Searching the terms “need a doctor” and “find a doctor” fails to turn up useful links on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s website.

There’s no registry to let you know how many other people are ahead of you on waiting lists, because each doctor has their own individual list.

When looking for a doctor, you’re on your own. Here is how to navigate your way through the search.

• Go online: The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website (www.cpso.on.ca) provides a list of doctors accepting new patients in a requested city. Click on “Doctor Search” and you'll find there are different ways to localize your search. A warning though, the site is known for not always being up to date.

In Halton, visit the Region's website at www.physicianopportunities.ca. On the home page, click on the 'New Physicians Accepting Patients' link on the left-hand side. Officials say they try to update it as frequently as possible.

• Call around: It takes time, but there’s nothing wrong with working your way through the phone book. Good timing might catch you a break.

• Waiting lists: Since they’re all administered individually and differently, to cover all of your bases, it’s best to get your name on a few.

• Ask around: Talk to family, friends and co-workers to see if anyone has a doctor accepting patients. Ask if the doctor might be willing to accept patients. Sometimes it pays to be the friend of a friend.