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How do I find a family doctor? |
The provincial government is responsible for physician recruitment and retention in Nova Scotia. For an online directory of
physicians currently accepting new patients, visit www.gov.ns.ca/health/physicians
Patients may also wish to contact the Department of Health Physician Recruitment Coordinator at (902) 424-3047. If the
mailbox is full, telephone (902) 424-4683.
Nova Scotia also hosts a number of walk-in clinics allowing patients to drop in without an appointment or, in some cases, make appointments in advance.
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How can I get access to my medical records?
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Medical records belong to the attending physician or health-care institution in which the record was compiled. A doctor is
required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, the licensing and regulatory body of physicians in the province, to keep patients’ original medical
records for up to 10 years. In most instances, the patient has the right to review their records and to obtain a copy of its
contents (including consultations and other reports). However, a patient’s right to his/her medical record is not absolute.
The process to access the records may vary depending on the doctor. Patients are encouraged to contact their doctor’s office
directly and ask about the process. The service of transferring or copying a patient’s medical record is considered a
non-insured service, which means a doctor may charge the patient a fee for providing this service. The fee is determined by
each individual doctor.
If the physician’s office has closed, the doctor is deceased, or a patient has questions about obtaining a medical record,
contact Doctors Nova Scotia's manager of physician patient relations by telephone at (902) 468-1866.
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How can I switch family doctors? |
The Nova Scotia Department of Health is the provincial body responsible for recruiting physicians and helping to ensure all
Nova Scotians have access to a family doctor. To assist patients in finding a family physician in their area, the department
offers a listing of physicians
currently accepting new patients. The service can also be accessed by telephone at (902) 424-3047. Due to high demand,
the service may not be able to respond immediately to patient requests. Patients who are experiencing urgent health problems
should contact their nearest hospital emergency department.
Patients may also wish to contact Doctors Nova Scotia’s manager of physician and patient relations when making the decision
to switch family doctors. Telephone (902) 468-1866.
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What should I do if I have a difficult relationship with my physician? |
Feeling comfortable with your physician is important. Individuals experiencing a difficult relationship with a physician may
want to consider contacting Doctors Nova Scotia’s manager of physician and patient relations. Through discussing the issue
the patient may be provided with options on how to improve the relationship or, if necessary, how to find a new physician.
The manager of physician and patient relations can be reached by telephone at (902) 468-1866.
If the situation involves negligence, incompetence, professional misconduct, or conduct unbecoming, patients should visit the
Answers to Common Questions about the
Complaints and Investigations Process section of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia website. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia is the professional body responsible for regulating the province’s
medical profession.
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| Does Doctors Nova Scotia recommend that a doctor deal only with one health issue per visit? |
Doctors Nova Scotia endorses the concept that a single office visit can encompass more than one health issue, within reason.
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I have heard that private MRIs are available in Nova Scotia. Where can I find more information? |
The Canadian Diagnostic Centres in Halifax is a private clinic that offers MRIs, bone densitometry and diagnostic ultrasound services. It is located at: 255 Lacewood Drive
Suite 100A
Halifax, NS
B3M 4G2
Telephone: (902) 443-9922
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I have a specific medical condition. Can someone at Doctors Nova Scotia give me advice? |
Although doctorsNS.com strives to offer as much health information as possible, we can't reply to specific individual
questions regarding your personal health. The information on this site is not intended to serve as a substitute for your
doctor’s care, but rather as a complement to that care. Our disease search section, which has a wealth of medical
resources, may help you find further information. Making an appointment with your doctor to have your questions answered around your personal health concerns is also advised. |
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Who do I contact if I have concerns regarding the medical treatment I am receiving from my doctor? |
Doctors Nova Scotia’s manager of physician patient relations (telephone: 902-468-1866) is a valuable resource for discussing
your specific situation and to receive guidance surrounding your options. As well, guidance can be sought from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, which is the
licensing and regulatory body for physicians.
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Where do I go to get a physical examination? |
To get a physical, make an appointment with your family physician. When the physical is not based on medical necessity (i.e. there are no signs, symptoms, family history of disease or disability, or the physical has been requested by a third-party) the examination is a non-insured service and your physician may charge a fee. Patients are encouraged to discuss this issue with their doctor. |
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I am interested in medical school. Where can I find information on how to gain admittance? |
Information on the steps to gain admittance to medical school is in the Becoming a Doctor section.
The On Becoming a Doctor (PDF) publication also provides useful information.
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