What is a Family Health Organization (FHO)?

FHO stands for Family Health Organization. It is an initiative of the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Your doctor’s Family Health Organization (FHO) is a group of family physicians who are working together to give you and your family better access to quality primary services. The care your physician delivers includes making referrals to specialists and being involved with, or informed about, your care in hospital.

Ontario’s family physicians are the foundation upon which our health care system is based. Your family physician is your first stop for primary care and your guide through this system.

For you, registering in a Family Health Organization means that you will have access to primary care treatment or telephone health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Registration in our organization will also entitle you to:

• Extended hours on evenings and weekends
• Better and more up-to-date information in your medical record.
• You are encouraged to check with your family physican for same day walk-in appointment availability.

Forming a Family Health Organization is an opportunity for both of us to benefit from a new range of supportive services that will make it easier to provide accessible, comprehensive primary care to you with an emphasis on prevention.

You and your family are invited to register with your doctor. While it is not mandatory for you to register with our Family Health Organization, we strongly urge you to do so in order to enjoy the full range of benefits. Please inquire at your next appointment.