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Guide for Revoking Consent in YourHealthNS .pdf
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YourHealthNS - Public FAQ_April 2025.pdf
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What is YourHealthNS?
It’s a new mobile and web app that connects you with care by providing a one stop shop for healthcare services, resources, and information. YourHealthNS makes it easier, more convenient, and faster for you to find the information they need by bringing together in one place health information from across the system and different partners.
Where can Nova Scotians download the app?
It is available through the Apple and Google Play stores. The app can also be accessed online at www.YourHealthNS.ca.
What does the app do?
It has many features that help people find information and care options they need. There is a health services finder that allows Nova Scotians to search for services closest to them. You can book blood, x-ray, and vaccine appointments and receive appointment reminders. You can find your health records, advice on healthy eating, physical activity, and mental health and addictions resources, services, and information easily.
Does the app store personal or health information?
No personal or health information is stored on the app.
When should Nova Scotians use YourHealthNS?
They should use YourHealthNS when they require safe and quick access to healthcare information, resources, and services.
Does this app replace 811?
No, 811 still exists and is a separate service. It is a phone-based service that means Nova Scotians can speak to nurses who provide advice on a broad range of everyday health concerns in over 120 languages.
YourHealthNS Support
If you need technical, navigational or educational support while using the YourHealthNS app, please complete the form below or
Please do not include personal health information, or personal identifying information when submitting feedback. If you are having an emergency, call 911. This support team provides help to citizens trying to access and/or use the YourHealthNS app and they can not address personal health concerns.
For support with your "My NS Account" contact the Government of Nova Scotia’s My NS Account support team at 1-844-322-9375.
Feedback Survey
We are working daily to improve the YourHealthNS experience and are asking you for your input and feedback to help us. Your opinions matter as we continuously improve and enhance our services, resources and information. To share your feedback, please fill out this form:
Frequently Asked Questions
NOVA VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
What is Nova?
Nova is an AI-powered virtual assistant integrated into the YourHealthNS mobile app and web app. It provides quick and reliable answers to healthcare-related questions, helping Nova Scotians navigate the healthcare system more efficiently.
Users can ask follow-up questions, rephrase questions and in addition to receiving answers directing them to care options, they'll receive additional resources.
Users asking questions about accessing care who have location services enabled when using Nova will be directed to the service options closest to them.
Does this replace the chat tool?
Yes, Nova replaces the previous chat tool. Nova takes away the limitations of the previous chat tool and allows users to ask a wider range of questions about healthcare services and information.
How do I access Nova?
You can access Nova through the YourHealthNS mobile app, available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can use Nova via the YourHealthNS website at www.YourHealthNS.ca.
What kind of questions can I ask Nova?
You can ask Nova a wide range of healthcare-related questions, such as:
- What’s the nearest mobile clinic or pharmacy?
- How do I access virtual care services?
- I need information on mental health resources.
- I’m looking for guidance on managing chronic conditions.
- Where can I get tested for strep throat?
Is the information provided by Nova reliable?
Nova sources its information from trusted Nova Scotia-based healthcare resources, including the websites Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health, Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addictions Program, and more. Nova was also widely tested by healthcare providers, ensuring answers are accurate and relevant to your needs.
Nova’s responses are not a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied on in the place of directives from clinicians.
What languages does Nova use?
Users can ask Nova questions and receive responses in both English and French, however, the resources Nova provides in responses are from English-only websites.
Does Nova use or store my personal health information?
No, Nova does not collect or store any personal health information. Your privacy and security are top priorities, and the tool is designed to comply with all relevant privacy laws and regulations.
Nova also cannot identify whether users are or are not logged in to their MyNS Account, and cannot access health records or link users to the questions they ask.
Can Nova book medical appointments for me?
No, Nova is focused on providing information and guidance on healthcare services and access. While it does not have the capability to book appointments directly, it can guide you on how to schedule appointments through appropriate channels.
Is there a cost to use Nova?
No, using Nova is free for all users.
How does Nova differ from the previous chat tool in YourHealthNS?
