Find a Family Physician or Other Primary Care Provider

Accessing Primary Health Care

Nova Scotians who are looking for a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) can register on the Need a Family Practice Registry (NFPR).

The NFPR is a centralized registry that will match you with a primary care provider in a Health Home when one becomes available in your community.

If you do not have a primary care provider, or your provider is moving, retiring or closing their practice, there are two ways you can join the registry:

If you are new to Nova Scotia and do not have a Nova Scotia Health Card, you must call 811 to register.

While waiting to be matched to a Health Home, you have options for care including:

  • access to free virtual care visits with a physician or nurse practitioner through VirtualCareNS. VCNS providers can issue prescriptions, order diagnostic tests, refer you to a specialist or connect you with in-person medical appointments at a Primary Care Clinic
  • calling 811 to speak with a registered nurse. 811 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • downloading the YourHealthNS app or visiting YourHealthNS online to find healthcare services, resources and information near you