Finding an Immigration Clinic Near You: Walk-in or Booked?

Long ago, scheduling any type of healthcare examination required waiting weeks, if not months, just for an appointment. However, with the continual evolution of our healthcare system, patients can today either choose to schedule appointments or simply walk in, whichever is more convenient.

When considering an Immigration Medical Exam (IME), though, is it better to walk in or book an appointment?

Walk-in Appointments

Walk-in appointments are when people arrive and receive services without the need to schedule an appointment. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This eliminates the need to book in advance, as patients can simply enter the walk-in clinic and wait for their turn.

While most people choose walk-in services when there is a need for immediate attention, urgency isn’t the only reason why a walk-in appointment is preferable.

Advantages

Some people enjoy the option of arriving at a walk-in clinic at a time that suits their schedule. They want the flexibility that walk-in options provide. Some may specifically look for providers that allow walk-in traffic. These individuals may have a continually changing schedule and prefer the flexibility of walk-in services over booking an appointment that could be cancelled.

Disadvantages

Long waiting lines at a walk-in clinic can create an unpleasant experience, as no one wants to wait hours in line just for an IME. Lengthy wait times are especially prevalent during peak periods, when demand for services is higher. It is for this reason that booking in advance can become less frustrating for the individual.

Can’t Plan Your Day

The uncertainty of how long you will have to wait will leave planning your day in limbo. If you end up having to wait for a long time at a walk-in clinic, it can disrupt your schedule, making you extremely fidgety. Many end up leaving without receiving their IME because they don’t want to wait any longer. Being a walk-in appointment doesn’t guarantee you will be immediately seen, and you could experience long delays.

Same-Day Appointments or Scheduling in Advance

Appointments are scheduled in advance, and often there is availability for either the same date or a future date. As with walk-in appointments, there is a sense of urgency as patients want to get the first available time. However, it offers no flexibility and can be subject to demand.

The Pros

The benefit of booking same-day appointments is that a patient still has their time slot without the need to wait indefinitely in line. It allows you to plan your day. Furthermore, it will enable both the patient and the clinic to know the nature of the visit in advance, enabling them to prepare accordingly.

For example, if you just need to have a physical exam completed, then the clinic can book the time slot accordingly. They know they do not have to undergo any X-rays, additional exams, or bloodwork. It frees up time for another person who may need it.

Efficiency

Pre-registering your information online saves you time in filling out paperwork when you arrive. As a result, it streamlines the process.

Specialized Care

IMEs are a formal assessment and are not routine visits. By booking in advance, you ensure that your specialist has the necessary information to provide you with a detailed evaluation. Since we thoroughly review your medical history and complete a comprehensive examination, planned appointments are less stressful than hurried visits.

Overall, the benefits of booking an appointment at an immigration clinic include the following:

• There are shorter wait times than a walk-in appointment.
• They address more urgent needs or are advantageous if waiting for a future appointment is not an option (same-day bookings).

The Cons

While many clinics allow you to book online, some require that you call in advance to make an appointment. This option is also less flexible.

Should I walk in or book an appointment at an immigration clinic?

Walk-in clinic appointments make sense when you have some time to wait. You have more flexibility, but you may have to wait longer during peak hours or when many appointments are already booked.

Our immigration clinic advises booking in advance for those who desire certainty. You will still receive care on the same day; however, with advanced booking, wait times are generally shorter. It also allows us to prepare in advance for your visit. If you want to save time, booking a same-day appointment is more advantageous.

Finding a Panel Physician for Your Immigration Medical Exam

Unfortunately, booking an appointment for your immigration medical exam (IME) isn’t as easy as contacting your family physician. A panel physician must conduct all IMEs.

Immigration Medical Toronto has several panel clinic physicians who can perform the IME, with clinics conveniently located throughout the GTA. We are equipped to handle all aspects of the IME in a single location, thus saving you time.

If you are in a hurry to get your IME done, Immigration Medical Toronto accepts walk-ins as well as booked appointments. However, while we do accept walk-ins, preference is given to those with appointments.

Why can I only book through a panel physician?

Panel physicians consist of doctors approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to perform IMEs for those looking to immigrate to Canada. Only an authorized panel physician can perform mandatory medical examinations to ensure each applicant’s health doesn’t pose a health risk to Canadians and to assess their medical admissibility into Canada.

These physicians have specialized training to understand and administer Canada’s health stipulations for immigration. They follow standardized procedures and administer specific tests (chest X-rays, physical examinations, and other tests for communicable diseases) to assess your overall health.

A panel clinic physician’s responsibility is to perform the IME and submit the results to the IRCC (usually through eMedical) for a final review.

Receiving Your Immigration Medical Exam at Immigration Medical Toronto

Should you book an appointment or just show up? The benefit of our immigration clinic is that we have several convenient locations throughout Toronto and the GTA, making getting your IME done quick and easy. Provided that you are prepared with the appropriate documentation, the flexibility of being a walk-in may be more appealing.

If you’re someone who likes to plan or manage appointments for multiple people, consider our online booking system. This way, you can plan out your day and avoid potentially long wait times. For some, this is a more efficient way of handling the IME.

The decision as to whether to book ahead or just show up is a personal one. However, when you are ready, please call us at 416-463-2438, email us at admin@immigrationmedtoronto.com, or book online. You can also contact us here.