Doctors

Manitoba Health covers you and your dependents for any medically required doctor services. We pay doctors directly for insured services provided in their office, clinic, hospital or other institution, or in your home.

Those services can include routine appointments, emergency care, and care while you are in a hospital. Manitoba Health also covers medically necessary surgery, anesthesia, x-rays and laboratory services when ordered by your doctor.

One of the most important things you can do for your family's health is to have a family doctor. She or he will get to know you and your health needs, and provide ongoing care - which means better health for you and your family.

Your family doctor is your doorway to the health care system's other services, such as diagnostic tests or referral to a medical specialist.

In Manitoba, you can find a family doctor by calling the Family Doctor Connection Line at 204-786-7111 or toll free 866-690-8260. TTY/TDD call 711 relay service or 1-800-855-0511.  You will be informed which doctors in your neighbourhood are accepting new patients, and how to get in touch with them.

This free service, offered by Manitoba Health and the Manitoba College of Family Physicians, operates Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Outside of those hours, you can leave a message.)

Your family doctor is probably a general practitioner - that is, a doctor trained to deal with your overall health. But sometimes, your doctor may suggest you seek special care for an illness, injury or condition, and refer you to a specialist.

A specialist is a doctor who focuses on a particular area of medicine, and has extra training and expertise in that area. Some doctors, for example, specialize in treating heart disease or cancer. Usually, a referral from your family doctor is the only way to see a specialist. Manitoba Health will pay for a specialist if you need to see one.

Optometrists - These are practitioners who measure how well you can see, prescribe glasses or contact lenses and detect eye disease. If you are under 19 years old or 65 or over, Manitoba Health will pay for one complete routine eye exam by an optometrist every two years. And if an optometrist decides that regular eye exams are medically necessary for you, we will cover them no matter what your age.

Chiropractors - These are practitioners who can diagnose joint or back problems and treat them by physically manipulating the spine and other parts of the body. Manitoba Health covers adjustment of the spinal column, pelvis, arms and legs, up to a maximum of 12 visits in a calendar year. There may be additional costs during a visit to the chiropractor that are covered by the patient.

Dental surgeons - For certain procedures where dental surgery must be performed in a hospital, Manitoba Health covers the professional services of a dental surgeon. You (or your private health plan, if you have one) must pay for dental surgery performed in the surgeon's office.