The province is launching a pilot program for more virtual primary care.
VirtualCareNS is a free program through the Maple virtual care platform and will connect people on the Need a Family Practice Registry with a doctor.
Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill explains how the program was developed.
“We have done virtual care here in Nova Scotia since the early 1990’s but of course the pandemic really pushed utilizing the new technology,” said Churchill. “As we have dealt with lockdowns this is a great opportunity for people who don’t need physical evaluations to talk to a family physician.”
The areas with the highest unattached patient rate, Yarmouth, Middleton, New Glasgow and Truro will test the program. Gradually, it will expand to all communities in the Western and Northern zones.
21,000 patients will be able to connect with a doctor during the pilot, including 3,500 in Yarmouth.
Those that have been on the registry for the longest time will be given priority.
Churchill believes this type of care will increase.
“We’re running this as a pilot but I expect that this will work out really well and that you’re going to see expansions to virtual care here in the province to make sure that more people are attached to a family physician and more people have access to care through virtual means.”
A valid health card and email will be required.