Ontario is changing how Family Doctors are paid under the new FHO+ model.

In simple terms, there is now more emphasis on in-person visits.

Prior to 2026, most of a family doctor’s pay came from a flat yearly amount per patient. Very little came from actual visits (about $7 for an in-person visit).

This made it far more efficient for me to:

• Answer questions by email or portal

• Relay messages through staff

• Minimize the need for in-person visits

OHIP has never paid for this online care. Some doctors already charged for this service. But to me, it made sense to provide it freely because it was efficient and the alternative of in-person visits paid the doctor so little.

Under FHO+, the incentives have flipped.

Doctors are now paid more for in-person visits, and far less through flat yearly payments.

For better or worse, the system now strongly pushes care toward in-person visits.

* Learn more about the FHO+ model here

✅ In-person visits (OHIP covered)

• Most medical issues should now be handled through an in-person visit.
• Online booking is now open, easy, and free. (The link is below)

💻 Medical advice by email or secure portal (uninsured service)

• This service is not covered by OHIP.
• If you choose the convenience of getting medical advice by email or portal message instead of booking a visit.
• $30 per issue (normally $50 but discounted for the time being).

💳 PS365 (PatientSERV) Annual Plan members

• This service is fully included for PS365 members, for the time being.
• (Normally, the PS365 Plan gives a 50% discount on the $50 fee, meaning the fee would be $25. However, the additional fee is currently being waived. Your PS365 plan INCLUDES this service).

* Learn more about Uninsured Services and the PS365 Annual Plan with PatientSERV

If you submit a message hoping for online advice, but your issue really requires an in-person assessment:

• You will not be charged

• You will simply be asked to book a visit instead

You always have a no-cost option for care:

➡️ Book an in-person visit using the Online Booking

If you prefer the convenience of online medical advice, a fee now applies because the new system no longer supports doing most care this way.