After-Hours Care Without the Worry: Why Using Arlo Doesn’t Bill Your GP.

Accessing Arlo When Your Family Doctor Isn't Available: Healthcare Options for Ontario Parents

Yes, you can absolutely use Arlo even when your family doctor's office is closed! Arlo operates independently from your GP, so there's no billing overlap or conflict. We're designed to be there when you need care outside regular office hours.

How it works

When your child gets sick and your family doctor isn't available, Arlo steps in as your backup healthcare option. You simply text us through our secure platform, and we'll connect you with a licensed healthcare provider within minutes. Our providers can assess your child's symptoms, provide medical advice, and even prescribe medications when appropriate.

The billing is completely separate from your family doctor. Arlo charges a flat fee per consultation, which you pay directly to us. Your GP never sees this transaction, and it won't affect your relationship with your regular doctor's office. Think of it like calling a walk-in clinic, except it's available 24/7 from your phone.

What you'll need

- Your child's health card number

- A brief description of symptoms

- Your child's current medications (if any)

- Your pharmacy information (if a prescription might be needed)

When Arlo makes sense

Arlo works best for those middle-of-the-night worries, weekend sniffles, or sudden symptoms that need attention but aren't emergency-room urgent. Maybe your toddler develops a fever on Sunday evening, or your teenager complains of ear pain when your doctor's office is closed for the week. These are perfect Arlo moments.

Our providers can help with common childhood issues like cold and flu symptoms, minor injuries, skin rashes, digestive troubles, and those "is this normal?" questions that keep parents up at night. We can also provide guidance on when you should head to the emergency room or wait for your regular doctor.

Common questions

Will my family doctor know I used Arlo? Only if you choose to tell them. Arlo consultations are private and separate from your regular medical records, though we always encourage families to keep their primary doctor informed about any significant health concerns.

What if Arlo recommends I see my GP anyway? Sometimes that happens, and it's actually reassuring. Our providers might suggest following up with your family doctor for ongoing issues or if they want additional tests. This doesn't mean you wasted money on Arlo – you got professional medical guidance when you needed it most.

The takeaway

Your child's health doesn't follow office hours, and neither should your access to healthcare. Arlo gives you peace of mind when your regular doctor isn't available.

You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!

References

- [Ontario Health Insurance Plan Coverage](https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers)

- [When to Visit a Walk-in Clinic](https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-walk-clinic)

- [After-hours Healthcare Options in Ontario](https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-medical-care)