Nova allows you to use natural language to ask questions or seek information, rather than flowing through a menu. Nova is an information resource, helping you find answers to healthcare questions and navigate services. It can direct you to appropriate services but does not replace direct medical consultations.
Does Nova give healthcare advice or diagnoses?
No, Nova cannot provide users with specific healthcare advice and cannot provide a diagnosis. Nova’s responses are not a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied on in the place of directives from clinicians.
What should I do if Nova cannot answer my question?
If Nova is unable to provide the information you need, it will guide you to additional resources or suggest contacting healthcare providers directly for further assistance.
How can I provide feedback about my experience with Nova?
We welcome your feedback to improve Nova. You can share your thoughts through the feedback option within the YourHealthNS app or by visiting our feedback page at YourHealthNS Feedback.
APPOINTMENT REMINDERS
Who can access the appointment reminder feature?
This service is available to registered users of the YourHealthNS app who are 16 years of age and older.
Where can I find my appointments on the YourHealthNS app?
To view your appointments, go to the “Records” tab and select “Upcoming Appointments.” Make sure you’re signed into your My NS Account to access this information.
How soon will I see my Appointment Reminders in the YourHealthNS app?
There is a 7-day delay between the time clinics book appointments and the appointment appears in the app. This is to allow clinics time to contact patients directly.
How far in advance will I be able to see Appointment Reminders in the YourHealthNS app?
The Upcoming Appointments tab will only show appointments for the coming 28 days, understanding many changes can happen for both patients and clinics. By showing appointments for only the coming 28 days, patients won't receive multiple change notifications, or information about tentative appointments.
What type of appointments are included in push notification reminders in the YourHealthNS app?
• Appointments for hospitals, primary care, walk-in clinics, community pharmacies, vaccines, mental health and addictions (Nova Scotia Health/IWK), diagnostic imaging, lab work, ECG/EKG, STI testing, and screening mammograms
• Appointments at participating First Nations health centres
What type of appointments are excluded for push notification reminders in the YourHealthNS app?
• Clinics using paper records or doing bookings outside standard digital systems
• Independent providers (e.g., physiotherapists, chiropractors, private mental health clinics)
• Diagnostic mammograms
• Cancer care appointments that are already getting reminders
• Specialist appointments
• Certain appointment areas to ensure sensitive information can be communicated with patients most appropriately
This service can only be accessed by registered users 16 years of age and older.
Push notifications are sent seven days, one day prior to, and the day of the appointment.
What is the criteria for clinics for Appointment Reminder exclusions?
There are specific scenarios where reminders will not be sent to ensure patient confidentiality, compliance with legal requirements, and patient requests. Reasons for exclusion may include:
• Patient contact instructions (patient advised of no reminders)
• Appointments sensitive in nature (mental health and addictions)
• Legal requirements not to disclose / send reminders
• Duplicate appointments (scenario when 1 patient sees multiple specialties as part of 1 visit with for chronic disease)
• Appointments delivered by third parties
• Exclusion requests that meet the above can be sent to the IT Service Desk (see contacts below), please request that a ticket be logged as high priority
Do you have to be signed in to your My NS Account on the YourHealthNS app to receive appointment reminders?
No, you do not need to be signed into your My NS Account to receive appointment reminders.
What happens if my healthcare provider doesn’t use an electronic medical record system?
If your healthcare provider still uses paper records instead of an electronic medical record system, you won’t be able to receive appointment reminders.
Am I able to confirm or cancel an appointment through the reminder system?
No, to confirm, cancel or reschedule an appointment, you’ll need to contact the clinic directly.
What if the clinic or provider must change my appointment due to poor weather, illness, or other factors?
If the clinic or healthcare provider must change your appointment, they will reach out to you directly. Changes may not be immediately reflected in the YourHealthNS app or text message reminders.
Can I opt out of appointment reminders?
Appointment information will automatically be available through the app as part of an individual’s personal health record. Citizens can modify notification settings on their phone if they do not wish to get app reminders. If you do not want a text reminder, you can let the booking clinic know.
