Applying For A Family Doctor In New Brunswick

Finding a family doctor in New Brunswick can be challenging, especially for newcomers or those without a primary healthcare provider. To address this issue, the province has introduced NB Health Link, a program that helps connect residents with a network of family doctors and nurse practitioners. This service has replaced Patient Connect NB, which was previously the main avenue for finding a family physician in the province. NB Health Link aims to provide access to healthcare for those without a family doctor, offering in-person, telephone, and online appointments in the patient's chosen language while they wait for a long-term placement. To register for NB Health Link, patients can visit the program's website or call their toll-free number during regular office hours.

Register with NB Health Link

NB Health Link is a program for New Brunswick residents without a primary healthcare provider. It provides access to a network of family doctors and nurse practitioners throughout the province. The program is designed to help patients receive the healthcare they need while they wait for a long-term placement with a family physician or nurse practitioner.

How to Register

To register with NB Health Link, you must be a resident of New Brunswick without a primary healthcare provider. You can register by visiting the NB Health Link website or by calling their toll-free number, 1-833-354-2300, from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

When registering, you will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and contact details. You will also need a valid New Brunswick Medicare card. It is important to keep your information up-to-date, especially if there are any changes to your address or contact information.

Benefits of NB Health Link

NB Health Link offers a centralized health record that follows patients from one appointment to another, ensuring a true ongoing healthcare experience. This record allows for easy follow-up and coordination of care. Appointments can be booked and conducted in-person, by telephone, or online, depending on the patient's symptoms and needs. Additionally, NB Health Link supports appointments in both official languages, so patients can choose their preferred language.

Finding a Long-Term Family Doctor

While NB Health Link provides access to healthcare while you wait for a long-term family doctor, you can also actively search for a permanent family physician. NB Health Link has replaced Patient Connect NB as the provincially managed, bilingual patient registry. This service matches patients with healthcare providers based on the provider's availability to accept new patients in the patient's area.

To increase your chances of finding a suitable family doctor, consider the following:

• Utilize the NB Health Link program and take advantage of their appointments while you wait for a long-term placement.
• Keep your information up-to-date with NB Health Link, as this can impact your search for a permanent family doctor.
• Familiarize yourself with the NB Health Link program and its processes to ensure a smooth experience.

Understand Patient Connect NB

Patient Connect NB is a service designed to help residents of New Brunswick find a primary healthcare provider, such as a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The program works by matching you with a provider who is accepting new patients in your area. By registering with Patient Connect NB, you are placed on a centralized list that allows healthcare providers to view your information and contact you when they have an available spot.

The main goal of Patient Connect NB is to improve access to primary healthcare services for New Brunswick residents. This service is crucial for maintaining your health, as having a primary healthcare provider ensures you receive personalized and continuous care.

To be eligible for Patient Connect NB, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a resident of New Brunswick.
• You must have a valid Medicare card.
• You must not have a primary healthcare provider, or your current provider is retiring or relocating.

To register for Patient Connect NB, complete the online registration form on their official website. Be sure to provide accurate contact information, which will notify you when a healthcare provider becomes available. Additionally, you can update or remove your registration online if your healthcare needs change.

After registering with Patient Connect NB, your information will be added to a confidential database. When a healthcare provider becomes available, and you are next on the waitlist, you will be matched with them. You'll receive a notification advising you of the contact information for your new healthcare provider.

It's important to note that wait times for a family doctor can vary depending on several factors, including the availability of doctors accepting new patients and the number of people on the waitlist. While there's no specific time frame guarantee, Patient Connect NB continuously works to match patients with available doctors.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for Patient Connect NB, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a resident of New Brunswick.
• You must have a valid Medicare card.
• You must not have a primary healthcare provider, or your current provider is retiring or relocating.

NB Health Link is a provincially managed, bilingual patient registry for New Brunswickers without access to a primary health care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner). There is no specific mention of eligibility requirements for this program. However, it is safe to assume that being a resident of New Brunswick without access to a primary healthcare provider is essential.

