The Need a Family Practice Registry supports Nova Scotians who are looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, or they are moving, retiring, or closing their practice, there are two ways you can join the registry:
Sign up for the Need a Family Practice Registry
How do I find out where I am on the list? When will I get a family doctor or nurse practitioner?
When Nova Scotia Health is contacted by a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients, we send them a list of people on the registry for that community. The practice will accept new patients from the registry based on their capacity at that time. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to confirm where you are on the registry, or when you will find a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
Do all family physicians use the registry to accept new patients?
Family physicians are independent health care providers regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia who can determine how they accept new patients. However, Nova Scotia Health works with most family physicians to accept patients from the Need a Family Practice Registry.
I have a family practice but have moved to another part of the province. Can I add my name to the registry?
Yes. If you are unable to access your family doctor or nurse practitioner because you have moved, please register.
I'm new to Nova Scotia and I don't have a health card yet. Can I add my name to the registry?
Yes. You can start your registration by calling 811. Please note: you must provide a health card number within four months of registering.
Your registration is not complete until a Nova Scotia health card number is obtained from MSI. Once you receive your health card number from MSI, please call 811 again to complete your registration for a family practice.
Please note that if you have not yet received your Nova Scotia health card, you are not eligible for some health care services such as VirtualCareNS and Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics.
If you have questions about your Nova Scotia health card, please contact MSI at 1-800-563-8880.
Can I register in multiple communities for the first available family doctor or nurse practitioner?
No, we are unable to offer registration in multiple communities. You can add your name to the registry using one address (such as your home or workplace), depending on which location may be more convenient for accessing a family practice (e.g. when you work in one community and live in another).
How can I cancel my request on the registry?
If you have found a family doctor or nurse practitioner, please let us know by clicking on the "Remove" button on the Need a Family Practice Registry web page or by calling 811, from Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How can I update my contact information or health questionnaire information on the registry?
You can do this by clicking the "Register/Update" button on the Need a Family Practice Registry web page or by calling 811, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How can I confirm that my dependents or I are on the registry?
To confirm that you are on the registry, please click the "confirm" button on the Need a Family Practice Registry web page or call 811, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. To confirm that your dependents are on the registry, please call 811, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
What is the health questionnaire?
Your profile on the Need a Family Practice Registry includes a health questionnaire. The information you share on the questionnaire will help us understand the health concerns of Nova Scotians and allow us to improve or create the right support and services. This questionnaire will also help us share information with you about primary healthcare services that you can access while you are on the Registry.
Where can I get primary health care while waiting to be connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner?
To learn more about healthcare services that are available to you:
Nova Scotia Health's new One Person One Record system has rolled out at facilities in the Halifax Regional and West Hants municipalities, and some provincial Mental Health and Addictions Program services.
During this time of transition to a better patient-record system, our teams will keep working to get you the care you need.
You may notice staff in purple vests helping our care teams use the new system.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Learn MoreMuch of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.
