In Vancouver there are GPs with private practices as you would expect in any city.

In addition, there are a number of privately owned (by doctors) walk-in clinics. If you have a problem, any problem, you simply show up and wait until a doctor is free. I have used this service a dozen times over 10 years and have never waited more than 30 minutes.

I want to stress that these aren't hospital emergency rooms, these are primary care physicians who can do the diagnoses, write prescriptions, order tests, and refer you to specialists.

If I get sick or need a prescription, I can walk into one of these clinics, and see a doctor in an hour, without any additional charge. Non-residents (those without a "Care Card") are generally charged a $100 drop-in fee.

No charge for tests or x-rays either. I've broken a few bones in my life and never paid for an ambulance, cast, xray, or even a CT Scan I had about 8 years ago.

Obviously, nost people would benefit from a longterm relationship with a family Dr., but you don't have to choose. If I go to a clinic, I can ask for a copy of my chart to be sent to my family Dr.

C'mon up and get your Doc'On!

Free screening for most STDs too, which is a bonus,

Edit - here's a clinic with 2 locations in the middle of downtown and in a residential area near the downtown to give you an idea of the organization:

Khats