack the specialist knowledge and might not believe I have what I strongly suspect. I also can't got to Canada just for a GP. Is there a way around seeing a GP first?

 

[Naturgrl]

Thanks. Is this only true for medical doctors that you need a GP referral first or also for psychologists? I'm looking to see a clinical psychologist (just for diagnosis, no treatment). Waiting time would be no problem at all, I just hope to not see a GP first as they often lack the specialist knowledge and might not believe I have what I strongly suspect. I also can't got to Canada just for a GP. Is there a way around seeing a GP first?

Book your appointment as you should not need to see GP. Psychologist will tell you if referral is needed.

 

[scylla]

Book your appointment as you should not need to see GP. Psychologist will tell you if referral is needed.

Agreed. Referral shouldn't be required in this situation.