Switching Doctors In New Brunswick

Finding a new family doctor in New Brunswick can be challenging due to the high demand and limited supply of physicians in the province. The first step to changing doctors is to contact Patient Connect NB online or by calling Tele-Care 811 to be placed on a waiting list. This service, provided by the Department of Health, helps connect patients with primary care providers. Alternatively, individuals can register with NB Health Link, a program that provides access to a network of family doctors and nurse practitioners while they wait for a permanent provider. This program offers appointments in-person, by telephone, or online, and patients can book by calling their toll-free number or visiting their website.

Register with NB Health Link

NB Health Link is a program for New Brunswick residents without access to a primary healthcare provider. It provides patients with access to a network of family doctors and nurse practitioners throughout the province. The program helps connect patients to the healthcare they need, with in-person, telephone, or online appointments in the official language of their choice while they wait for a longer-term placement with a family physician or nurse practitioner.

To register with NB Health Link, you can visit the NB Health Link website at www.nbhealthlink.ca or call their toll-free number at 1-833-354-2300. The website and toll-free number can also be used to book appointments, and clinic hours can be viewed online or by calling during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Once registered with NB Health Link, patients will be triaged to determine if they require an in-person or virtual appointment, ensuring they receive the healthcare they need when and where they need it. NB Health Link also provides patients with a centralized health record that follows them from one appointment to another, allowing for any necessary follow-up and providing a true ongoing healthcare experience.

NB Health Link has replaced Patient Connect NB as the provincially managed, bilingual patient registry for New Brunswickers without access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. While Patient Connect NB focused on assigning people to a doctor or nurse practitioner on a first-come, first-served basis, NB Health Link helps connect patients with a family doctor or nurse practitioner while they wait for longer-term placements. The NB Health Link network is supported by a centralized health record that follows patients from one appointment to another.

Contact Patient Connect NB

If you are seeking a family physician in New Brunswick, you can contact Patient Connect NB to be placed on a waiting list. This can be done online or by calling Tele-Care 811.

Patient Connect NB is a partnership between the Department of Health, Service New Brunswick, the regional health authorities, and primary health care providers. Their goal is to connect patients with the primary care they need. Patient Connect NB focuses on assigning people to a doctor or nurse practitioner on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wait times for a family physician can vary, but Patient Connect NB is the first point of contact. As of December 31, 2021, a total of 44,226 people were registered with Patient Connect New Brunswick.

It is important to note that NB Health Link has now replaced Patient Connect NB as the provincially managed, bilingual patient registry for New Brunswickers without access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. However, you can still contact Patient Connect NB as a first step to get on the waiting list for a family physician in New Brunswick.

Wait times

According to the Department of Health, in 2022, approximately 74,000 New Brunswickers did not have a primary care physician. This number has remained high for several years, with the number of people on the wait list growing from 40,000 to 63,000. This is due to a shortage of family physicians and specialists, an aging population, and high levels of chronic disease.

The NB Health Link program provides New Brunswickers with access to health care while they wait for a permanent provider. Patients who are registered with NB Health Link can make an appointment by calling 1-833-354-2300 from Monday to Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm, or by visiting the website at any time. Appointments can be booked in either of the official languages.

The NB Health Link network of doctors and nurse practitioners can treat many common medical conditions, prescribe medications, order tests, and make referrals for specialized care. They aim to provide a patient-centred, ongoing healthcare experience, supported by a centralized health record that follows patients from one appointment to another.

While NB Health Link is a step towards improving access to healthcare in New Brunswick, the province's new health plan also proposes a shift from relying solely on family doctors to adopting a more comprehensive primary care network that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, and social workers. This approach aims to address the challenges posed by solo practices and improve patient care.

NB Health Link vs Patient Connect NB

NB Health Link and Patient Connect NB are two programs designed to help New Brunswick residents without a primary healthcare provider gain access to one. Both programs are provincially managed, bilingual patient registries. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Patient Connect NB works to match residents with a family doctor or nurse practitioner on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registered, patients will be contacted directly by the primary care provider's office. This program is still operational in areas not yet supported by NB Health Link.

NB Health Link, on the other hand, provides patients with access to a network of family doctors and nurse practitioners throughout the province. Appointments can be booked in-person, by telephone, or online, depending on the patient's symptoms and needs. They can also be conducted in the patient's preferred language. While patients wait for a long-term placement with a permanent provider, they can book appointments with one of the network's doctors or nurse practitioners. NB Health Link is supported by a centralized health record that follows patients from one appointment to another, allowing for a true ongoing healthcare experience.

To register for NB Health Link, patients can call 1-833-354-2300 from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., or visit the website at any time. To register for Patient Connect NB, patients can visit the website or call Tele-Care 811.

NBMS's role in physician recruitment

The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) has a crucial role to play in addressing the province's physician shortage and facilitating the transition to the new health plan's vision of primary care. NBMS has expressed support for the shift from solo family doctor practices to collaborative, team-based care. This change is essential, as solo practitioners often need to fill in at hospitals or clinics, making them less available to their patients and contributing to longer wait times.

NBMS's endorsement of this new model is a significant step toward encouraging the adoption of collaborative practice among family doctors. NBMS recognizes that this shift may be challenging for physicians accustomed to working independently. To ease this transition, NBMS can provide resources, training, and support to help physicians adapt to the new model and ensure a smooth implementation process.

Additionally, NBMS can play a pivotal role in physician recruitment by partnering with the government and other stakeholders to attract and retain physicians in New Brunswick. This includes advocating for competitive compensation packages, promoting work-life balance, and highlighting the benefits of practicing in the province, such as the opportunity to be part of innovative and collaborative care teams.

Furthermore, NBMS can assist in developing and implementing strategies to address the physician shortage. This may include participating in task forces or committees focused on physician recruitment and retention, as well as sharing insights and best practices based on their understanding of the medical community's needs and challenges. NBMS can also help educate physicians about the benefits of practicing in rural or underserved areas and facilitate connections between new physicians and established mentors or support networks.

Lastly, NBMS can contribute to creating a supportive environment for physicians by advocating for their well-being and professional development. This includes addressing issues such as physician burnout and ensuring access to continuing education and mentorship programs. By fostering a culture of collaboration and support, NBMS can enhance the province's attractiveness as a practice destination, benefiting both physician recruitment and retention efforts.

Frequently asked questions