Will Telehealth Get Me De-Rostered? Why Arlo Doesn’t Impact Your GP
Nov 7, 2025
A hidden barrier to care in Canada
If you’re a parent in Ontario, you’ve probably heard: “If you use walk‑ins or virtual care, your family doctor can remove you from their roster.” That fear is so real that many families wait it out, lose sleep, or sit in the ER for hours rather than risk losing their GP. It’s understandable. Finding a family doctor is hard, and you don’t want to jeopardize that relationship.
Why this fear exists
Most walk‑in and virtual services bill OHIP for each visit. This can, in some situations, cause tension with your GP’s practice model, making them financially responsible for the visit to the walk in clinic. Not every doctor removes patients for this, but the possibility is enough to make people avoid care when they need it.
Why Arlo is different and actually GP‑safe
Arlo operates on a fundamentally different model: we don't bill OHIP for consultations.We can offer this service since texting isn’t covered by OHIP.
What this means for you:
No OHIP claim from your Arlo visit
No billing conflict with your GP
No automatic notifications to your GP
You stay registered with your family doctor.
You can message Arlo at 2 AM about your kid’s ear pain, get guidance in minutes, even pick up a prescription if it’s appropriate. Your GP relationship stays intact. If you want, we’ll share visit notes with your GP so they stay in the loop.
Your family doctor relationship matters to you. It matters to us too. Arlo is designed to support that relationship, not replace it.
The emotional relief is real
Parents tell us they feel immediate relief when they hear this: “So I can get help tonight without risking my family doctor?” Yes. That’s the point. Fast care, less worry, and zero guilt about using another provider.
With Arlo, you get:
Replies in minutes, day or night
Prescriptions and lab orders, when they’re needed.
Simple next steps you can feel confident about.
Feel reassured knowing your family doctor relationship is safe and supported.
Quick FAQ
Will my GP find out I used Arlo?
That is up to you! We only share notes if you ask us to.
Can using Arlo ever affect my roster?
No. Because Arlo doesn’t bill OHIP, your GP roster isn’t impacted.
Can Arlo work with my GP?
Yes. With your permission, we can securely send visit notes to support continuity of care.