N.S. virtual health-care program expanded

Residents without family doctor have access to free online medical appointment

Nova Scotia is offering free online medical appointments to all residents on the province’s registry for people who need a family doctor.

As of late August, anyone on the provincial Need a Family Practice registry can sign up for Virtual Care Nova Scotia.

Previously, people had to receive an email invitation to use the medical program, which allows people to have online appointments with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

The online service first launched as a pilot in May 2021. Since then, the provincial Department of Health said more than 21,000 virtual appointments have happened.

“As we continue to recruit more health-care workers and find innovative healthcare solutions, we are pleased that all Nova Scotians on the registry will be able to use VirtualCareNS,” said Thompson.

“VirtualCareNS is free, effective, and a convenient way for Nova Scotians to get medical care.”

About 150 to 200 virtual appointments are available each weekday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and on Monday evenings until 7 p.m.

The province said there are 61 primary care providers delivering care through VirtualCareNS, including 54 family doctors and seven nurse practitioners, and more providers are being recruited.

Health officials noted that patients whose health concerns cannot be resolved virtually will be provided with options for in-person care.

To use the virtual care service, people must live in Nova Scotia, be without a primary care provider and be on the Need a Family Practice Registry.

People can register by calling 811 or visiting needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca.

Once on the registry, people can visit www.nshealth. ca/content/virtualcarens and use their Nova Scotia health card to get a virtual appointment.