Can I change the schedule of sending Appointment Reminders?
The timing is standard for all clinics within Nova Scotia Health and IWK, and currently set to 7 days, 1 day prior and the day of the appointment for push notifications through the YourHealthNS app
HEALTH RECORDS
You can find a detailed list of FAQs about online health records with YourHealthNS here.
Why are health records being made available online?
Nova Scotia Health is committed to responding to the feedback we hear from our patients. The Nova Scotia Our Care report made it clear that patients want their online health records to be freely accessible so that they can be more engaged in their own healthcare.
What information from my online health records will be available?
Anyone with a Nova Scotia health card who is over the age of 16 and who chooses to access their health record online will have access to information about:
- Visits to a primary care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist who offers primary care services)
- VirtualCareNS appointments
- Hospital stays and visits
- Medications
- Lab test results
- Information about diagnostic imaging tests, including X-ray reports
For a detailed list of what information will be included in your online health records and when it will appear within YourHealthNS, please click here.
Is my information safe and secure?
All data will be stored in a secure cloud environment. Your data will not be stored on the YourHealthNS app and can only be viewed through My NS Account from within the app, upon authentication. To learn more about a My NS Account, click here.
To find out what information is collected, how it's used and disclosed, how information is protected or to learn more about your privacy rights and choices, see our Privacy Notice.
Where will my healthcare data be stored?
All patient data is being securely stored on cloud-based servers in Canada.
Can patients revoke consent for their online health records through YourHealthNS?
Nova Scotians can withdraw consent from having your health records viewable through the YourHealthNS app.
It’s important for Nova Scotians to understand that any time you receive a healthcare service in Nova Scotia a health record is created. This record can then be used by healthcare providers across the healthcare system to have a better understanding of your complete medical history and provide you care that is appropriate. Health records will always be part of the system but it’s up to each patient to decide if they want to access them. The only way to do that will be through YourHealthNS with a secure login, or requesting paper records directly from a provider which may result in a fee.
When you use YourHealthNS to view your health records, your personal health information is collected, used and disclosed under the authority of the NS Personal Health Information Act. You have the right to withdraw your consent to the use or disclosure of your personal health information for this purpose at any time.
You can find the instructions to withdraw your consent here.
How will you ensure that records are protected?
No information is stored on the app; it only redirects you to where you can login to view your health records. Before you can log in you need to authenticate your identity by registering for a My NS Account. All information will be stored on a secure cloud (server) in Canada and in accordance with international standards for health data.
What is My NS Account and why is one needed to access records?
My NS Account is the Government of Nova Scotia’s secure online service. Nova Scotians can create a single account to access multiple online provincial services and to verify personal information online services that require it.
Records from the IWK are included, but I can’t see results for my child, why?
Families have other mechanisms to request access to their children’s health records. In developing the records component of the app, the focus has always been to provide patients with their own personal health information. The age to register to access this information through the app is 16. Anyone under 16 is unable to create an account and dependent profiles cannot be linked to those of parents or guardians.
It’s also important to remember that the IWK also provides women’s health and by providing access to IWK health records, we’re providing women who have access services through the IWK a more complete picture of their health history and information.
What about unattached patients? Will their records be available?
Yes. If you have a Nova Scotia health card and received healthcare in the province, a record will have been created that you can access.
What about people who are elderly or don’t want or have access to the equipment to access their records online? What options are available?
We understand that not everyone will be comfortable or able to access their records this way. Patients can still request paper copies from their healthcare provider but there may be a fee set by the provider.
Who do I contact for help with My NS Account?
Contact the Government of Nova Scotia’s My NS Account support team at 1-844-322-9375.
Who do I contact with concerns about my personal health information?
If you have a concern regarding your personal health information, please contact the Department of Health and Wellness Health Privacy and Records Management at phia@novascotia.ca.
Who do I contact if I think there is an error in my health information?
Contact Support by using the button at the top of this page.
You can find a detailed list of FAQs here.