Additionally, when registering for any program or service, it is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information, including your contact details, health status, and any changes in your situation. This will increase your chances of being matched with a suitable healthcare provider and ensure that you receive the best possible care.

Registration process

The registration process for finding a family doctor in New Brunswick involves several steps, and there are different services available to help you through this process. Here is a detailed outline of the registration process:

• Patient Connect NB: The first step is to register with Patient Connect NB, a provincially managed and bilingual patient registry service. This service assists residents of New Brunswick in finding a family doctor or nurse practitioner in their area. To register, you must complete an online registration form on the Patient Connect NB website. You will need to provide personal information, your health card number, and a basic health history. Having a valid Medicare card is also essential. Once registered, you will be placed on a waitlist for a family doctor. The wait time can vary depending on factors such as doctor availability and the number of people on the waitlist.
• Understanding the Process: It is important to familiarize yourself with the Patient Connect NB program and its workings. This includes understanding the potential challenges and how the service matches you with a healthcare provider. The service works by matching you with a doctor or nurse practitioner accepting new patients in your area.
• Using the Patient Connect NB Portal: To use the portal effectively, you must first create an account. Visit the Patient Connect NB website and click the "Register" button. Provide the necessary information, such as your name, date of birth, and provincial Medicare number. After submitting the form, follow the instructions in the verification email to complete your registration.
• Navigating the Features: The portal offers several useful features to help in your search for a family doctor. You can search for doctors accepting new patients and refine your search based on criteria like language, gender, and distance from your location. You can also view doctor profiles, including their practice, experience, and qualifications. Additionally, you can join a specific doctor's waitlist if they are not currently accepting new patients.
• Alternative Healthcare Options: While waiting for a family doctor through Patient Connect NB, consider alternative healthcare options to meet your immediate health needs. These include walk-in clinics, telemedicine consultations, and seeking advice from pharmacists for minor health issues.
• Maintain Updated Information: Keep your information on Patient Connect NB up-to-date. This includes your contact details, health status, and any changes in your situation. This increases your chances of being matched with a suitable doctor and ensures you receive accurate and timely healthcare services.
• NB Health Link: NB Health Link is a new service that has replaced Patient Connect NB. It provides access to healthcare while you wait for a permanent provider. You can register with NB Health Link and make appointments with family doctors or nurse practitioners through their network. Appointments can be in-person, by telephone, or online, depending on your needs. NB Health Link also offers a centralized health record that follows patients from one appointment to another.

Alternative healthcare options

While you wait to be matched with a family doctor in New Brunswick, there are alternative healthcare options available to meet your needs. Here are some options to consider:

• Walk-in clinics: These clinics provide medical care without the need for an appointment, making them ideal for non-emergency situations. You can find your nearest medical clinic in the telephone directory, by calling Tele-Care 811, or by contacting local immigrant-serving agencies for a list of clinics.
• After-hours clinics: These clinics may allow you to make an appointment for care. They can be a good option if you require care outside of regular business hours.
• Hospital outpatient departments: If there are no clinics in your community, you can seek care from the outpatient department at your nearest hospital.
• Telemedicine: Many healthcare professionals offer consultations over the phone or via video call, allowing you to receive expert advice from the comfort of your home. This can be a convenient option if you are unable to travel or prefer a remote consultation.
• Pharmacists: Your local pharmacist can assist with minor health issues, such as administering flu vaccines, providing guidance on medication usage, and helping you manage chronic conditions. They are easily accessible and can provide valuable advice and support.
• Mental health services: If you are experiencing emotional or mental health concerns, you can reach out to your doctor, a counsellor at your immigration settlement agency, or a counsellor in your area. For emergency mental health support, community mental health centres, crisis centres, and addiction services are available throughout the province.
• Dental care: In addition to a family doctor, many residents in New Brunswick have a family dentist for regular preventative care. Remember to discuss dental coverage with your medical insurer and employer to understand your options.
• NB Health Link: This program provides access to healthcare while you wait for a permanent provider. You can register with NB Health Link and be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner. They can assess your medical concerns, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and refer you to specialists when needed.

Frequently asked questions